Newsletter - Week of 2/26/2006

What's Next?!?

As I write this I am reminded of the anticipation one experiences just before sunrise. It is that sense of renewal and expectation when one is full of hope for the new day and possibilities seem almost limitless.

As you know, the Vestry held its annual planning session on February 10 and 11. The session was led by Linda Nelson, our Parish Consultant of long standing. We shared many things during that weekend and one of my purposes here is to share with you what came out of that weekend. While we dealt with many issues, the overarching influence during the weekend was the pending commencement of our building program. Vestry members expressed concerns such as the fear of change, but at the same time stated that this change should be embraced, as we look for new ways to incorporate parishioners and especially newcomers into this process; that we commit to continuing our outreach projects, while exploring ways for parishioners to stay connected to one another during the process.

The Vestry also discussed issues surrounding Shannon's sabbatical which is scheduled to commence July 1 and extend through July, August, and September of this year. The Vestry is fully aware that this is not a vacation for Shannon but a time for refreshment and renewal and re-centering for him. Later this year the Rev. David Johnson, Canon to the Ordinary, and Bishop Gray will be teaching us about a sabbatical-how it works, what it means, and what we may expect from it.

As you should know by now construction of new facilities is scheduled to commence April 1, 2006. The staff will move to temporary office space in mid-March, and it is anticipated that the project will take from eight to twelve months to complete. One of the things that we should all be aware of is that the building process, while an exciting time, will not be an easy time. We will be hampered in the temporary loss of facilities and it will be necessary that we all be patient and understanding with one another during this process. There is no question that this parish is committed, not only to the building of its new facilities, but to the continuing of our communal life. Realistically, not all of this process will be fun. However, I believe that the parishioners of All Saints' are committed to one another and that if we simply take this a day at a time and focus on our commitment to one another, we will see one another through all of this.

I urge each and every one of you to keep this parish in the forefront of your prayers and I invite you to read the prayer for the parish found at Page 817 of the Book of Common Prayer. In fact, you might even copy it down and post it on your refrigerator. I especially commend to you the language in that prayer that asks that we be granted all things necessary for our common life and that we be brought to be of one heart and mind-we can do no less for one another.

Peace,
David Sparks, Senior Warden

Newsletter - Week of 2/12/2006 We are scheduled to begin construction on our new building the first of April and anticipate construction completion in twelve months.

The contractor, JESCO, is in the process of obtaining prices from subcontractors and completing their first construction estimate. JESCO, at our request, is pricing various acceptable construction framing, systems, and material options to determine the most economical methods for construction of our project.

Based on approved construction options, we will adjust our documents so JESCO can provide a final price. When this final price is approved, construction can at long last begin.

The past months since Katrina have not been the best of times for construction pricing. Due to uncertainty, subcontractors and suppliers have been reluctant to issue firm prices, and deserving projects have not been competitively bid. We believe that the market has begun to settle down, and now is a good time to bid our project. Thank you for your patience.

Gus Staub
 

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Envision Newsletter Week of 10/24/2005

See the Plans

From the Rector

Our Future Takes A New Shape -- Literally

With this Capital Campaign newsletter, you will see that our building plans have been completely redrawn. Since some of you might be surprised or even worried by this, let me be clear to say how very fortunate we are to be able to make these changes. This new "footprint" of our construction is made possible by the fact that we are building everything in a single phase. Instead of having to plan around buildings that would remain for another five years, we can start with a "clean slate" and choose exactly where to place all of our facilities to the best advantage.

The original drawings were presented as draft plans representing our space needs and a starting point. It was to be expected that those plans would be changed as we went along. From the beginning the working assumption was that we would have to build in two phases, retaining our existing offices and program space while we built the new parish hall. That meant that the parish hall had to be placed on our new property in the northeast quadrant of our boundaries—as far away from the church as you can get. You can imagine how many reasons there could be that we would soon regret that.

When the Vestry decided to build the entire plan in one phase, razing our present buildings, I asked our architect Gus Staub and our Building Committee to consider revising the plans so that the new parish hall could be closer to the church. This new proposal also provides a better orientation for public access, particularly for hosting outreach programs and larger events. Of course, the placement of offices, Christian Education space, etc. had to be re-arranged as well, and some of that could be revised still further as details emerge. All of this is careful and deliberate planning that is making every attempt to produce the very best possible results.

