Lakewood United Methodist Church11330 Louetta Road Houston, TX 77070 281.370.2273 www.lakewoodumc.org

IMPORTANT DATESFOR THE JUBILEE 2015 CAMPAIGN

April 14, 2013Capital Campaign Kick-Off / Week One Emphasis:

“A Jubilee for You” (Leviticus 25.8-19)What was the Jubilee in the Bible and why should it matter to us?

April 21, 2013Week Two Emphasis:

“What the Truth Can Do” (John 8.31-38)Was Jesus right that the truth can be the most liberating force on earth?

April 25, 2013Advance Commitments Dinner

April 28, 2013Week Three Emphasis:

“With Unveiled Faces” (2 Corinthians 3.12-18)Can finding the Spirit really lead us to freedom and unveiled faces before God?

May 5, 2013Commitment Sunday / Week Four Emphasis:

“Called to Be Free” (Galatians 5.13-14)What was the secret St. Paul knew about how to live in the Spirit?

Dear Lakewood Family,

What would you do with an extra $426,100 each year? More specifically, what good do you suppose we

could do together through our church with an additional $1,167 each day? Reach out more through NAM,

Matthew 25:35 and the Life Center to help the poor or the homeless? Expand our growing children’s and

student ministries to reach more young people through such programs as VBS, summer camps, U.M. ARMY,

Upward Basketball, as well as weekly worship and discipleship meetings? Maybe get further involved in the

world through our missions and social outreach teams? Or perhaps bring in more biblical scholars like Jack

Beck, Ben Witherington, and Cyndi Parker to help all of us double down in our discipleship?

The possibilities are almost endless. But even more amazing is the fact that those possibilities are not only real,

they are within our reach. For though we have made significant progress in reducing our current indebtedness

from past building programs (going back all the way to the sanctuary project more than fifteen years ago), it’s

time to move forward in faith and free up the almost half a million dollars each year which is currently going

towards both principal and interest on our mortgage.

Towards that end, I am excited to share with you that our leadership has approved entering into a capital

campaign which we hope will cut our existing debt of approximately $4.7 million in half, if not more, within

just two years. Within this booklet you will find details of our “Jubilee 2015” emphasis which will be the focus

of our church’s thinking during the month of April. We’re calling it by that name because of the biblical

notion of the Jubilee detailed in the Old Testament which called for the periodic cancelling of all debts and

release of all slaves. And as Proverbs 22.7 reminds us, since the borrower is the slave of the lender, we are

hoping to follow through on Paul’s words in Romans 13 which marked our earlier campaign as well, that we

owe no one anything, except the debt to love.

Please read through this information carefully and then honestly and quietly put the matter before the Lord

in your prayers and make a meaningful commitment to this campaign on or before May 5, 2013. We will

announce all of the results on Pentecost Sunday, May 19, and the giving period will begin June 1, lasting for

just two years until June 2015. No gift is too small to make a difference, but I would challenge each of us to

think as big as we can as well, considering not just what God has already given to us, but what we can trust

Him to do through and in us in the future.

I have never been as excited about a financial campaign in my ministry as I am about this one, and I hope you

can catch the same vision and enthusiasm for what God can do in this place. This may indeed be a special

moment of God’s favor for Lakewood and I know you will want to be a part of it.

Every grace,

C. Chappell Temple

Presiding Pastor

t is for freedom that Christ has set

us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let

yourselves be burdened again by a yoke

of slavery...proclaim liberty throughout

the land…it shall be a jubilee for you.

Galatians 5:1 and Leviticus 25:10

I

Dear Lakewood Family,

What would you do with an extra $426,100 each year? More specifically, what good do you suppose we

could do together through our church with an additional $1,167 each day? Reach out more through NAM,

Matthew 25:35 and the Life Center to help the poor or the homeless? Expand our growing children’s and

student ministries to reach more young people through such programs as VBS, summer camps, U.M. ARMY,

Upward Basketball, as well as weekly worship and discipleship meetings? Maybe get further involved in the

world through our missions and social outreach teams? Or perhaps bring in more biblical scholars like Jack

Beck, Ben Witherington, and Cyndi Parker to help all of us double down in our discipleship?

The possibilities are almost endless. But even more amazing is the fact that those possibilities are not only real,

they are within our reach. For though we have made significant progress in reducing our current indebtedness

from past building programs (going back all the way to the sanctuary project more than fifteen years ago), it’s

time to move forward in faith and free up the almost half a million dollars each year which is currently going

towards both principal and interest on our mortgage.

Towards that end, I am excited to share with you that our leadership has approved entering into a capital

campaign which we hope will cut our existing debt of approximately $4.7 million in half, if not more, within

just two years. Within this booklet you will find details of our “Jubilee 2015” emphasis which will be the focus

of our church’s thinking during the month of April. We’re calling it by that name because of the biblical

notion of the Jubilee detailed in the Old Testament which called for the periodic cancelling of all debts and

release of all slaves. And as Proverbs 22.7 reminds us, since the borrower is the slave of the lender, we are

hoping to follow through on Paul’s words in Romans 13 which marked our earlier campaign as well, that we

owe no one anything, except the debt to love.

Please read through this information carefully and then honestly and quietly put the matter before the Lord

in your prayers and make a meaningful commitment to this campaign on or before May 5, 2013. We will

announce all of the results on Pentecost Sunday, May 19, and the giving period will begin June 1, lasting for

just two years until June 2015. No gift is too small to make a difference, but I would challenge each of us to

think as big as we can as well, considering not just what God has already given to us, but what we can trust

Him to do through and in us in the future.

