Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When and how will the final decision be made as to whether or not we will move forward with this project? Must pledges total an established minimum dollar amount before construction can commence?

The decision of whether or not to move ahead with the project will be made by the Church Council. The Council’s decision will be based upon input from the Campaign Committee, the House Committee, the Trinity Staff and the Trinity English Foundation.  This decision will most likely be made sometime in June after pledges are made and costs are determined. We have not established a minimum dollar amount that must be pledged prior to final approval.

 

Q. How can we afford to have a capital campaign when our attendance is not growing?

One of the reasons for our campaign is to help our congregation grow in membership and attendance.  Generally speaking, we are drawn to places where we have friends, that are inviting in appearance, and are easily accessible.  Therefore, the objective of our campaign is to grow community and commitment by providing an attractive central gathering space and entrance for Trinity members and visitors to get to know each other and the ministries of Trinity. As to whether or not we can afford this campaign, the question could be asked, "Can we not afford it?"  For sure, the proposed site improvements are expensive and it is a leap of faith, but it is with "seeds of faith" and the belief that in Christ we have "a future with hope" that we are engaging in this very ambitious adventure.

 

Q. How are the Trinity English Foundation and the Trinity English Endowment Fund participating?

The Trinity English Foundation generously funded the acquisition cost of the property and has also agreed to underwrite the expenses of the "Seeds of Faith" campaign (including hiring consultant Larry Armentrout of Generis, LLC to assist Trinity in this important response to what God is calling us to do in Christ). Because the investment income from the Trinity Endowment has been restricted for the operational support of the ministries of Trinity English, it would not be a source of funding for a capital campaign. In consequence, Trinity needs to raise the estimated $5,000,000 necessary for the building project.

 

Q. Because Trinity is a historical landmark, will we seek grants from Foundations other than our own?

Yes. A Capital Grant Application requesting $300,000 has been submitted to the Lutheran Foundation. The Foundation will make a decision on our application sometime on May 27, 2008. We are continuing to submit applications.

 

Q. Will the campaign have an impact on Trinity’s $200,000 benevolence budget?

No. Because members’ donations to the capital campaign are over and above their annual giving, the $200,000 + benevolence budget will not be affected.

 

Q. If adequate funds are not pledged for this project, can the project be completed in phases as additional funds become available?

No. The total project cost includes updating the mechanical and electric systems for the existing building and for installing those same systems in the new addition. To do this in more than one phase would result in less efficiency and significantly greater cost. Therefore it is not practical to approach this project in more than one phase.

 

Q. If the project is canceled, what will happen to any financial contributions already given to the church in support of the project?

Should the project be canceled at any time, every donor will be contacted and asked whether they want to redirect their gift or to have the gift refunded.

 

Q. If approved, when will we start the project and when will it be completed?

If, as we hope, we are able to begin the project by August 2008, then, depending on winter weather conditions, the project should be completed by June 2009.

 

Q. Have all necessary variances been approved?

Yes. We have vacated the alley and the church owns the property. We have an approved variance to add to our building. We are fortunate that the variance requires Trinity to install a sprinkler system only in the new addition. However, as a result of this project, Trinity will have a large enough water service to allow it to add a sprinkler system to some or all of the existing building in the future.

 

Q. How much additional square footage will be added to the building?

We are adding 12,000 square feet to the building.

 

Q. Are we sure the new energy system will provide adequate heat and air conditioning?

Yes. The new system has both heating and cooling capacities equal to the existing systems plus the loads of the new addition.

 

Q. What back-up will we have to the new energy system?

The plan has six 30-ton reversible water-to-water chillers (heat pumps) to produce heating water and chilled water for the entire building. The total capacity is equal to that of the existing system plus the new addition heating and cooling loads. Additionally, two of the existing gas-fired high efficiency boilers will be reused as heating backup or as a supplement if needed.

 

Q. What will be the impact on the Trinity’s operating costs?

It is estimated that the geothermal system and greater efficiencies associated with the replacement of 40- to 55-year-old HVAC systems will reduce Trinity’s annual operating costs by approximately $35,000. These savings will be ongoing, becoming greater as natural gas prices continue to rise.

 

Q. Will there be a nursery set up anywhere in the Nave?

There are no plans for a nursery in the Nave, but there are plans to move the current nursery to the classroom that is closest to the Nave on the first floor of our education wing. Consequently, parents will be much closer to their children when they leave them in the nursery.  Hopefully, this will help parents feel better about using the nursery, since it will be just a few feet from the west transept of the Nave.

 

Q. Will the kitchen be expanded?

While the kitchen will not be expanded, the space will be enhanced.

 

Q. What is the purpose of the balcony in the gathering space?

The balcony in the gathering space serves at least two important purposes. First, the balcony will connect Trinity’s east and west wings on the second floor and thereby create barrier free access to the second floor of Trinity’s education wing for the first time. Secondly, the balcony provides additional (and badly needed) classroom and meeting space.

 

Q. Will we now have a contemporary/youth service?

The proposed addition and capital campaign do not address contemporary worship.

 

Q. Could we add outdoor chimes?

We can always add an outdoor carillon, but is not included in the project at this time.

 

Q. Will signage be added?

Yes, we are planning to add signage.

 

Q. Could we use an environmentally friendly parking lot surface rather than asphalt?

At the present time we are planning to use asphalt paving due to the prohibitive cost of other surfaces.

 

Q. How many traffic lanes will the porte cochere have and will the traffic run one way or two?

The porte cochere will have two traffic lanes with one-way traffic running east to west.

 

Q. How many parking spaces will be added to the new parking lot?

We are adding approximately 20 parking spaces to the parking lot.

