Just the Beginning...

Some of you may have wondered if the Capital Campaign blog was defunct now that the public phase of the campaign has concluded. However, after a brief respite, we are up and running again. Although April 20, the official day for commitments, has come and gone, the journey that we embarked on last winter is only just beginning. If the time wasn’t right for you when commitments were originally accepted, but you now would like to make a commitment, it’s never too late! (Forms are available in the Narthex and Delancey Street lobbies and, in fact, commitments have continued rolling in.) And if you are new to the Tenth family and are interested in learning more about the campaign and the projects it is supporting, you might want to look back at previous posts and check the sidebar for links to campaign documents.

Besides the ongoing commitments as a continuing element of the campaign, the projects supported by the campaign funds are going to begin to be implemented in full force. A Capital Campaign Implementation Committee has been formed with Ruling Elder Frank Harder as the chairman. Members include Phil Ryken, Elmer Snethen, Brian Esterly, Clive Stockdale, and Pat Canavan.

So far there have been commitments and gifts totaling $4,063,725 —it will be so exciting to watch how God uses this money for Kingdom. He may not need “our” money to accomplish His purposes, but He graciously allows us to participate in His work by giving back what He has given us. All of which reminds me of the most important role of the blog—to continue highlighting the spiritual journey of Tenth’s members as we continue in the campaign. We’ve seen how many people have been challenged and have grown as they decided what to commit, now we can see how the use of the funds is changing the lives of people in our church and around the world. If you have a story about how God is using the capital campaign in your life, please feel free to email it to me at sarahsmcinnes@gmail.com. I will share it with the committee as an encouragement and may even post some testimonies on the blog (with your permission of course!)

In the weeks and months to come you will see more detailed information about the projects here and in the bulletin, but here are a few details about projects that are already underway.

Organ Project

• Design of the new Koop Memorial Organ is complete and the builder (Walker Technical Company) has begun work on the instrument. Tenth member and architect Greg Berzinsky has helped in the design so that the organ will be consistent with our church architecture and furnishings. If all continues as planned, we will be worshipping with the new organ by the first Sunday in September! (A dedicatory concert is scheduled for Friday, September 12.)

Facility Renovation Projects

• The Building Committee is currently working on finalizing designs for the Catacombs bathrooms, as well as the Catacombs and Sanctuary floor covering projects. Work on development of the construction specifications for the elevator has recently begun.

Church Planting

• The Church Planting Committee has prepared and distributed materials throughout the Philadelphia Presbytery about the Ethnic Church Planting Fund. We are looking for proposals that will make a significant impact on each church plant’s progress. The committee is also preparing materials for the Church Planting Apprenticeship. The apprenticeship involves two or three years of preparation with the intent of Tenth beginning a church plant somewhere in the city by the third year.

Global Outreach

• The Global Outreach Commission is planning to prioritize projects where Tenth plays a lead role; this would include the Middle East church and the orphanage in Colombia.