I have never been as excited about a financial campaign in my ministry as I am about this one, and I hope you

can catch the same vision and enthusiasm for what God can do in this place. This may indeed be a special

moment of God’s favor for Lakewood and I know you will want to be a part of it.

Every grace,

C. Chappell Temple

Presiding Pastor

t is for freedom that Christ has set

us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let

yourselves be burdened again by a yoke

of slavery...proclaim liberty throughout

the land…it shall be a jubilee for you.

Galatians 5:1 and Leviticus 25:10

I

A WORK OF GOD’S GRACEFrom a small group of people holding worship services at Matzke Elementary School, Lakewood United Methodist Church officially began with the appointment in 1976 of the Reverend Larry Sykora to begin a new “Room to Grow” church in the growing northwest Houston area. Thirty-five individuals met with Pastor Sykora at Spring Creek Park for a picnic and, after deciding to combine forces with another emerging faith community, the new congregation held its initial service on the first Sunday of October 1976. The fellowship then began meeting at Prestonwood Elementary School and on the day of its official charter, ninety-eight members joined to form the core group of LUMC.

Since the church met in a public school, everything needed for worship and Sunday School classes, including the nursery, had to be brought in each week for the set-up, generally going home in each of the members’ cars for storage during the week. Choir practice was held at the parsonage and meetings for such groups as the United Methodist Women and youth, along with each of the committees, were conducted in the homes of members.

With the help of the Texas Annual Conference, land was purchased on Highway 249 and Louetta as the site for Lakewood and, in best Methodist fashion, a bazaar and craft sale were held on the new property to begin raising funds for the facility. It soon became evident that the site was inadequate for the future ministry of LUMC, however, and so the land was sold in order to relocate to 7.3 acres at the intersection of Louetta and Jones. The congregation moved into the first permanent facility here in April 1980. Major additions followed in succeeding years, with the opening of the educational building in August 1987 and the sanctuary on Easter Sunday 1997. Three additional acres were purchased in the following year and in 2001 a parking lot was built upon the acreage. Our multi-purpose Faith Center was dedicated in May 2006, followed by the Scouting and Community Ministries Building the following spring. The newest addition to the church, our All Saints Garden, containing a columbarium and beautifully landscaped pond, was opened on the west side of the sanctuary in 2010 and has already become a special place for remembrance and reflection, expanding our ministries to reach quite literally from the cradle to the grave.

From the original ninety-eight pioneers, the membership of LUMC has now grown to almost 3,500, with over a thousand in worship services each Sunday. Similarly, the ministries of our congregation have expanded many-fold, as well, with programs offered for those of all ages, from pre-school to Serendipity, our fellowship for those fifty and above. The mission of the church has likewise expanded and now stretches quite literally from across town to across the world, with outreach programs to the homeless in Houston, as well as to our sisters and brothers in South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. What’s more, in a wonderful display of God’s grace, our latest community effort has now taken us back to where we first began at Matzke Elementary, where each week dozens of Lakewood members provide tutoring and support for the students and staff as well.

A CHURCH WITH A CULTURE OF CALLING AND CARINGAs the story of our congregation has unfolded over the past thirty-seven years, several markers of our identity as a church have also emerged. Thanks to outstanding children’s and student ministries over the years, Lakewood United Methodist Church has been a place of calling for many, with almost twenty young people entering into some form of missions or ministry to date, a remarkable achievement for a church so young as our own. That sign of vitality, in turn, has caught the attention of the leadership within our annual conference who now consider Lakewood to be a teaching congregation of sorts, particularly helpful to the development of young clergy who are in their early years of ministry.

Likewise, as our own facility and programs have grown, we have made certain to share the blessings by setting aside five percent of all building funds which have been received over the past seven years to assist other congregations across the Methodist connection who have been hit with destructive storms, tornados, hurricanes, floods, or other natural disasters. We believe that those gifts, totaling more than a hundred thousand dollars to date, have been part of the reason why God has continued to bless our own church and provide for all of our own needs, even while we’ve looked to help others.

In addition, however, we have also made a commitment as a congregation to live out the love of Christ in such tangible ways as practicing Fair Trade in as many of our purchases as possible to ensure that farmers, craftsmen, and artists from around the world are paid a living wage for their labors, whether it is in producing tea, coffee, or chocolate, or in growing cotton and crops without the use of harmful pesticides or unethical business practices. This has led to the opening of the LakeWorld Shop at our church, where gifts, clothing, and food items can be purchased knowing that the profits will be fairly shared with all.

A FUTURE WITH HOPESo what do the coming years hold for Lakewood UMC? Following our 2020 Goals established three years ago, we will continue to emphasize our church’s mission so that every active member can both verbalize and identify what their role in God’s Kingdom in this place may be. Building upon existing programs, we are looking to grow both our discipleship programs and our caring ministries, providing pathways to deepening our knowledge of God’s Word and our compassion for those in need. We are developing plans for how to be in ministry here and elsewhere when our present facility reaches its maximum usage. And we continue to move towards a long-term goal of being able to re-direct at least one-half of all monies received here towards the needs of others, through both missions and mercy ministries. In all of this, we believe that God has raised up Lakewood United Methodist Church to be an outpost of Christ’s Kingdom in this world, so that as we continue to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city” in which God has placed us, we will also discover the plans He has for us, to give us both “hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29.7, 11).

