FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

First and foremost, we are asking you to pray. We ask you to prioritize attending worship throughout the All2Jesus faith and generosity initiative.  Prepare your heart to hear God’s Word, taking time to reflect on the messages you hear each week, and talk with your family and friends about where the Lord is moving in your life as you seek His will for how you will respond.

Mark your calendar for Commitment Weekend happening on November 12 and 13! This “everybody moment” is when final commitments will be made after much prayer seeking the Lord’s leading in how he would have us respond.  We pray that the Lord will guide you courageously in faith!

We also ask you to prepare to be amazed. We trust that the Lord is working in your life, in our church, and in our community, and we look forward in faith to the tremendous impact that He will make through all of us.

As a school family you know what the Lord is doing among us and the incredible opportunity we’ve been given to share His love. You are also probably aware of the need we have to expand and renovate. We are not asking you to stop giving to your church in any way, but rather join us in this adventure of bold generosity however the Lord leads you. This truly is a church and school family “everybody moment” as we see together what God will do among us!

We have conducted a recent feasibility study with our consultant and reviewed our full financial picture. We also reviewed overall costs for the projected plan, design, construction, and long-term expenses. Based upon this research and with professional guidance from our consultant, we believe $5.4M is an attainable goal. Given the full cost of the Phase 2 expansion and renovation project, we pray through courageous generosity and sacrificial giving, we can not only meet, but exceed, this goal.

The initiative will not have an adverse effect on our normal operating or mission budgets, as all giving commitments towards the All2Jesus generosity initiative are intended to be over and above regular giving. Historically, churches do not experience decreases in regular giving during this type of initiative as the overall focus on stewardship and opportunity to grow in our understanding of generosity stirs individuals and families to consider the total picture of their giving and be more intentional in both their regular offerings as well as special giving opportunities.

Not this time around. Given the inherent missional direction of this effort to reach more children and families in our community with the eternal love of Jesus, along with the substantial amount needed to be raised in order to complete this goal, our leadership has prayerfully decided to direct 100% of gifts committed and given through All2Jesus toward Phase 2 expansion and renovation work.

While the current reality of all construction timelines are in flux based on availability of contractors and materials, the earliest that we anticipate being ready to “break ground” is spring 2023, which will allow the new school wing to be completed prior to the 2024-2025 school year. We anticipate the need to be flexible during construction but will make every effort to minimize disruption to our regular ministry schedule as much as possible.

Everyone’s situation is unique, yet we are all called to give. Our challenge, no matter what you currently give, is to take a step forward. Your commitment is a response of faith. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 the Apostle Paul challenges us in that “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Even in times of scarcity, God wants our hearts. It is easier to give when there is abundance, but lean times prompt us to trust God at a greater level. The widow who gave her last mite did not make a very big financial contribution, but Jesus said she gave the largest gift of all. Even small amounts given regularly will help make this initiative successful. The All2Jesus generosity initiative is about all of us coming together, giving generously, and trusting God to do the rest. God has supplied our every need in Christ, and we trust that He will honor a heart that wants to give generously in response to His faithfulness.

There may also be ways to be sacrificial with your lifestyle to create margin for generosity in your life. Some people will cancel their cable or a streaming subscription. Others will play a little less golf and still others will forego a few expensive coffee drinks every week. Find ways to involve the entire family in the process of giving generously. Use this as an opportunity to teach children and grandchildren to respond in faith with a generous heart to trust the Lord who provides.

Of course! Unforeseen circumstances in the future may cause you to want to increase or decrease your giving commitment. At any time during the 24-month period, you can review or change your commitment.

The Commitment Card is a document to help you be intentional with what you prayerfully plan to give over the two-year period of the All2Jesus initiative. This card is also vital as it helps confidentially communicate to our financial office what you intend to give. Your commitment, along with those from all other church and school families when added together will help us discern next steps in the proposed Phase 2 construction plans.

Giving toward the All2Jesus initiative will launch at the beginning of December after the total amount committed is announced.  A number of methods are available (giving online, by check, automatic checking withdrawal, etc.) with options for stocks and non-cash gifts as well. For specific questions about giving methods, please contact Steve Gauss at sgauss@stjohnrochester.org or 248-402-8000.

Yes, you can turn in your Commitment Card using the pre-addressed envelope at any time by either dropping it off at the Church Office or by simply mailing it.

Email any additional questions to All2Jesus@stjohnrochester.org