You see that the wonderful success of our campaign is being managed in a way that honors our best efforts and commitment. I am excited that what is now evolving promises more than ever to fulfill our dreams for All Saints' as a place of ministry, hospitality, and nurture.

From Your Building Committee

We Have Been Doing Our Homework

by Betty Lee Marshall

The Building Committee has completed many tasks as groundbreaking draws near. With our architect Gus Staub, we have visited other churches' kitchens, fellowship halls and gathering rooms. We have interviewed three construction firms and, with Vestry approval, have hired JESCO as our construction manager.

In light of the decision by the Vestry to go forward with the entire project in one phase, it was prudent to look at our plans with this new perspective. With the opportunity to reconsider placement of the parish hall, administrative offices, nursery and other areas, Gus has redesigned the footprint for greater functionality and convenience. Our parish hall has been moved to a more central location. Our administrative offices are better placed for more privacy and efficiency. The nursery and restrooms are more convenient to our worship space and we will have a parlor/library near the front of our new building which will be appropriate for use by wedding parties and for families during funerals. The Building Committee is very
pleased with the new schematic drawings, which are included for you in this newsletter.

Before demolition of any of our buildings can begin, we are required to have a hazardous waste specialist evaluate our existing structures for any dangerous levels of asbestos or lead paint and then we must obtain soil surveys at numerous locations on our building site to assure that a proper foundation is built.

We now have final schematics from Gus and our construction manager and various engineers and contractors will be able to prepare a cost estimate. This should be completed within the next two to three weeks. Remember - the more money we have in the bank, the less we will have to borrow as we begin our new buildings for ministry.

From the Campaign Treasurer

by Mike Fitzpatrick

As you will read elsewhere in this newsletter, the building committee has been extremely busy finalizing plans since the vestry authorized a single-phase project in May. I'm glad to report that during this time the church has been steadily receiving pledge payments, and our total pledged amount has actually grown.

Total pledges have increased from approximately $2.3 million at the end of the campaign to $2,424,304 as of September 30. Against this pledged total. All Saints has received payments of $599,754. Per the pledge cards, expected receipts were approximately $589,000. Cash on hand stands at $465,353, reflecting these receipts and the payoff and demolition of the Madison St. apartment property.

As we near the start of construction, cash outflow will begin. Preliminary site review and design fees will come in shortly, making your continued commitment to timely support even more critical.

As campaign treasurer I have felt privileged to work so closely with the All Saints family. Everyone deserves a heartfelt thank you for your commitment and sacrifice.

WE’RE MAKING PROGRESS!
By Betty Lee Marshall, Chair of the Building Committee

I would imagine that many of you are wondering when we are going to get started on our wonderful new building project. The building committee met with our architect, Gus Staub, the same week that the vestry voted to take on the entire project in one phase. Gus explained to the committee various options for retaining a contractor for the project and the committee decided to go with his recommendation of a construction management approach.

In the meantime, Gus has re-interviewed some of the focus groups to update their needs and is working on mini schematics for each area. He is also working on the possibility of rearranging the “footprint” of the project. The original project was designed so that it would be built in two phases but since we are going to do it in one, it might be better to have the Parish Hall closer to the church. Soil samples and drainage studies are being done and schematics need to be finalized. When all of this is completed, and it is a rather slow process, information packets will be made available to selected construction companies. They will then make their presentations to the building committee so that we can select a contractor. At that point, we will be able to have a good idea of when we will break ground.

I am as impatient as many of you and I’m sorry to say that this all takes time. In the meantime, please keep your pledge payment current or pay early if possible. The more money we have on hand when the project actually gets started, the less we will need to borrow.

Update From the Building Committee - 9/1/2005

During the past several weeks, the Building Committee has been very busy. We have visited several area churches to look at the size and layout of their kitchens and parish halls. In the meantime, our architect, Gus Staub has been communicating with several local construction companies and arranging times for the Building Committee to view their presentations. On Tuesday, August 9 and Thursday, August 11 the Building Committee (along with Gus) interviewed these contractors. Each company was asked to complete a proposal of the building process, including their fee. After the proposals were secured, the Building Committee met to review all of the information they had collected. After much discussion, the Building Committee made the recommendation to the Vestry to hire JESCO as the construction manager. The Vestry then voted to accept the Building Committee’s recommendation.