A WORK OF GOD’S GRACEFrom a small group of people holding worship services at Matzke Elementary School, Lakewood United Methodist Church officially began with the appointment in 1976 of the Reverend Larry Sykora to begin a new “Room to Grow” church in the growing northwest Houston area. Thirty-five individuals met with Pastor Sykora at Spring Creek Park for a picnic and, after deciding to combine forces with another emerging faith community, the new congregation held its initial service on the first Sunday of October 1976. The fellowship then began meeting at Prestonwood Elementary School and on the day of its official charter, ninety-eight members joined to form the core group of LUMC.

Since the church met in a public school, everything needed for worship and Sunday School classes, including the nursery, had to be brought in each week for the set-up, generally going home in each of the members’ cars for storage during the week. Choir practice was held at the parsonage and meetings for such groups as the United Methodist Women and youth, along with each of the committees, were conducted in the homes of members.

With the help of the Texas Annual Conference, land was purchased on Highway 249 and Louetta as the site for Lakewood and, in best Methodist fashion, a bazaar and craft sale were held on the new property to begin raising funds for the facility. It soon became evident that the site was inadequate for the future ministry of LUMC, however, and so the land was sold in order to relocate to 7.3 acres at the intersection of Louetta and Jones. The congregation moved into the first permanent facility here in April 1980. Major additions followed in succeeding years, with the opening of the educational building in August 1987 and the sanctuary on Easter Sunday 1997. Three additional acres were purchased in the following year and in 2001 a parking lot was built upon the acreage. Our multi-purpose Faith Center was dedicated in May 2006, followed by the Scouting and Community Ministries Building the following spring. The newest addition to the church, our All Saints Garden, containing a columbarium and beautifully landscaped pond, was opened on the west side of the sanctuary in 2010 and has already become a special place for remembrance and reflection, expanding our ministries to reach quite literally from the cradle to the grave.

From the original ninety-eight pioneers, the membership of LUMC has now grown to almost 3,500, with over a thousand in worship services each Sunday. Similarly, the ministries of our congregation have expanded many-fold, as well, with programs offered for those of all ages, from pre-school to Serendipity, our fellowship for those fifty and above. The mission of the church has likewise expanded and now stretches quite literally from across town to across the world, with outreach programs to the homeless in Houston, as well as to our sisters and brothers in South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. What’s more, in a wonderful display of God’s grace, our latest community effort has now taken us back to where we first began at Matzke Elementary, where each week dozens of Lakewood members provide tutoring and support for the students and staff as well.

A CHURCH WITH A CULTURE OF CALLING AND CARINGAs the story of our congregation has unfolded over the past thirty-seven years, several markers of our identity as a church have also emerged. Thanks to outstanding children’s and student ministries over the years, Lakewood United Methodist Church has been a place of calling for many, with almost twenty young people entering into some form of missions or ministry to date, a remarkable achievement for a church so young as our own. That sign of vitality, in turn, has caught the attention of the leadership within our annual conference who now consider Lakewood to be a teaching congregation of sorts, particularly helpful to the development of young clergy who are in their early years of ministry.

Likewise, as our own facility and programs have grown, we have made certain to share the blessings by setting aside five percent of all building funds which have been received over the past seven years to assist other congregations across the Methodist connection who have been hit with destructive storms, tornados, hurricanes, floods, or other natural disasters. We believe that those gifts, totaling more than a hundred thousand dollars to date, have been part of the reason why God has continued to bless our own church and provide for all of our own needs, even while we’ve looked to help others.

In addition, however, we have also made a commitment as a congregation to live out the love of Christ in such tangible ways as practicing Fair Trade in as many of our purchases as possible to ensure that farmers, craftsmen, and artists from around the world are paid a living wage for their labors, whether it is in producing tea, coffee, or chocolate, or in growing cotton and crops without the use of harmful pesticides or unethical business practices. This has led to the opening of the LakeWorld Shop at our church, where gifts, clothing, and food items can be purchased knowing that the profits will be fairly shared with all.

A FUTURE WITH HOPESo what do the coming years hold for Lakewood UMC? Following our 2020 Goals established three years ago, we will continue to emphasize our church’s mission so that every active member can both verbalize and identify what their role in God’s Kingdom in this place may be. Building upon existing programs, we are looking to grow both our discipleship programs and our caring ministries, providing pathways to deepening our knowledge of God’s Word and our compassion for those in need. We are developing plans for how to be in ministry here and elsewhere when our present facility reaches its maximum usage. And we continue to move towards a long-term goal of being able to re-direct at least one-half of all monies received here towards the needs of others, through both missions and mercy ministries. In all of this, we believe that God has raised up Lakewood United Methodist Church to be an outpost of Christ’s Kingdom in this world, so that as we continue to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city” in which God has placed us, we will also discover the plans He has for us, to give us both “hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29.7, 11).

OUR FINANCIAL GOALSCut our existing debt in half...while still blessing others!

While the use of credit in our earlier years was enormously helpful to us towards the purchase of property and the construction of our wonderful facilities here at Lakewood UMC—enabling literally thousands of people each year to be touched by our myriad of ministries—we believe that it is now time to move forward into a new day in which our congregation is completely debt-free. With the approval earlier this year of very favorable refinancing terms, it is now realistically possible to cut in half our current indebtedness of approximately $4.7 million in just two years, resulting in an annual reduction in debt service of over $200,000 which can be rechanneled for ministry and mission immediately. Following the two-year period which ends in June 2015, we will then be in a great position to finish eliminating the debt completely before the conclusion of our current loan commitment in 2018.

