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Kate McLean David Peters Hugh McLean |
As the Now for the Future campaign moves forward in 2007 it is time for Commitment. We are pleased to report that as of last June, 57 churches have made their initial commitment to participate in the campaign. They did so by designating their Campaign Representative, the person who will work with the Pastor and other church leaders to promote Now for the Future, and to be the connection with the conference-wide Campaign Steering Committee.
We hope and expect that every congregation will give serious consideration to participating in the Campaign for Silver Lake. This critical resource to Connecticut churches must be significantly upgraded and improved, especially the facilities for adult retreat usage. The increased usage and ensuing revenue will help ensure both the vitality of Silver Lake’s mission and ministry and the facility’s continued economic viability. Now for the Future funding will reduce operating costs by reducing energy usage, and will attract adult users with comfortable bedrooms and private bathrooms. The new Silver Lake will be utilized by church members of all ages during every month of the year!
Churches have two ways to join this effort: creating a campaign specifically for Silver Lake, or by creating a “partnership campaign” for their own purposes as well as for Silver Lake. Such church-based campaigns are critical to the success of Now for the Future. Yes, this is a significant undertaking, but effort spread is effort multiplied. This campaign is an expression of the covenant we’ve made with one another and with God to be one body in Christ – to sustain a ministry that faithfully nurtures and prepares the next generations for leadership in the United Church of Christ. Let your light shine by committing your church Now, for the Future!
The Now for the Future Campaign Steering Committee will work with local churches to help plan a campaign that is suitable, robust, and capable of meeting the financial goal adopted by the congregation. The steering committee and the campaign consultant will also provide training for campaign solicitors. Churches also can draw on the resources of the Major Gifts Committee, chaired by Bruce Barrett. Please contact Bev Hughes, Campaign Coordinator, at the Conference Office (toll-free: 866.367.2822, ext. 103 or bevh@ctucc.org) for answers to your questions.
Kate McLean and Hugh McLean are members at First Church in Windsor. The Rev. David Peters is Pastor of the Roxbury Congregational Church.
