We have officially launched our VOICE and VISION Capital Campaign as we work to build our faith, our future, our legacy. This shared initiative pulls us toward our VISION of being a Wellspring of God’s Grace in Jesus Christ. By ensuring that we provide safe places for the most vulnerable in our community, engage in musical excellence in worship, and continue to care for our beautiful campus and sacred space, we are living out this vision faithfully. For over 175 years, Muhlenberg has been a place to gather, pray, sing, learn, serve, and grow together. We’ve been so blessed by the gifts and generosity of the faithful saints who have gone before us and handed this legacy on to us. It’s our turn now to lead our church into the future, and it’s exciting to see the new energy growing among us as we take these next steps. Thank you for sharing in our rich heritage and joining your VOICE as we build our faith, our future, and our legacy.
Please see the overview video below to learn more about the areas of focus for this campaign!
Campaign Project List
New Organ - $860,000
Worship music serves to gather, focus, lift, and send us out as a Wellspring of God’s Grace in Jesus Christ. Music is uniting. Often we find ourselves humming the previous Sunday's hymns during our work day. The music we share together tells our story, our faith, our future, and our legacy.
While the glorious music that comes from our organ every Sunday may sound spectacular at times, the music emanating from the instrument is difficult to produce at best. For over 30 years, we have struggled with an organ that was constructed by a reputable company that, unbeknownst to us, was on the verge of bankruptcy. The organ was not designed properly for our space and, as a result, was too loud. To compensate, the wind pressure was lowered by the installer, leaving much of the organ nonfunctional. Additionally, since installation, many components have failed, rendering the organ even less functional. Because the company closed, we have no recourse to improve this instrument. More than $100,000 has been spent on repairs and tunings to try to improve sound quality, but regardless of what attempts are made, it simply cannot be fixed.
In early 2020, our congregation voted to proceed with a capital campaign to replace the organ. Unfortunately, the pandemic put those plans on hold. Since then, the organ has continued to fall into disrepair, with more parts failing. Building upon research done by former Music Ministers Elizabeth Williams and Don Smith, pipe organ mechanic Bob Lent, and the 2019 Organ Research Committee, a new team consisting of Music Minister Matt Thomas, Bill Wightman, Tassie Pippert, Mark Byerly, Jacob Dunlap, and Judith Ofcarcik has researched solutions to the problems, listened to other organs, and solicited proposals from three reputable organ manufacturers. All three proposals are comparable, and each seeks to reuse as many existing pipes as possible.
Creating a Property/Maintenance Endowment - $500,000
Gathering together creates opportunity for us to grow as individuals and as a community of faith. Our building serves as a foundation for the faith that is formed and the relationships that are strengthened in and through the ministry of Muhlenberg. Finding the balance between being good stewards of our church building and grounds, and freeing up financial resources each year to do more relationship and service type ministries is a priority.
The church’s educational and administrative wing was built in 1960 and we were blessed to add the Muhlenberg Activities Center (MAC) in 2003 and Gathering Area in 2009. Our Sextons and Property Committee have done an excellent job stewarding these resources but significant upcoming building expenses exist. The MAC roof will need to be replaced (approx. $50,000); the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems in the main building will need significant upgrades; and the grounds are in need of refreshed landscaping. Continuing our care for creation, solar panels could be installed on the MAC at a discounted cost of $150,000-200,000 if done when the roof is replaced. These panels would pay for themselves in 10-12 years and then the MAC would have very greatly reduced electric bills which would ease Muhlenberg's budget and help strengthen Second Home's ministry. Thankfully, we don’t anticipate any of these major expenses being necessary in the next 3 years, but we need to be prepared for the following 5-10 years. A Property Endowment will create a legacy of stewardship in perpetuity, generating income that could be used toward these expenses and ensures that Muhlenberg’s buildings can serve our community for years to come. Our ultimate goal is $2,500,000 for this endowment, that will grow overtime through the generosity of gift from today and charitable estate gifts from members of the congregation. This campaign will serve to seed this total goal and set us on a path to sustainability.
Creating an Outdoor Play and Gathering Space - $100,000
In late 2018, Muhlenberg purchased the Ott St. House. Since 2020, the first floor has housed the ecumenical crisis ministry People Helping People (PHP). The house has served PHP well these past few years, but there are significant structural and health concerns, including the presence of lead, asbestos, and mold. Multiple evaluations confirm the need for the house to be demolished in alignment with the original plans made at the time of purchase.
Removing the structure and grading the land will allow for a fenced-in green space, a much needed benefit for the 90+ children enrolled in Second Home Learning Center, the before and after school program started by the congregation. Currently, these children play in the small backyard of the Ott Street house and the church parking lot, raising safety concerns. A pavilion or playground could be added to further enhance the space and better serve the community. Funds to assist People Helping People’s transition to a new location would support and help to grow the continued ministry of this vital organization. This new location could remain somewhere on Muhlenberg’s campus, but all potential options would require some renovation/improvements.