A Letter from the Wardens

“If you want to walk on water, you have to step out of the boat” – and we have!

At its regular monthly meeting on May 9, the Vestry voted to build our new facilities in one phase. This allows Gus Staub, our architect-in-residence to finish his work so that the job can be contracted. This action also put the Building Committee in gear and you will hear more from that group as the project progresses.

There has been some concern expressed regarding debt and financing. The financial aspect of this project has been, and continues to be of the highest priority. We amazed ourselves as well as the “experts” with the result of our capital campaign. But it still leaves us with a substantial balance to be able to do it in one phase. Now we’re working on our financing and we will also be in consultation with Armond Paulson and The Rauchenstein Consulting Group to develop a plan to address foreseen debt before it comes due. Armond had expressed his confidence to Shannon that we will succeed in that effort.

We began this letter with a reference to Peter being called by Jesus to have faith and step out of the safety of his boat. The action of the Vestry, the capital campaign, the long hours of committee work, the vision of many people–all evidence the willingness of this parish to take that step out of the boat.

We recently heard a gospel lesson about vines and branches and the need to prune even those branches that bear fruit to give them the ability to bear even more fruit. Pruning is sometimes traumatic but always leads to better health.

All Saints’ has borne much fruit. Now with a bit of pruning and a large step out, we are certain to see this place flourish even more.

As your wardens, we pledge our constant and firm commitment to help guide this parish in the faith step.

David R. Sparks, Senior Warden
Fred Cannon, Junior Warden

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CLEARED $2.3 MILLION!!

The Way Ahead Capital Campaign received
130 pledges for $2,304,978
The Stewardship Appeal for the 2005 Operating Budget

received...

135 pledges for $361,272.
The campaign concluded on January 6,2005.

ith a fascinating portrayal of St. Barnabas by John Maxwell and a delicious BBQ dinner served up by the Events Committee, our Capital Campaign officially concluded on October 25, 2004 

Campaign chair, Les Alvis, reminded us that some households are still considering their pledge to the campaign.  As of October 28, we’ve received 124 capital campaign pledges totaling $1,837,984.50* and 121 pledges to the 2005 operating budget for $334,385.50**, as well as 135 Time and Talent surveys! 

What a wonderful testament to the commitment and vitality of All Saints’ that so many people have found meaningful ways to participate in this endeavor!  Our parish’s heartfelt gratitude for a job well done goes to Les Alvis and Betty Lee Marshall and all those who worked “in the trenches”.  This is a time to take pride in our past and what we have accomplished in this campaign.  Now we look eagerly toward our future!

The Closing Celebration of the Capital Campaign

MONDAY

OCTOBER 25
at 6:30 p.m.at the Church
An event for the entire family!

Featuring:

John Maxwell
with a brief dramatic
monologue on St.
Barnabas, the Apostle

Afterwards. . .
A parish dinner
(hosted by the Capital Campaign Events Team)

Highlights from another Campaign Newsletter...

CHILDREN AND YOUTH RESPOND
"Suffer the children to come to me for theirs is the kingdom of God" - Jesus Christ

All Saints' Youth Part of THE WAY AHEAD - By Laura Quene

The young folks at All Saints' most certainly feel a part of THE WAY AHEAD Capital Campaign and are just as excited as everyone else to be involved in all aspects of the campaign thus far. Initially, it was emphasized that this was not about "How much money can these kids raise?" but more about teaching our children about stewardship. Well, our kids seem to be on the right track, judging by some of their comments and actions:

At the 1st through 3rd grade meeting: "We should give some of our allowance." "Yeah our WHOLE allowance!" "Nah, maybe just half." This group has already begun filling their church/birdhouse in their Sunday school room.

The 4th through 6th grade children have filled out personal pledge cards. In addition they have pledged to raise $500 over the next 3 years, beginning with a Coffee Alley bake sale, which, by the time you get this, I'm sure will have been a great success with all your support.
They are also responsible for the "Change for the Church" bottle in the Narthex. You may all make use of this. Don't you just hate the way your wallets or pockets bulge with those coins?

As for the older group - their skit just said it all: "Life is not about our material wants, and by giving sacrificially we are all laying down a spiritual foundation for the future." They too have pledged to give the lion's share of their fundraisers over the next 3 years to The Way Ahead, amounting to $2,500!