Our church leadership has likewise determined to continue an emphasis which was first established during the campaign to build the Faith Center. Five percent of all funds received through the Jubilee 2015 campaign will thus be set aside to assist other congregations struggling to recover from natural disasters, or with a unique opportunity to advance the Kingdom of God through some new program. Past recipients of these unsolicited gifts have included Methodist churches hit by hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, those affected by spring floods in the Midwest, and UM congregations still struggling to rebuild from Hurricane Sandy in the Northeast, as well as a few international projects.

The goal of the Jubilee 2015 Campaign is therefore to raise approximately $2.4 million by June 2015

... to be allocated as follows:

95% towards the reduction of our existing principal, to be added onto our regular monthly mortgage payments in the operating budget which cover both interest and principal.

5% to the Kingdom Fund, administered through our Missions Team, enabling us to contribute to the relief and recovery of other congregations across the country and around the world.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhat is the purpose of Jubilee 2015...Freedom for Ministry and Mission?Jubilee 2015 is a capital funds campaign in which we aim to raise upwards of $2.4 million which we will use to cut our existing mortgage debt in half.

Why are we doing this now?We have a remaining mortgage from our last major construction with a current balance of approximately $4.7 million. We can afford our mortgage payments, but we could do a lot more ministry and mission if we didn’t have those payments.

When will we be asked to make our commitment?We will ask you to make your commitment in worship on Sunday, May 5th. We are calling that day Commitment Sunday.

What will take place on Commitment Sunday?In all three morning services on May 5 we will be asking each of our members and friends to come forward, to pray, and then leave their own commitment card for this campaign on the altar. Whether it is a great amount or the “widow’s mite,” each of us can play a pivotal role in moving toward more freedom in ministry and mission and all are invited to do so.

Are campaign gifts over and above my normal tithe and other offerings?Yes. Please continue to give as you normally do to support the operating budget. Your capital campaign commitment is in addition to that and may be paid all at once or over a two-year period beginning in June 2013.

Can my gift involve stocks or other assets in addition to cash?Yes. Please see the next section of this booklet for more information.

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give,not

reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to

you,so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,you will

abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

OUR FINANCIAL GOALSCut our existing debt in half...while still blessing others!

While the use of credit in our earlier years was enormously helpful to us towards the purchase of property and the construction of our wonderful facilities here at Lakewood UMC—enabling literally thousands of people each year to be touched by our myriad of ministries—we believe that it is now time to move forward into a new day in which our congregation is completely debt-free. With the approval earlier this year of very favorable refinancing terms, it is now realistically possible to cut in half our current indebtedness of approximately $4.7 million in just two years, resulting in an annual reduction in debt service of over $200,000 which can be rechanneled for ministry and mission immediately. Following the two-year period which ends in June 2015, we will then be in a great position to finish eliminating the debt completely before the conclusion of our current loan commitment in 2018.

Our church leadership has likewise determined to continue an emphasis which was first established during the campaign to build the Faith Center. Five percent of all funds received through the Jubilee 2015 campaign will thus be set aside to assist other congregations struggling to recover from natural disasters, or with a unique opportunity to advance the Kingdom of God through some new program. Past recipients of these unsolicited gifts have included Methodist churches hit by hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, those affected by spring floods in the Midwest, and UM congregations still struggling to rebuild from Hurricane Sandy in the Northeast, as well as a few international projects.

The goal of the Jubilee 2015 Campaign is therefore to raise approximately $2.4 million by June 2015

... to be allocated as follows:

95% towards the reduction of our existing principal, to be added onto our regular monthly mortgage payments in the operating budget which cover both interest and principal.

5% to the Kingdom Fund, administered through our Missions Team, enabling us to contribute to the relief and recovery of other congregations across the country and around the world.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhat is the purpose of Jubilee 2015...Freedom for Ministry and Mission?Jubilee 2015 is a capital funds campaign in which we aim to raise upwards of $2.4 million which we will use to cut our existing mortgage debt in half.

Why are we doing this now?We have a remaining mortgage from our last major construction with a current balance of approximately $4.7 million. We can afford our mortgage payments, but we could do a lot more ministry and mission if we didn’t have those payments.

When will we be asked to make our commitment?We will ask you to make your commitment in worship on Sunday, May 5th. We are calling that day Commitment Sunday.

What will take place on Commitment Sunday?In all three morning services on May 5 we will be asking each of our members and friends to come forward, to pray, and then leave their own commitment card for this campaign on the altar. Whether it is a great amount or the “widow’s mite,” each of us can play a pivotal role in moving toward more freedom in ministry and mission and all are invited to do so.

Are campaign gifts over and above my normal tithe and other offerings?Yes. Please continue to give as you normally do to support the operating budget. Your capital campaign commitment is in addition to that and may be paid all at once or over a two-year period beginning in June 2013.

Can my gift involve stocks or other assets in addition to cash?Yes. Please see the next section of this booklet for more information.

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give,not

reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to

you,so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,you will

abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

4. Commit unexpected cash

Often, people pray for God to show them a way they can give beyond what they presently see or afford. Sometimes, the answers come unexpectedly. A couple had been praying for weeks about their commitment to the church capital campaign. Much to their surprise, they received an inheritance of several thousand dollars. They gave the entire amount to their church as part of their three-year commitment, in addition to a commitment from their regular income.

5. Sacrifice your extra time

Some family members have extra time they would be willing to use in a part-time job to be able to give more to the church. This is particularly true for families whose children are grown and away from home, and for semi-retired or retired couples. A man was in the process of retiring when his church entered a campaign. He and his wife secured new jobs and gave the first three years of their retirement income to the capital campaign.

6. Prorated giving

Giving does not have to be in equal increments over the two-year period of the campaign. You might be able to give more in the second year than in the first. As you think about your financial commitment to the campaign, think not just of your potential to give right now, but also of your potential to give in the future. It might be that you can make a two-year commitment in which 30 percent is given in the first year and 70 percent is given in the second.

