Vision to Victory Update

Members of Saint Peters,

As a part of the Fall 2024 Voters’ Meeting, we gave an update on the Capital Campaign, Vision to Victory. It was a good time to share some good news and say thank you to all who have contributed. At the same time, we realize that not all of you were able to attend that meeting, and we’d like you all to be aware of our current status.

As Americans, we set aside a day in November each year as a national holiday to give thanks. As Christians, we give thanks for God’s blessings every day. But at this time, we want to take a moment to say thanks to each of you who have contributed to the Capital Campaign. As a single contributor, we may not feel like we are making a difference. But when we all participate, when we all pull in the same direction, we can accomplish great things. Praise God!

So what have we been up to?

It may not seem like a big thing to some of you. But if you are a student or a member of our staff at the Day School, it’s HUGE. This summer we were finally able to install air conditioning units dedicated to the school gym and cafeteria. That makes the entire building air conditioned. And I’m certain that it made it a whole lot easier for everyone to return to school this fall, especially when the first few weeks of school still saw 90-degree temperatures. I’m sure I speak for everyone at the school when I say “THANK YOU!”

By now you’ve noticed that the organ is back! Either that, or you’ve noticed that Tim Degen can’t stop smiling! No more stuffing bulletins into air leaks in the piping systems. No more propping up the organ bench on hymnals. No more “dead” keys on the keyboard. In addition to the console rebuild, Tim tells me that they removed, reconditioned, reinstalled and tuned over 2,100 pipes. All the power systems that support the organ have been updated. It’s the first major overhaul of this beautiful addition to our worship in 64 years. And we can’t be more appreciative. THANK YOU!

So what about the numbers?

Our Campaign originally identified a target of $1.6 million to fund all the projects we wanted to accomplish. Current pledge total is $1,305,307 – the remainder will or has been funded in other sourcing.

To date, we have received $659,294 in pledges. And for this amount, we are extremely grateful. Our campaign is yet a year and a half old, and we have received approximately half of the funds pledged. THANK YOU!

We have also received $138,700 in non-pledged gifts. And for these funds, we again say thank you. When we combine the pledged funds received with the non-pledged gifts, our total is $797,994. Nearly $800,000! This is compared to a total we reported in May of $513,411. Our giving as a church body has increased by $280,000 over the summer months! And that is amazing! Praise the Lord!

So what are we doing with the funding?

We have made mortgage payments in the amount of $544,595. The HVAC at the school is paid for – an amount of $79,266. A separate fund had been set aside for organ refurbishment, but an additional $41,719 of Capital Campaign funds have been required to date. And approximately $20,000 of other expenses have been incurred – some of which included refurbishing the balcony to accommodate the new organ configuration. So far, we have spent $695,962 in improvements targeted by the Campaign.

And what projects are left?

We will retire the mortgage. We estimate that this will require about $350,000, depending on how soon we pay it off and how much interest will be associated. One final payment remains to be made on the organ improvements in the amount of $48,712. And two more projects for the school will be completed next summer. Estimates for changing out the windows indicate $121,750. And estimates for refurbishing the gym ceiling are in the amount of $30,000. However, we need to keep in mind that these estimates were obtained at the start of the Campaign, and the work will not begin until next summer when school is in recess. Actual amounts could be higher.

So now you know what is happening with the Capital Campaign. Thank you for taking the time to keep up to speed with the improvements being made in the Lord’s house. And thank you to all who have made a contribution.

As you say your prayers around the Thanksgiving table this month, remember to say a prayer of thanks for all the wonderful improvements we have been able to make at Saint Peter’s, and all the people who have helped make them happen.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Mark and Sandy Timm

Co-Chairs, Vision to Victory