Beyond These Walls - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can we make gifts toward the “Beyond these Walls” Capital Campaign in 2011?  Yes. The congregation will be asked to make 3 year commitments for the years of 2012-2014. However, anyone wishing to make a contribution in 2011 toward this pledge would be welcome to do so, by writing “BEYOND these Walls Capital Campaign" on the memo line of their check.  For gifts other than cash, please contact Jim Smith at jims@sunriseumc.com to arrange receipt. 
   
2. What happened to the funds from the prior Capital Campaign?  The funds received for capital campaigns were used for the purpose of moving forward with the plans to relocate to Woodmen and eventually build a new worship facility.  This included purchase of the property (and the debt that came along with the purchases), renovation, fees for architectural and other services and debt servicing.  Funds designated for the capital campaigns were not used for operating expenses, either at Briargate or Woodmen locations.  Subsequent to the church’s decision to list the Woodmen property with a realtor earlier this year, capital campaign funds have been used for servicing the debt and for continuing to raise funds for debt elimination.
3. What is the current state of our balance sheet?  Where do we stand with our budget for the year?  We have monthly finance committee meetings on the third Tuesday of the month where items and others are discussed in detail.  Financial statements are provided, which always include “Statement of Income and Expense” and “Balance Sheet”, along with other statements, reports, comments and graphs as needed.  Members can obtain copies by requesting them from Jim Smith at jims@sunriseumc.com.  Alternately, you may choose to come to the finance committee meetings.  Please give advance notice, if possible, as we want to insure a room sufficient to accommodate the meeting.
4. What was the 2011 budget?  Sunrise generally prepares a “balanced” (meaning expenses = income) operating annual budget.  For 2011 that amount was $1,649,098.00. 
5. How much income do we need between now and the end of the year to balance expenses with income?  Pledge receipts have fallen short of pledges by about $75,000 through the end of the October.  Although we typically receive a lot of “catch up” receipts toward the end of the year, we are further behind than last year and have more expenses than money to cover them by almost $14,000.  Up to this point, we haven’t spent as much as we budgeted to spend.  Otherwise, our deficit position would be more severe.
6. Is there a way I can make a special gift before the end of the year?  Is there someone I can talk to that can help me with a tax benefit?  You can always make a special gift.  We have information relating to IRS rules to help you understand what your options are and the potential tax implications.  Please contact the Finance office - Jim Smith at jims@sunriseumc.com for further information.
7. How many people have given to Sunrise in 2011?  We have over 1,000 “giving units” (families or individuals) that have made contributions, not including anonymous givers.  Many are pledge commitments as well as those who give that didn’t pledge because they are new attendees or for other reasons.
8. How can I make a commitment to 2012?  Commitment forms are available at the administrative office or by contacting the Finance office.