Perspective

faith that moves mountains

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myers park presbyterian church matthew 17:20

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campaign for a deeper discipleship

A mustard seed is nearly microscopic.

Yet Christ says even that amount of faith can move mountains. Here at Myers Park Presbyterian, that should not surprise us.

perspective is an amazing thing...

Here we stand midway through our A Deeper Discipleship capital campaign, accomplishing what many thought could not be done. We have seen firsthand that through Christ, nothing is impossible.

Just three years ago, our congregation committed over $30 million—an unprecedented $11 million to local and global outreach and $16 million to campus improvements. Today, partnerships in five countries and in Grier Heights have reached new heights. We have affirmed our commitment to children by renovating their space first and expanding our child development program. On June 5, we will dedicate our new outreach center, and in January, we will begin the next phase of our campus development which focuses on worship, fellowship and spiritual growth.

Why? This is a congregation that starts where others stop. A congregation that remains true to its convictions. A congregation that moves mountains. By making your payment now, you are furthering our outreach and campus development and decreasing the need for debt. What a blessing it is to serve Christ alongside you.

perspective Thank you for your faithfulness.

a new beginning Walk through the doors of the Myers Park Presbyterian Church outreach center and you will see soaring ceilings and sunlit gathering spaces. Spacious venues have been tailored for the diverse needs of our outreach, youth and wellness ministries. Yet will it be possible for all to thrive within these four walls? The commitment is palpable.

This is a place of community for the church and our neighbors. It is not just a gym. It is not just for us. In fact, we are striving for exactly the opposite. Our goal: proving how well outreach, youth and wellness can partner together in maximizing this facility for the good of all.

John Porter, wellness ministry task force chair

Youth nationwide come to Myers Park Presbyterian to serve others and grow spiritually.

This new home base will allow us to take it to the next level, centralizing worship, lodging, showers, meals and acting as a sending center for youth to serve Charlotte.

Jody Strange, CROSS Missions director

Now we can give our brothers and sisters in Christ respite from their lives on the streets with separate rooms for men and women, a place to prepare and eat healthy food, and dedicated bathrooms—what a precious gift.

Bill Scott, Room in the Inn coordinator

The new outreach center provides our youth with a unique space; a forum for deepening spiritual growth and building relationships through breakout elective classes and large-group activities; and a spot to invite other youth as part of the larger body of Christ.

Michelle Thomas-Bush, associate pastor for youth and their families

community

the next chapter On April 11, Myers Park Presbyterian’s session voted to move forward on the next phase of A Deeper Discipleship. The $5.5 million expansion/renovation of Oxford Hall includes a welcome center, more classroom/fellowship space, and a renovated Celebrate worship space. Plans call for starting construction in January 2012.

This timeline may necessitate short-term borrowing up to $1.5 million, which the session is committed to repaying in five years or fewer. The current interest rate for the first two years is less than 1.5 percent. Rate projections for the remaining three years range from 4–5 percent. Loan payments will be made from a portion of the annual operating budget funds allocated each year for routine facilities projects. There is no prepayment penalty.

The campaign timeline and receipts are both at the halfway mark, with a third of the commitments paid in full. “Since the original campaign commitments exceeded the $30 million goal, despite some anticipated shrinkage, the finance committee feels comfortable with the debt decision. This recommendation was made contingent upon the agreed-upon loan repayment schedule,” said Jeff Vandiver, finance chair.

construction begins

2012

January

changing lives challenge 90%

Over of the students at Billingsville Elementary fit the CharlotteMecklenburg School system’s definition of poverty; over a third speak English as a second language; and one out of five are homeless—the largest group in CMS.

The gap between humanitarian needs and available resources looms large in Congo, particularly when it comes to women. Violence is rampant and the rate of illiteracy approaches

Over

5,000

55%

Charlotte are homeless. Nearly half are The primary problem for Charlotte’s homeless: a shortage of affordable homes. people in

families; more than a third are children.

Getsemani is a small, impoverished community on the western edge of El Salvador.

The majority of families have annual incomes of

$1,200–$2,800

Nearly half live in shacks or bamboo-mud structures.

discipleship

response

Three years ago, turnover among new teachers was over 30 percent. Thanks to the difference you are making individually and collectively through A Deeper Discipleship, we are seeing increased stability and enriched learning. Just two teachers left last year.

Dianne Burke, Billingsville Elementary Teaching Mentor

Myers Park Presbyterian’s decision to found the Kananga Girls’ School will have an unending ripple effect on these girls, this village and this country, Bless you!

Gwenda Fletcher, missionary, Democratic Republic of Congo

We now have seven WISH/Hope teams advocating and befriending the homeless and nearhomeless. Breaking the cycle of poverty requires an intentional investment of time and resources—something our church provides.

Leigh Brewer, WISH/Hope team chair

We have completed one year of our three-year holistic partnership in this community and today we consider them part of the Myers Park Presbyterian family. Recently, Pastor Andres Rodriguez presented me with his personal Bible as a gift. What an emotional moment Bruce McIntyre, El Salvador team chair

where we stand pledge collections 2007

2008

2009

to date

2010 2011 (1st quarter)

campaign receipts $15,374,009

Goal

amount outstanding $14,625,991 campaign goal $30,000,000

paid in full (31%)

partially paid (56%)

no payments (13%)

income

Total Income

15,374,541

629,497

Local

2,123,819

153,625

Global

827,425

99,330

Staffing and Administrative

197,507

3,855

3,148,752

256,810

5,736,862

2,038,572

59,890

--

E Building Renovation

1,518,870

--

Maintenance Endowment

1,575,096

--

Building Team Operating

1,548

181

Total Campus Development

8,892,266

2,038,753

Campaign Expenses & Debt Retirement

3,919,106

--

15,960,124

2,295,563

585,583

(1,666,066)*

Outreach and Evangelism

Total Outreach and Evangelism Campus Development

expenses

Outreach Center Oxford Hall

Total Expenses Net Deeper Discipleship

finances

Actual to Date 1st Quarter 2011

*In order to take advantage of current favorable construction costs, our credit line established in 2008 has been used this year to fund capital expenses. This credit line is available for both outreach and campus payments until capital pledges are paid.

Join us in being the church. Honor your A Deeper Discipleship commitment. making your payment now decreases our borrowing need and enhances our outreach.

Church

isn’t where you meet.

Church isn’t a building. Church is what you do. Church is who you Jesus Christ. Let’s not go to Church, let’s be the Church.

human outworking of the person of

are.

Church

is the

Bridget Willard

Mail or bring your payment to the finance office. Questions? 704.927.1263 or belliott@myersparkpres.org.