Family Roof Challenge - Update

I had lunch with someone from our church today and we got to talking about the roof project.  I told him that replacing a roof has got to be the most difficult fundraising project because it is the most invisible part of the church.  Ministry projects, carpets, sound system, and heating systems are all much more visible and fun, but a roof is boring!

For the past decade our roof has needed replacement, but more urgent and visible projects always seemed to get in the way.  A couple years ago the top level (the part over the auditorium) began to leak a little and so the Church Council created a roof fund and communicated to the Church the need for a new roof on the facility.  People began to give generously and regularly towards this need and after a couple years those donations totaled $18,000!


We have been able to stop the leaking temporarily by spraying a roof sealant, but in the last year the leaking locations have increased in size and regularity!  Going off of two-year old quotes, Council knew that $18,000 wouldn't be enough (even to fix just the top level of the roof) so they decided to communicate a new challenge, called the "Family Roof Challenge", where each family would pledge a certain amount over three months (April 2010 - June 2010) that would be above their regular giving.

Again our Church responded willingly and generously.  With pledges and our International Spring Bazaar fundraising efforts we will see an additional $10,000 come in between now and the end of June 2010.  Thank you for your faith-full giving!

Council then asked six companies for new quotes and received five.  Prices, products, methods, guarantees, and credentials all vary making the decision process a complex one.  Council met this past Sunday and determined a course of action.  This course of action includes performing steps of due diligence on the company/quote Council is most interested in.  Reference and background checks, adequate insurance, WCB coverage, and Foursquare Board approval are all required before we proceed in signing a contract.  Council will do its best to get everything in order so that our Church can avoid paying the HST, but Council will not let the July 1st deadline compromise the due diligence process.  Council will also arrange to pay 50% of the contract at the start of the project and 50% at time of completion.

So that's where we're at in our roof project.   I'm excited that after 10 years we are closer than ever to seeing this "invisible" project completed.  Thanks again to everyone who has given and continues to give through pledges!  God delights in your generous, faith-filled, hearts and I know you have delighted in the process of giving too.