 

Q. Will there be a railing for people to use when walking up the incline from the parking lot to the new entrance?

The new slope of the parking lot will be very gradual and will not require handrails.

 

Q. What is "Seeds of Faith"?

"Seeds of Faith" is the theme of our capital campaign to gather sufficient resources to pursue a major renovation and building project with the goal of growing commitment and community in Christ. This project includes extensive renovations to our present facilities as well as building an addition to the church that will more effectively allow us to learn of God’s ways, be one in Christ and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with our neighbors.

 

Q. How will "Seeds of Faith" further Trinity’s mission to welcome
everyone to grow in the love and grace of Jesus Christ?

• A warm and inviting Washington Boulevard entrance will help catch people’s attention as they travel along one of Ft. Wayne’s busiest streets, encouraging them to worship, learn, serve and become part of God's people at Trinity.

• A central gathering area with receptionist desk and place to sit and talk will encourage everyone to mingle with each other and become a closely knit community.

• A building with an entrance, worship and meeting spaces, and restrooms and an enlarged elevator that are accessible to all, including persons with physical challenges, will make Trinity a more welcoming church home.

• An outdoor activity area will give children, youth, and adults a safe place to relax and play.

• A covered entryway will make it possible to avoid the elements and an enlarged parking area will permit many to park closer to the building.

Technology improvements, including use of geothermal and solar energy, improved communication and data systems and more efficient mechanical systems, will allow Trinity to be better stewards of God’s many gifts.

 

Q. Why is this renovation and building needed?

The renovations and building project will allow for maximum utilization of our current facility and of the property purchased in June 2004. Moreover, with or without a capital campaign, Trinity’s facility and grounds will require significant improvements in the near future. These improvements include bringing the elevator up to code, parking lot repairs, and the replacement of the older mechanical systems with the geothermal based environmental system. Given the fact that Trinity now owns the entire downtown block on which it stands and the fact that significant improvements are urgently needed, the time is ripe for renovations and building.

 

Q. Who decided to pursue the project?

The proposed site improvements reflect feedback gathered from the congregation during Trinity’s two-year Mission Discernment Process which began in June 2005. During that time, congregation members provided input to our leaders (through parish hall meetings and a congregational survey) about what they believe God is calling Trinity to do. This process was followed by eight months of interviewing committees, staff, and other groups that use the building by Trinity’s House Committee.

 

Q. How much will the building project cost?

Going forward, the total cost of the building project is estimated to be $5,000,000.  The Trinity English Foundation generously funded the acquisition cost of the property and has also agreed to underwrite the expenses of the "Seeds of Faith" campaign (including hiring consultant Larry Armentrout of Generis, LLC to assist Trinity in this important response to what God is calling us to do in Christ). In consequence,  Trinity now needs to raise the estimated $5,000,000 necessary for the building project.

 

Q. Can Trinity English Evangelical Lutheran Church afford a major building project at this time?

Yes, we can! This is a big challenge, but through sacrificial giving Trinity can realize this financial goal. Sacrificial giving means a level of stewardship above and beyond our regular commitment to God of our tithes and offerings. It requires reassessing our spending and readjusting our priorities to meet God’s call. Sacrificial giving costs the giver. And through faith, God will enable us to carry out the commitment that he has laid on our hearts. King David demonstrated his understanding of giving in 2 Samuel 24:24 when he wrote, “I will not offer to God that which costs me nothing.”

 

Q. Does Trinity English need my contribution?

Yes! Trinity needs every member’s contribution to its "Seeds of Faith" campaign. This includes the young, old, singles, couples and families. Because Trinity members have varying material means and varying financial demands, sacrificial giving will mean something unique to each member. Sacrificial giving means “not equal gifts, but equal commitment.” In the end, the amount of each member’s gift is the amount that God leads each to give as a result of prayer. Everyone’s gift is equally important to the success of the "Seeds of Faith" campaign and equally appreciated by Trinity. Furthermore, all Trinity members, despite their financial resources, can contribute to this campaign through prayer as we ask God to guide us and our leaders to conduct this campaign in a God-pleasing way.

To assist members in determining what God is calling them to sacrifice for this campaign, Trinity is offering a four-week Bible Study on stewardship. Pastor Emeritus Dan Hamlin will lead the study which will take place at the 10:00 hour on Sundays February 24 and March 2, 9 & 16, 2008. There will also be studies for children ages 3 through 12th grade.  Other helps will also be provided over the next three months.

 

Q. When will financial commitments be received and for what time period will we be asked to commit to over and above giving?

You will receive a commitment card in the mail the last week of April that can be offered in worship services the first week of May. If you are unable to attend worship, you can mail your commitment card or drop it off at the church office. We will also provide opportunities during the two weeks following commitment Sunday for people to turn in their estimates of giving. Your commitment may be paid out over a three-year period beginning May 18, 2008. 

Although we will not have a Consecration Sunday this year, our commitment card we are using for the three-year capital campaign will include a place for our three-year commitment and our annual response for the 2008-09 fiscal year beginning on May 1.

 

Q. When can we expect to break ground?

The "Seeds of Faith" capital campaign culminates on May 18, 2008. After May 18th, we will evaluate how to proceed based on the success of the campaign.

Right now, we need every member’s contribution through prayer, as we ask God to guide us and our leaders to conduct this campaign in a God-pleasing way. Through faith, God will enable us to carry out the commitments that He has laid on our hearts.

 

I have a question…

If you have a question about how "Seeds of Faith" will further Trinity’s mission to welcome everyone to grow in the love and grace of Jesus Christ, you may submit them online. 

Click here to open an email message to SeedsOfFaith@TrinityEnglish.org.

If you would like a personal response, please include your name and the best way to contact you.