THIS MOMENT FAQS
What are the plans for Waveland Kitchen?
A group of people met with a kitchen consultant (Rapids Foodservice Contract and Design) to discuss design plans for the Waveland Kitchen as part of the Capital Campaign. The footprint is limited to the existing space, but this company has some creative ideas to improve the layout.
Why does the roof recommendation (Roof Option 1A) make the most sense for Plymouth?
See this Cost Comparison Document for more details of roof options, or learn more about roof repair plans here.
The price differential among the various roof options isn’t significant and that differential disappears when you consider replacement costs over the 100-year period.
By going with Roof Option 1A, we preserve $187,000 Tower Restoration. In 2018, we did repairs on the tower and we applied for an historic tax credit after the work was completed. In 2024, we received the tax credit in the form of a check for $187,000. To keep that money, we must commit to preserving historic aspects of the building within 5 years of receiving the tax credit. The slate roof is a historic aspect of the building and can’t be replaced by other materials, or the tax credit money must be reimbursed.
When can the sloped roof project begin?
We are hoping we can meet or exceed our goal. The earliest we can start is the summer of 2026.
Are we including solar panels in this project?
We have included copper panels in the roof project with the intent of supporting solar panel installation. We are optimistic that we will reach the campaign’s financial goal and that solar panels will be installed after the roof has been replaced.
What is the total cost of the Capital Campaign?
The total cost of the project is $10 million dollars, with a fund raising goal of $8 million
Why do you think we can raise the money from our congregation?
This goal is aspirational but not unreasonable based on our review of the giving capacity for our membership and advice from our campaign consultants
Haven’t we fallen short on annual gifts in previous years and aren’t we running an operating deficit?
Since Covid, we have been closing the gap with our operating budget with help from the Foundation in the form of matching grants. Last year, our gap was $12,000 and as a result, we did not draw from the sustainability grant. We are optimistic about the momentum we are seeing in online and in-person attendance, and the involvement in current programming such as Matins, Sunday church school and Plymouth-sponsored events. As you know, engagement leads to giving and we see growth and engagement.
We know that there is more capacity than we see through annual giving. But history shows that when members have been asked, they have stepped up.
Can the Plymouth Foundation give more money?
The Plymouth Foundation has made a $1 million commitment to the campaign.
In addition, the Plymouth Foundation has provided several million dollars of support to Plymouth Church over the last several years (campaigns, repairs, capital expenditures and operating deficits).
The Plymouth Foundation has a little over $5 million that is not committed and it’s important to keep this money to partner with the Church to support long-term efforts to sustain the church.
The Plymouth Foundation has a good investment plan to keep capital available, and they need to balance the needs of the church and to ensure the amount grows.
What are other potential sources of campaign funds (grants, matches, etc.)?
We are aware of a grant through the National Fund for Sacred Places and will work on that grant request when we have a better sense of the timing of the project. We will continue to watch for other funding opportunities.
What if we don’t raise enough money?
In the event that we fall short of our goal, Church leadership has considered two alternative options, both that will result in additional costs:
Financing (mortgage, line of credit) which would add interest costs
Breaking the project in stages which will result is higher costs overall since each project phase will require setup/teardown costs.
Have we planned for the ongoing upkeep and cost of future building expenses?
The extensive preparation work done by the Building & Grounds Committee, OPN and Neumann Construction uncovered issues during previous installations such as improper installation and defective products (manufactured slate). By having Neumann Brothers and OPN involved in all stages of the project, and by identifying several staff and qualified volunteers, we can ensure that we have proper oversight.
There will need to be ongoing monitoring of the building to ensure that when a problem arises, that we are proactive in maintenance to avoid large repairs later.
The Building & Grounds Committee is actively working on a 25-year Capital plan so we can identify major capital expenditures in the coming years.
It will be important to establish a Capital Reserve fund to ensure we can pay to have the necessary preventative maintenance work done. The Board of Trustees and Executive Committee are discussing how to achieve this.