Over the next 3 years, our kids will be busy, often in a sacrificial way. (Be on the lookout for a time when you can hire a "slave for a day"). So, please support our wonderful kids in all their car washes, yard sales, bake sales (possibly a fairly regular feature at coffee alley) and many more endeavors. We also may call on you to help coordinate a youth event, so please say "yes".
QUOTEABLES:
A young girl selling baked goods, at the children's sale table on Sunday stated, with bright eyed amazement, "We're already raised $295 for our church. We have to increase our pledge." Another said joyously - "We got $20 for Ms. Lagrone's bundt cake. That'll really help our church." These children will remember these experiences when they're old and gray. It's their attitude about stewardship, not just the $, that is so inspiring!

Questions And Answers

(Only a small selection are here printed)

by Charlie Langford

Q. Why the need for a capital campaign ?
A. All Saints' is at a point where its facilities not only hinder future growth, but also work against retention of existing programs and people. We need new and better facilities to carry out our Christ-centered mission and ministry effectively. Past
improvements and expansions at All Saints' have spurred dramatic growth that has been sustained for years. With All Saints' current focus and unity, combined with our identity in the larger community, we have every reason to be confident that this will
continue to be the case.

We also believe that our vision for growth not merely in terms of facilities but also in terms of ministry comes from God through the Holy Spirit moving in this place. We believe that it is God's will that we do this at this time. God has challenged us to do this -- now!

Q. What are the plans for a new parish hall and administrative offices?
Al A new parish hall and kitchen have been identified as the parish's top priority. The project design places this expansive new focal point at the northeast comer of the property on Madison Street. An open courtyard designed for outdoor gathering and
worship is located next to the parish hall, and adjoins both an outdoor dining area and a new parking area that includes 33 additional spaces for a total of 76.
Enclosed outdoor children's play spaces are nearby. The current parish hall can comfortably seat only 60for meals and 130 for meetings. The new building's
capacity would be 370 for meals and 720 for meetings.

What a blessing this will be for our overcrowded events and for larger community gatherings that need
sufficient space to meet. Space on either end of the parish hall could be partitioned off for breakout meetings and classrooms, thus making the space multi-
functional. Storage space, currently lacking, will make chairs and tables immediately accessible. The kitchen is sized and equipped to serve large groups, with 1,200
square feet of space compared to the current 600 square feet. The location allows for easy vehicle access and unloading from the rear service entry.

A public welcome center and administrative offices will offer a more inviting presence, improve traffic flow, increase efficiency for work tasks, and provide
more privacy for those who receive pastoral counseling. Staff offices will be better arranged, and a workroom and a separate conference room will provide more flexibility for multiple office activities and meetings. The church's Jefferson Street presence will be significantly enhanced by a bell tower that serves as a voice for liturgical worship and as an architectural complement to the existing church
buildings. It will also serve to attract visitors and potential new members A covered walkway will lead from the bell tower to the welcome center fronting the
administrative offices, and all facilities will be connected by covered walkways to protect from inclement weather.
 

All of the new meeting rooms will accommodate a greater range of functions for special events and parishioner needs. Improved meeting facilities will allow All Saints' to be a better host for community groups that currently meet here while also providing space for larger groups that we cannot now accommodate. The entire project will more than double the size of All Saints' physical plant, positioning us well for future growth.

Q: What are the plans for new educationalfaculties.
A: This construction would greatly improve our present program offerings, especially with regard to classroom space for Christian education and music. Included would be eight children's classrooms and nurseries totaling 2,312 square feet and four adult
classrooms containing an increase of 2,070 square feet. That almost triples the space currently devoted to Christian education. Specific design is included for
"Catechesis of the Good Shepherd," the most widely successful Christian formation program for youth in the Episcopal Church.

For the first time, the children's music program will have its own rehearsal and teaching room. The adult choir area will provide sufficient room for its numerical growth and needs for vesting and storage. A combination library and adult education room will be located adjacent to the parish hall.

The plan creates a space designed solely for the use of EYC-aged youth totaling 420 square feet. The existing kitchen and children's music area behind the chapel would be renovated into a youth activities space with basic kitchen facilities and a restroom attached. After several years in a house on Madison Street, which has been recently razed for this project, the youth have been without a gathering space, stalling what had been a period of growth and increased vitality. Having a place of their own will be a big step toward strengthening the EYC and other youth programs and keeping our young people "at home" at All Saints' rather than other church youth groups where facilities are superior.