7. Donate appreciated assets

Many people own stocks that are worth signi ficantly more than the original purchase price. That is good news. The bad news is that if these stocks are sold, a significant portion of the gain would be lost to taxation. Gifts of appreciated assets–typically investment securities or real estate–can be very advantageous to both the donor and to the church. By transferring ownership of the asset to the church the donor avoids income taxes on the sale of the asset. In addition, the donor receives an income tax charitable deduction for the full market value of the asset. That, in effect, makes these gifts less costly to make.

MAKING AN OVER AND ABOVE GIFT TO GODCapital stewardship campaigns rely on church members making gifts over and above their current level of giving. The best path to increased giving is the spiritual path, where you set your heart on things above. Financial priorities then take shape from spiritual priorities. King David declared,

“I will not o�erto God that which costs me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24)

David understood the gift that would touch the heart of God must first touch the heart of the giver! If it is for your God, let your gift have value, meaning and enhance your ability to worship Him. Often, this type of commitment to giving means giving up something in one area so that you can give more of yourself in another– which is the cost for all of us as we seek God to show us how to give ourselves away to the least and lost.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Many Christians have been amazed at their ability to give “over and above” to their church. The following seven steps are offered to help you in this regard.

1. Practice “Priority Budgeting”

Many families will choose to rearrange their priorities and give up something in their current budget in order to give more to a capital campaign. Priority budgeting may mean postponing a planned expenditure such as a new car, vacation, home remodeling or other major purchase. Many Christians giving to capital stewardship campaigns find a way to give through sacrificial commitments made in faith and coupled with priority budgeting.

2. Redirect present expenditures

Often, families have significant short-term expenditures for special needs. One example is the large expenditure a family incurs for a child to attend college. A family realized that their daughters would be graduating from college during the three years of the capital campaign and, as a result, they were able to increase their commitment to the second and third years of the campaign by thousands of dollars by “redirecting” what they had been spending on their daughters’ tuition towards the capital campaign. Another example would be cash flow that is freed up when a loan is paid.

3. Increase giving with increased income

Some people receive periodic increases in salary or bonuses from their employers. The temptation for many of us is to increase our lifestyle to fit the higher income. In many instances, families have decided that they will commit the full amount of salary increases.

Making an Over and Above Gift to God is provided by Generis Partners, LLC,. All rights reserved.

4. Commit unexpected cash

Often, people pray for God to show them a way they can give beyond what they presently see or afford. Sometimes, the answers come unexpectedly. A couple had been praying for weeks about their commitment to the church capital campaign. Much to their surprise, they received an inheritance of several thousand dollars. They gave the entire amount to their church as part of their three-year commitment, in addition to a commitment from their regular income.

5. Sacrifice your extra time

Some family members have extra time they would be willing to use in a part-time job to be able to give more to the church. This is particularly true for families whose children are grown and away from home, and for semi-retired or retired couples. A man was in the process of retiring when his church entered a campaign. He and his wife secured new jobs and gave the first three years of their retirement income to the capital campaign.

6. Prorated giving

Giving does not have to be in equal increments over the two-year period of the campaign. You might be able to give more in the second year than in the first. As you think about your financial commitment to the campaign, think not just of your potential to give right now, but also of your potential to give in the future. It might be that you can make a two-year commitment in which 30 percent is given in the first year and 70 percent is given in the second.

7. Donate appreciated assets

Many people own stocks that are worth signi ficantly more than the original purchase price. That is good news. The bad news is that if these stocks are sold, a significant portion of the gain would be lost to taxation. Gifts of appreciated assets–typically investment securities or real estate–can be very advantageous to both the donor and to the church. By transferring ownership of the asset to the church the donor avoids income taxes on the sale of the asset. In addition, the donor receives an income tax charitable deduction for the full market value of the asset. That, in effect, makes these gifts less costly to make.

MAKING AN OVER AND ABOVE GIFT TO GODCapital stewardship campaigns rely on church members making gifts over and above their current level of giving. The best path to increased giving is the spiritual path, where you set your heart on things above. Financial priorities then take shape from spiritual priorities. King David declared,

“I will not o�erto God that which costs me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24)

David understood the gift that would touch the heart of God must first touch the heart of the giver! If it is for your God, let your gift have value, meaning and enhance your ability to worship Him. Often, this type of commitment to giving means giving up something in one area so that you can give more of yourself in another– which is the cost for all of us as we seek God to show us how to give ourselves away to the least and lost.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Many Christians have been amazed at their ability to give “over and above” to their church. The following seven steps are offered to help you in this regard.

1. Practice “Priority Budgeting”

Many families will choose to rearrange their priorities and give up something in their current budget in order to give more to a capital campaign. Priority budgeting may mean postponing a planned expenditure such as a new car, vacation, home remodeling or other major purchase. Many Christians giving to capital stewardship campaigns find a way to give through sacrificial commitments made in faith and coupled with priority budgeting.

2. Redirect present expenditures

Often, families have significant short-term expenditures for special needs. One example is the large expenditure a family incurs for a child to attend college. A family realized that their daughters would be graduating from college during the three years of the capital campaign and, as a result, they were able to increase their commitment to the second and third years of the campaign by thousands of dollars by “redirecting” what they had been spending on their daughters’ tuition towards the capital campaign. Another example would be cash flow that is freed up when a loan is paid.

