The Need

Renovate Current Facility

$205,000

Atkinson is the centerpiece of our campus. We enjoy worship, fellowship events, Christian education, ministry events, preschool activities, and a large variety of other parish and community events there. It has served us well, and it is time to refresh the space with some renovations beyond what we can afford in our annual operating budget. While sanctuary lighting and sound system were addressed by a generous gift in 2017, renovations needed for the sake of both appearance and function include the following:

• Replace all flooring in Sanctuary
• Replace all flooring in Henry Hall
• Refresh and update Atkinson lower level

Reduce Current Debt

$380,000

As a result of the stewardship of previous generations, we have been fortunate to be in the rare position of having little to no debt until recently. Currently, we have a mortgage on the Van Every building and a loan from our Foundation for capital campaign consultant fees. Our annual operating budget includes about $50,000 in mortgage payments and the mortgage loan balance is $560,000. Having some debt is normal, and we have used it responsibly. Now is the time to reduce the debt to free up annual operating funds.

Purchase of Property at 2729 Park Road

$270,000

In 2015 our Endowment jumped at the chance to acquire and hold the property next door at 2729 Park Road—virtually the last remaining opportunity to physically increase our campus. In our Discernment phase small group sessions, we generated a wide range of exciting ideas for both short-term and long-term uses of the property that support our ministries of worship, outreach, spiritual formation, and fellowship. In the Feasibility phase, we confirmed that over 80% of the congregation supports purchasing the property. The church is committed to purchase the property from the Holy Comforter Episcopal Church Foundation, and as our immediate next step we will use funds from the capital campaign for a significant down payment toward the full purchase of the property. This will allow the Foundation to replenish its funds for support of mission
and ministry.

Conduct Strategic Planning and Replenish Building Reserve Fund

$170,000

With the addition of 2729 Park Road, the Vestry will initiate a long-term strategic visioning and planning process – to be clear, focused and intentional in using the space in a way that matches our mission and God’s calling. This purchase will also require us to:

• Conduct a site study—setbacks and other parameters for whole campus, including at 2729 property
• Develop a campus master plan.

Our property and much of our facility is over 60 years old, and as a result it is in need of regular maintenance and repair. Currently we have depleted our building reserve fund, which puts a strain on the operating budget. By replenishing that fund, we can be more proactive in preparing for anticipated expenses and react quickly to unexpected ones. For example, all five of Atkinson’s HVAC units will likely need to be replaced in the next 2-3 years. We also need professional expertise to help us be more effective and strategic in caring for our commons and planning for their future. This means that we need to:

• Conduct an evaluation of all building mechanical and electrical systems
• Develop a long-term maintenance plan.

Summary of Projects

Renovate Current Facility: $205,000

Reduce Current Debt: $380,000

Purchase Property at 2729 Park Road: $270,000

Conduct Strategic Planning and Replenish Building Reserve Fund $170,000

Total cost for proposed projects: $1,025,000

Challenge Goal: $1,250,000

Includes capital campaign consulting fees

Q&A