Current Property Repairs - $90,000
While we feel confident that a Property Endowment will be a sustainable long-term solution for decreasing our overall annual property expenses, in the short-term we need to supplement the amount allocated in our annual Ministry Spending Plan to cover necessary repairs. This facet of the Capital Campaign will fund immediate projects such as sealing our parking lot, elevator upkeep and repairs, and providing an emergency fund for any unforeseen needed repairs. $30,000 per year would be allocated over each of the next three years.
Priority One: Sealing and painting the parking lot.
Priority Two: Elevator upkeep to prevent from future repair needs.
Other Miscellaneous Costs - $50,000
To be good stewards, several fees have intentionally been included in the total $1,600,000 goal. Anticipated fees include Fundraising fees as shared with the congregation at the congregational meeting. This fee ensures our ability to carry out a thoughtful and focused campaign. The fee also includes contingency funds for unforeseen expenses and inflation.
Campaign Goal - $1,600,000
During this bold and exciting time for Muhlenberg, we invite you to prayerfully consider how God is calling you to provide a VOICE and VISION Capital Campaign gift to ensure the building of our faith, our future, and our legacy. Contributions to the campaign may be committed in the form of a one-time gift, a three-year pledge gift, or a time frame in between. Payments toward commitments will be gratefully received weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually and on a beginning/ending schedule convenient to you. Please see our GIVING PAGE for a listing of all the ways you can contribute!
What It Will Take To Achieve Our Goal Together - to achieve our goal of $1,600,000, we will need contributions in the quantities listed:
Calculating Your Gift - Gifts made over time also make a significant difference. Should you wish to make a three-year pledge, the following may help you calculate your gift to the VOICE and VISION Capital Campaign:
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: What am I being asked to do for the VOICE and VISION Capital Campaign?
A: We are asking that you fill out an intent card with a financial commitment to both the VOICE and VISION Capital Campaign and our regular annual giving that supports our day to day ministry. The Campaign commitment can be fulfilled through a one-time payment, over a three-year period, or on a timeframe in between. Pledges received will help us plan our projects as faithful stewards of resources as we begin work.
Q: When do my gift payments for the campaign begin?
A: Unless you prefer a different timetable, the offering period begins in May 2025. The intent card has a place for you to indicate how and when you will fulfill your commitment.
Q: How long does the campaign last?
A: The campaign giving period will last for three years: through April 2028. However, if you feel you can make a larger gift by extending the time, you are welcome to do so. You may also make a one-time gift or contribute over less than three years.
Q: Is it possible to just make gifts to the campaign without making a specific commitment?
A: Yes, but written responses, while never legally binding, give us an indication of what we can expect and permit us to plan for the future. Please fill out an intent card indicating how you will respond even if you do not list an amount. The response from the congregation will be a compelling story as we prepare for an even more impactful ministry.
Q: Will I be asked to give a specific amount?
A: You will be asked to prayerfully consider an amount based on the gift chart to reach our goals. A fulfillment of every gift listed on the chart will allow us to meet our goal.
Q: What about my gift to the annual operating budget?
A: The VOICE and VISION Capital Campaign is our response to positioning our building and ministries for success for generations to come. We will continue to provide our ongoing ministries to children, youth, families, and adults. We will continue to offer worship and pastoral care. These are all funded through the generosity of our members on an annual basis through our Annual Fund regular giving. Commitments to this year's Annual Fund will be made at the same time as the Capital Campaign. The projects listed in this VOICE and VISION Capital Campaign are above and beyond our regular and ongoing ministry and annual giving.
Q: Do all gifts to the campaign have to be cash?
A: No. Gifts of property, appreciated stock, required minimum distributions from an IRA, mutual funds, cash value from insurance policies or policy loan proceeds, certificates of deposit (CDs), bonds, and annuities are just some of the ways to give. For those who qualify, giving via a Required IRA Distribution may be the best way to contribute. All of these gifts may be subject to restrictions and limitations and each giver’s circumstances are unique, so it is wise to consult your financial advisor or accountant. Note: Contact Finance Manager Linda West at the church office to make non-cash gifts. Important! Do not sell the asset yourself or you will be unable to avoid capital gains tax. If you are trying to capture a capital loss, you may want to sell the asset yourself. Please consult your tax advisor on the best approach for your circumstances.
Q: What is the advantage of giving appreciated stocks or property?
A: You can avoid capital gains taxes and possibly also receive a tax deduction in the amount of the appreciated value.
Q: How do I make a gift of appreciated stock?
A: Have your broker transfer shares from your account to the church. The church’s broker will sell the stock and you will receive gift credit for the average market value on the day it is transferred. Contact Linda West in the church office for transfer information.