Q; When will construction begin? When will it be completed?
A. It is still a bit early to answer these questions with finality. When the campaign is concluded, the Vestry will make a determination of whether the project will be built all at once or in phases. This determination will be made based on the amount of pledges received. The time for completion for construction will depend upon how much is undertaken, but it is probably safe to say that construction will be underway in the first half of 2005.

Q: Will the current All Saints' buildings be left standing?

If so, how will they be used?

A. The church and chapel buildings will remain. If the project is built in a single phase, the present administration building and education building (parish hall and classrooms) will be removed. If the project is built in phases, it is anticipated that the administration building and education building will remain during the first phase. The existing kitchen and children's choir room will be converted into permanent EYC space, and the present parish hall space will be temporarily converted for uses which will be decided based upon the extent of the first phase.

Highlights from a Campaign Newsletter...

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We're Over A Million !

Yes, we have passed $1,000,000 in just 2 ^1/2 weeks of work. The exact amount secured in pledges from only 45
parishioners is $1,311,696. As Yogi Berra, erstwhile baseball catcher with the Yankees used to say, "Who would have
ever thunk it". Barely two months ago several parishioners and the Feasibility Study thought $900,000 to $1.000,000
would be the absolute top amount we could raise.
 

Now we look ahead to the reality of raising $2,000,000 and more. After all, we still have 80% of the congregation to
contact. We have our eye on the prize; yet it will require everyone to "stretch" by pledging sacrificially. We hope that
everyone will participate in this call to mission. LETS DO IT! "Not equal gifts but equal sacrifice."

Youth Rise to the Challenge

Our Kickoff Gala was a huge success with a challenge to the almost 200 adults attending our September 1 gala kickoff celebration. All Saints' youth proved that not only do they listen to sermons and teachings on stewardship, but they
take them to heart and put these sermons and teachings into practice!

In the EYC skit, the youth expressed that what they needed was not things at home, but a place they could call their own at the church. A church "place" was something they had sorely missed since the razing of the Righteous House. Our youth need this place not solely for their use alone but for those EYCers yet to come. We were proud of them!

The Junior and Senior EYC groups pledged $2,500 to

"The Way Ahead" campaign. They presented a pledge for their commitment to campaign chair Les Alvis, and another one on behalf of the elementary grade group for $500. We were inspired!

 

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Flash!
The Campaign Video is available for purchase. In the years ahead, it will fee a "Keeper" that reminds us of this "pivotal point" in All Saints' History. Cost; $15 per copy with proceeds
to go to All Saints' program ministries.

Reserve your copy by
calling the Campaign office - 871-7412.

 

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THANKS FOR A GREAT START !
Several of our Campaign Teams provided the impetus, inspiration and direction to move strongly into our Capital Stewardship Campaign. "These Teams and their individual members were bright lights in the first phase of our campaign effort," stated Betty Lee Marshall, campaign co-chair. "They cared, did their work with excellence, sacrificed mightily with their time, energy and talents and just got it done. Without their efforts, we would not be where we are today in the campaign," stated Les Alvis.

The Challenge Gifts Team - Chaired by Wayne Slocum, they made their own pledges and then made over 30 visits in three weeks. "They did incredible and dedicated work," stated Wayne Slocum. Members of the team are: Pamela Cox Tims, Lloyd Gray, Shannon Johnston, Peg Oakes, David Sparks and Jack Trumpore.

The Leadership Gifts Team - Chaired by Fred Cannon, they
visited with Vestry members and Campaign Leadership Committee members for their early leadership pledges. They secured 100% pledge participation from these parish leadership groups. Members of the team are Robin Bryan, Dinetia Newman and Marrion Winders

The Events Team - What a marvelous party they planned! The kickoff was a roaring success and accomplished what it was supposed to do - give us inspiration, joy that we are a part of All Saints', information about the campaign and confidence that we can have a victorious campaign and do what two months ago many said was impossible. Chaired by Mary Howard King, the team consisted of: Carol Alvis, Lori Anger, Rick Armstrong, Katie Ruth Bush,Donna Bridges, Pamela Cox Tims, Cathy Fitzpatrick, Kevan Kirkpatrick, Mary Beth Kirkpatrick, Cathy Sparks and Yvette Slocum. Thanks for a great party that we'll never forget.