3. Increase giving with increased income

Some people receive periodic increases in salary or bonuses from their employers. The temptation for many of us is to increase our lifestyle to fit the higher income. In many instances, families have decided that they will commit the full amount of salary increases.

Making an Over and Above Gift to God is provided by Generis Partners, LLC,. All rights reserved.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery ...proclaim liberty throughout the land…it shall be a jubilee for you. Galatians 5:1 and Leviticus 25:10

HOW TO DETERMINE A PLEDGE AMOUNT

– PRAY –Pray both individually and, if appropriate, as a household. Ask God to help you understand how He would have you, as His steward, financially support this campaign, and that He would give you the faith to do so. Specifically seek His will on your giving, for both an up-front sacrificial offering on Commitment Sunday, May 5, 2013 and your intended level of ongoing financial support to the campaign.

– SEEK –Referring to the Gift Profile Guide and Gift Schedule Chart on the next page, pray about these questions:

1. What amount of money, over the next two years, do I desire and believe God will provide for me to give? (Philippians 2:12-13, Ephesians 3:16-21)

2. Am I joyous about giving this amount? (2 Corinthians 9:8)

3. Is my gift sacrificial? (2 Samuel 24:21-24)

4. Am I demonstrating an expression of my faith in God with this amount with a motivation of worshiping God and showing my thankfulness? (Jeremiah 7: 22-23, 2 Corinthians 9:6-13)

– CONFIRM –Once you feel the Lord has led you to a decision, discuss it, if applicable, with your spouse. When you are comfortable that God is leading you, offer your prayers of gratitude for the guidance you have received and look forward with joy to Commitment Sunday. If peace about your level of giving eludes you, continue to pray about it and seek counsel from other Godly people in your church.

– COMMIT –Be open to the continued leading of the Holy Spirit, as God may stretch your faith one day at a time as you go through the campaign. Recognizing this may well require adjustments to your lifestyle or budget, make financial arrangements, as necessary, to bring both a sacrificial offering on Commitment Sunday and your commitment card indicating your intended ongoing support throughout the campaign. (2 Corinthians 9:1-5, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4)

GIFT PROFILE GUIDE

GIFT SCHEDULE CHARTWeekly Monthly 2 Year Total

$35.00 $151.67 $3,640.00

$50.00 $216.67 $5,200.00

$75.00 $325.00 $7,800.00

$100.00 $433.33 $10,400.00

$125.00 $541.67 $13,000.00

$150.00 $650.00 $15,600.00

$175.00 $758.33 $18,200.00

$200.00 $866.67 $20,800.00

$250.00 $1,083.33 $26,000.00

$300.00 $1,300.00 $31,200.00

$350.00 $1,516.67 $36,400.00

$400.00 $1,733.33 $41,600.00

$450.00 $1,950.00 $46,800.00

$500.00 $2,166.67 $52,000.00

$750.00 $3,250.00 $78,000.00

$1,000.00 $4,333.33 $104,000.00

To Raise $2,400,000 or more 24 Months Pledge (three tax years)

The chart below illustrates the type of financial commitments we believe it will take to make our goal of $2,400,000. Financial gifts to the campaign pledge effort are over and above your regular giving to our church.

Sam

ple

Ple

dg

e C

ard

Number of Commitments Amount of Each Commitment

1 $100,000

2 $80,000

4 $60,000

8 $40,000

16 $20,000

32 $10,000

48 $7,500

72 $5,000

144 $2,500

All Other Pledges Under $2,500

But as you abound in everything– in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace also.

I speak not by commandment, but I am testing

the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.

2 Corinthians 8:7-8

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery ...proclaim liberty throughout the land…it shall be a jubilee for you. Galatians 5:1 and Leviticus 25:10

HOW TO DETERMINE A PLEDGE AMOUNT

– PRAY –Pray both individually and, if appropriate, as a household. Ask God to help you understand how He would have you, as His steward, financially support this campaign, and that He would give you the faith to do so. Specifically seek His will on your giving, for both an up-front sacrificial offering on Commitment Sunday, May 5, 2013 and your intended level of ongoing financial support to the campaign.

– SEEK –Referring to the Gift Profile Guide and Gift Schedule Chart on the next page, pray about these questions:

1. What amount of money, over the next two years, do I desire and believe God will provide for me to give? (Philippians 2:12-13, Ephesians 3:16-21)

2. Am I joyous about giving this amount? (2 Corinthians 9:8)

3. Is my gift sacrificial? (2 Samuel 24:21-24)

4. Am I demonstrating an expression of my faith in God with this amount with a motivation of worshiping God and showing my thankfulness? (Jeremiah 7: 22-23, 2 Corinthians 9:6-13)

– CONFIRM –Once you feel the Lord has led you to a decision, discuss it, if applicable, with your spouse. When you are comfortable that God is leading you, offer your prayers of gratitude for the guidance you have received and look forward with joy to Commitment Sunday. If peace about your level of giving eludes you, continue to pray about it and seek counsel from other Godly people in your church.

