Multi-Purpose Building Stewardship Campaign

The Odon Christian Church board voted in 2007 to proceed toward the construction of a multi-purpose building. Since that time, our board has been in the planning stages of the project. The Stewardship Campaign for the facility began in June 2008 by distributing campaign packets to each family of our church body. This included current membership and our regular attending families.

Since the distributing campaign packets were delivered, there has been much activity with our Multi-Purpose Building Stewardship Program during the past three months. Our church board has been reviewing the data as they make plans for our congregation's future needs. The board is indeed thankful for the responses thus far. The facts are given as an effort to keep the congregation completely informed, without the presence of pressure tactics. The church board will continue to do so periodically as the Stewardship Campaign progresses.

There were approximately 240 Stewardship Packets distributed to our congregational families. To date, 43 commitment cards have been returned. Although the number of returns is a bit disappointing, the amount of dollars committed is very encouraging! Knowingly, the church board went into this campaign during stressful economic times for all which may explain a slowness of returned cards. Another factor may be the fact that a Faith Promise Program is totally new to everyone as we grow in our trust in what the Lord can do in our lives and as we promise to use our blessings for His work. Some of us have admittedly just forgotten to follow through with our good intentions. Others have reported that they are participating financially even though they chose not to complete a commitment card.

At the end of July, $128,000 has been raised for the project, the majority of which is on short term interest. Total commitment, including the money already turned in, is over $352,000 for the five year Stewardship Campaign. This is a great start and we feel certain that the commitments will continue to grow. As the next step, the church board has directed the Building Committee Chairman, Richard Woodruff and Larry Brown, to begin their research for firm estimates for the steps and phases that would be involved in the building that has been presented in the Stewardship Packet.

This is not only an exciting time to be part of the Odon Christian Church congregation, but perhaps it is a time when we can all join together in a special financial commitment to fund a facility that will not only serve our ministry needs today but for many years in the future. The building is a much needed tool in our ministry and requires that we step out in faith as we look to God to provide our need. Each family is urged to give prayerful consideration to the information provided in the Stewardship Packet and to complete and return the Faith Promise Card with your giving plans. Even if you may feel that the commitment is not sizeable, the informative data will help us in our future decision making. Remember, every cent matters. Again, we thank your for your generosity already displayed.