Faith Community

Raising the roof

Here at Clairemont Lutheran Church we are more than just a group of people who have gathered together for worship. We are a family of the faithful and we have been blessed beyond measure.

Our Fellowship Hall was originally our Sanctuary. It has served as a gathering place for worship, reflection, ministry, singing, and spiritual growth. Once the Sanctuary was built, the Fellowship Hall became a beacon of light for the neighborhood, providing a shelter for hope when feeding those less fortunate, for social gatherings, for marriage celebrations, for remembrances of loved ones, special events and more.

But after 60 years, our Fellowship Hall no longer meets the needs of our community or our congregation.

Cracks in the brick wall are the result of a resettlement and
foundational issues. Some windows have remained cracked
or broken for years. (Aug 2020)

The Building Committee was directed in our last Congregational meeting to work with the contractor and explore ideas for reducing the cost of a new Fellowship Hall. That work is
proceeding and progress is definitely being made. In the meantime, it was recognized that we need to procure additional funds to undertake whatever the scope of the project ultimately is.

The dark, drab interior of the current fellowship hall meeting
space. (Aug 2020)

Our lender is requiring pledged commitments of $375,000 over a three year period to lend us the funding for our construction costs. “Pledging” is a promise to do something and in this case it is a promise to contribute a total of $375,000 over a three year period. The funds do not need to be given immediately. It is the
pledge that needs to be accomplished as quickly as possible.

Some people may be able to donate their entire pledge in one year, and many of us will require three years to keep our promise. Pledges can consist of cash contributions, stock donations, will or trust beneficiary designations where Clairemont Lutheran Church is the beneficiary. The church would just need to be notified that they are the beneficiary.

Please consider making a financial pledge to this important undertaking. If you can, please notify the church office so your
pledge can be counted. 

For any questions about the Building Project or
Fundraising, please contact Gary Jaus by phone or
email:

Now it’s time to “Raise the Roof”

After an affirmative vote during October’s Congregational
Meeting, the members of our faith community directed the Building Committee to work with the contractor and the architect to “descope” the current building project for the Fellowship Hall.

John Procsal, Building Committee chairperson, is leading those
discussions and exploring options to reduce the overall cost of the project. Once realistic options are identified, the Building Committee will present those options to the congregation for consideration and a vote.

It was also recognized in the October meeting that there is
currently a shortfall of funding for the project. We do not have to wait for the de-scoping work to finish before we begin to address our funding needs. In fact, we should not wait.

The greater the amount of funding available up front, the greater
clarity we’ll all have for what can be done now, what we need to stretch for, and what can be put off. Your Church Council voted to initiate a new capital campaign titled “Raising the Roof” campaign.

Currently, Barbara Fiorina, Elizabeth Fugate, and Phyllis Zona are on the committee and they are seeking one or two more people to help with the campaign. Please contact Gary Jaus if God is calling you to serve in this important way.

There will be more information coming out soon about the “Raising the Roof”Campaign. In the meantime, please
prayerfully consider if you can contribute to the Building Fund now, or what you can contribute in the future, as the Fellowship
Hall moves forward.

Editor’s Note: As discussed in the October Congregational Meeting, additional fundraising above and beyond current pledges must happen in order to satisfy lender requirements. The
guaranteed line of credit/loan is from the ELCA Mission Investment Fund for $1.37 Million.