– COMMIT –Be open to the continued leading of the Holy Spirit, as God may stretch your faith one day at a time as you go through the campaign. Recognizing this may well require adjustments to your lifestyle or budget, make financial arrangements, as necessary, to bring both a sacrificial offering on Commitment Sunday and your commitment card indicating your intended ongoing support throughout the campaign. (2 Corinthians 9:1-5, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4)

GIFT PROFILE GUIDE

GIFT SCHEDULE CHARTWeekly Monthly 2 Year Total

$35.00 $151.67 $3,640.00

$50.00 $216.67 $5,200.00

$75.00 $325.00 $7,800.00

$100.00 $433.33 $10,400.00

$125.00 $541.67 $13,000.00

$150.00 $650.00 $15,600.00

$175.00 $758.33 $18,200.00

$200.00 $866.67 $20,800.00

$250.00 $1,083.33 $26,000.00

$300.00 $1,300.00 $31,200.00

$350.00 $1,516.67 $36,400.00

$400.00 $1,733.33 $41,600.00

$450.00 $1,950.00 $46,800.00

$500.00 $2,166.67 $52,000.00

$750.00 $3,250.00 $78,000.00

$1,000.00 $4,333.33 $104,000.00

To Raise $2,400,000 or more 24 Months Pledge (three tax years)

The chart below illustrates the type of financial commitments we believe it will take to make our goal of $2,400,000. Financial gifts to the campaign pledge effort are over and above your regular giving to our church.

Sam

ple

Ple

dg

e C

ard

Number of Commitments Amount of Each Commitment

1 $100,000

2 $80,000

4 $60,000

8 $40,000

16 $20,000

32 $10,000

48 $7,500

72 $5,000

144 $2,500

All Other Pledges Under $2,500

But as you abound in everything– in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace also.

I speak not by commandment, but I am testing

the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.

2 Corinthians 8:7-8

Wednesday, April 24Proverbs 21:26b – The righteous give and do not hold back. God of all, you have given us what we have, so help us to be found righteous in your sight.

Thursday, April 25Acts 20:35 – In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Jesus, teach me the true joy of giving from the heart.

Friday, April 26Leviticus 11:44 – For I am the Lord your God; sanctify yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. Holy Lord God, change my heart to truly desire your will more than my own.

Saturday, April 27Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Heavenly Father, change me and bring forth the good fruit of your Spirit in me.

Sunday, April 282 Corinthians 3:17 – Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. God, you have made me for freedom. Help me to live as one who dwells in your Spirit.

Monday, April 29Micah 6:8 – He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? God of grace, guide me to walk with you in humility and to be a person of mercy and justice.

Tuesday, April 30Proverbs 21:21 – Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness and honor. Spirit of God, lead me to pursue your paths so that I may find life in you.

Wednesday, May 1Philippians 4:19 – And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Generous God, why am I often reluctant to trust you for my needs? Why do I think I must do it all myself? Teach me to trust you.

Thursday, May 2Isaiah 45:22 – Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. Only God, help me to never lose sight of who you are and of knowing that I am yours.

Friday, May 3 Matthew 6:19-21 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Jesus, you are our true treasure. Remind me of your gift of salvation and let my heart be found in you.

Saturday, May 4Philippians 1:6 – I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. God of heaven and earth, continue your work in this place and bring us to the fullness of your purposes.

Sunday, May 5Galatians 5:14 – For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Lord God, put your Spirit into my heart so I will have compassion on my neighbors in the same way you have compassion for me.

DEVOTIONAL CALENDARHow to use this prayer calendar

Sunday April 14Galatians 5:1 – It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. O Holy Spirit, thank you for the freedom you have granted through Christ’s power.

Monday April 15Leviticus 25:12a – For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy to you. God of grace, grant that I may live my life as a celebration of your love for me.

Tuesday April 16Colossians 3:1 – So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Spirit of God, keep my eyes and let me see no other. He is the way to life.

Wednesday April 17Psalm 51:17 – The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Forgiving God, help me to offer sacrifices that are pleasing to you and remind me that what you desire most is my heart.

Thursday April 181 Corinthians 4:1 – Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Lord, you have given me so much. Help me to be a faithful steward of all with which you have entrusted me.

Friday, April 19Matthew 5:14 – You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. God of light, help our light shine before all your people so they see your good works in us and glorify your name.

Saturday, April 20Ephesians 4:15-16 – But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love. Loving Father, knit us together so that we might be built up in your love.

Sunday, April 21John 8:31b-32 – If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free. Jesus, keep us in your word and bring us to your truth.

Monday, April 22Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. Lord, when I am still and listen for your voice, help me to remove the hindrances that keep me from hearing.

Tuesday, April 232 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Lord of my heart, open the eyes of my heart that I may see and not be deceived when I wander from your will.

Wednesday, April 24Proverbs 21:26b – The righteous give and do not hold back. God of all, you have given us what we have, so help us to be found righteous in your sight.

Thursday, April 25Acts 20:35 – In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Jesus, teach me the true joy of giving from the heart.

Friday, April 26Leviticus 11:44 – For I am the Lord your God; sanctify yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. Holy Lord God, change my heart to truly desire your will more than my own.

Saturday, April 27Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Heavenly Father, change me and bring forth the good fruit of your Spirit in me.

Sunday, April 282 Corinthians 3:17 – Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. God, you have made me for freedom. Help me to live as one who dwells in your Spirit.

Monday, April 29Micah 6:8 – He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? God of grace, guide me to walk with you in humility and to be a person of mercy and justice.

Tuesday, April 30Proverbs 21:21 – Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness and honor. Spirit of God, lead me to pursue your paths so that I may find life in you.

Wednesday, May 1Philippians 4:19 – And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Generous God, why am I often reluctant to trust you for my needs? Why do I think I must do it all myself? Teach me to trust you.

Thursday, May 2Isaiah 45:22 – Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. Only God, help me to never lose sight of who you are and of knowing that I am yours.

Friday, May 3 Matthew 6:19-21 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Jesus, you are our true treasure. Remind me of your gift of salvation and let my heart be found in you.

Saturday, May 4Philippians 1:6 – I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. God of heaven and earth, continue your work in this place and bring us to the fullness of your purposes.

Sunday, May 5Galatians 5:14 – For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Lord God, put your Spirit into my heart so I will have compassion on my neighbors in the same way you have compassion for me.

DEVOTIONAL CALENDARHow to use this prayer calendar

Sunday April 14Galatians 5:1 – It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. O Holy Spirit, thank you for the freedom you have granted through Christ’s power.

Monday April 15Leviticus 25:12a – For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy to you. God of grace, grant that I may live my life as a celebration of your love for me.

Tuesday April 16Colossians 3:1 – So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Spirit of God, keep my eyes and let me see no other. He is the way to life.

Wednesday April 17Psalm 51:17 – The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Forgiving God, help me to offer sacrifices that are pleasing to you and remind me that what you desire most is my heart.

Thursday April 181 Corinthians 4:1 – Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Lord, you have given me so much. Help me to be a faithful steward of all with which you have entrusted me.

Friday, April 19Matthew 5:14 – You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. God of light, help our light shine before all your people so they see your good works in us and glorify your name.

Saturday, April 20Ephesians 4:15-16 – But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love. Loving Father, knit us together so that we might be built up in your love.

Sunday, April 21John 8:31b-32 – If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free. Jesus, keep us in your word and bring us to your truth.

Monday, April 22Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. Lord, when I am still and listen for your voice, help me to remove the hindrances that keep me from hearing.

Tuesday, April 232 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Lord of my heart, open the eyes of my heart that I may see and not be deceived when I wander from your will.

WHAT AM I BEING ASKED TO DO?Pray! First and foremost – make prayer your priority. Pray by yourself and with others. Pray that God will continue to use the people and ministries of this church to impact others. Pray that this capital fund raising campaign and everything we do during it will continue to be consistent with God’s will for our life and our church. And pray for boldness. Ask yourselves, “What bold and wonderful thing would I do for you, Lord, if I knew You would not let it fail?” And when asked to participate and make a commitment, step forward and take part. Have faith that when you make your commitment, God will provide. Make no mistake: it will take the hand of God to meet and even exceed this goal. It also will require each one of us to faithfully consider our response and take action.

LET’S PRAY TOGETHER“God’s work done God’s way never lacks God’s provision.”

Hudson Taylor, Missionary to China

It is always great to dream about what God might do in our lives or in our church. However, we turn a significant corner when it comes to living a lifestyle in such a way as to see God’s vision fulfilled in our life and church. This is what true faith is all about. Faith is the intersection of God’s preferred future and our present life. It was this kind of faith, we learned, that compelled Noah to build the ark and Abraham to leave his home country to pursue God’s place for him (Hebrews 6:7-10).

Please be in prayer for:

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be the glory in the Church

by Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.” Amen.Ephesians 3:20-21

“Generosity, when motivated by

a genuine love for God, is contagious,

drawing others to wonder why

people would give of themselves

while expecting nothing in return.

In fact, a life – and a church community –

that is characterized by generosity

may be the most compelling,

effective evangelism strategy we have

as followers of Christ.”

Chris Willard and Jim Sheppard Contagious Generosity

WHAT AM I BEING ASKED TO DO?Pray! First and foremost – make prayer your priority. Pray by yourself and with others. Pray that God will continue to use the people and ministries of this church to impact others. Pray that this capital fund raising campaign and everything we do during it will continue to be consistent with God’s will for our life and our church. And pray for boldness. Ask yourselves, “What bold and wonderful thing would I do for you, Lord, if I knew You would not let it fail?” And when asked to participate and make a commitment, step forward and take part. Have faith that when you make your commitment, God will provide. Make no mistake: it will take the hand of God to meet and even exceed this goal. It also will require each one of us to faithfully consider our response and take action.

LET’S PRAY TOGETHER“God’s work done God’s way never lacks God’s provision.”

Hudson Taylor, Missionary to China

It is always great to dream about what God might do in our lives or in our church. However, we turn a significant corner when it comes to living a lifestyle in such a way as to see God’s vision fulfilled in our life and church. This is what true faith is all about. Faith is the intersection of God’s preferred future and our present life. It was this kind of faith, we learned, that compelled Noah to build the ark and Abraham to leave his home country to pursue God’s place for him (Hebrews 6:7-10).

Please be in prayer for:

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be the glory in the Church

by Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.” Amen.Ephesians 3:20-21

“Generosity, when motivated by

a genuine love for God, is contagious,

drawing others to wonder why

people would give of themselves

while expecting nothing in return.

In fact, a life – and a church community –

that is characterized by generosity

may be the most compelling,

effective evangelism strategy we have

as followers of Christ.”

Chris Willard and Jim Sheppard Contagious Generosity

Lakewood United Methodist Church11330 Louetta Road Houston, TX 77070 281.370.2273 www.lakewoodumc.org

IMPORTANT DATESFOR THE JUBILEE 2015 CAMPAIGN

April 14, 2013Capital Campaign Kick-Off / Week One Emphasis:

“A Jubilee for You” (Leviticus 25.8-19)What was the Jubilee in the Bible and why should it matter to us?

April 21, 2013Week Two Emphasis:

“What the Truth Can Do” (John 8.31-38)Was Jesus right that the truth can be the most liberating force on earth?

April 25, 2013Advance Commitments Dinner

April 28, 2013Week Three Emphasis:

“With Unveiled Faces” (2 Corinthians 3.12-18)Can finding the Spirit really lead us to freedom and unveiled faces before God?

May 5, 2013Commitment Sunday / Week Four Emphasis:

“Called to Be Free” (Galatians 5.13-14)What was the secret St. Paul knew about how to live in the Spirit?