The Communication/Interpretation Team - This team, chaired by Kay Trapp, has done an extraordinary job of telling the campaign story (what, when, why, who, where and how). And they did so under incredible time constraints.

Members are:
Sherrie Black - Coordinator/Co Producer of our Video
Austin Haley — Creator and Producer of our Video

Leah Trapp Edmundson  - Graphics/logo
James Hamilton - Brochure developer/layout

Sally Gray - Article writer and editor
Dinetia Newman - Newsletter Coordinator
Kim Sistrunk - Display Developer/Coordinator

Because of this dedicated team, we are informed, inspired and ready to "make it happen".

A heartfelt "thanks" to these creative, dedicated and inspiring people who started our campaign so well and set an impressive trajectory for others.
 

Top of Page

A Message From Bishop Gray

 

All Saints' Episcopal Church
608 W. Jefferson
Tupelo, MS 38804

Dear Friends:
I rejoice with you as you step out into the future that God is preparing for you at All Saints'. The plans for your capital campaign are exciting and reflect the faithfulness and vision that this diocese has come to expect from All Saints'.
 

Your growth over the past several years can be measured in many ways, and the need for an expanded facility reflects dramatic growth in congregational membership. But I have also been very impressed with the deepening of your spiritual
life and the growing impact that you are having in the larger community of Tupelo and Lee County.

I commend and fully support this capital campaign. Your leadership has moved prayerfully and deliberately through the process of making a series of decisions that has brought you to this point. It is now time for you to take the next step in courage and faithfulness.

God forever calls us into an ever deepening relationship, and God forever showers grace upon us. Your response to this campaign with a financial commitment is one way that you can say "yes" to God's invitation to participate even more fully in mission of the Body of Christ.

May God continue to guide and direct you as you seek to be faithful stewards and evangelists of the great mystery of salvation.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev, Duncan M. Gray,

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And then Something from Another Gray...

 

CRAMPED QUARTERS
(I Got the Parish Hall Blues)
(by Sally Gray)

I’m a member of a wonderful Episcopal Church
Whose members are perennially in the lurch
For lack of space and room to meet
There are times when one can’t find a seat!
Our Summer Brunches were fun and nutritious
And certainly the food was always delicious
But I worried that should I gain another pound
The next week I’d have to sit on the ground!
The parish hall’s cramped and the seating is tight
So I have to squeeze in with all of my might.
I’m lucky to be teaching 4th through 6th graders.
Happily, we have few Sunday School evaders
But the room’s so small I stand to teach class
And I whisper and hope that my voice won’t pass
Through a partition dividing our group from another
As it learns about honoring father and mother.
The EYC formerly met in the Righteous House
But it was drafty and had an occasional mouse.
Our terrific teenagers need a place of their own
Where fruits of the spirit can be nurtured and sown.
So you see, we need money to fix up our place
And enhance our witness by increasing our space.
I feel sure God smiles on our efforts to date
And the need for this project I cannot overstate.

Top of Page

Join the All Saints’ Family
as we celebrate

The Kickoff of “The Way Ahead” Campaign

Wednesday, September 1st
6:30 P.M.
Ramada Inn
Convention Center

Heavy Hors d’oeuvres and beverages

Youth in grades 7-12 are invited.
A nursery will be provided at the
church for all other ages.

THE BELL HAS RUNG AND WE’RE OFF!!!!!!

Our Capital Stewardship Campaign is off and running after years of study, planning and preparation. Excitement is growing as teams of parishioners are beginning work on our campaign. The campaign will be led by an 18 person Campaign Leadership Committee chaired by Les Alvis and vice chair Betty Lee Marshall. Rector, Shannon and our Campaign Director, Armond Paulson, will also serve.
The campaign will do these things: It will secure financial commitments from all members to build new facilities to house and support all of our expanding program ministries (Christian Ed, parish fellowship, outreach, hospitality, music, and administrative ministries). It will secure one year pledges to support our annual stewardship appeal for our 2005 operating budget. And it will ask all of us to prayerfully and thoughtfully consider how we will serve our beloved parish with our talents/skills and our time.
All parish households will be honored with a personal visit from a fellow parishioner to ask for our financial involvement and support for our vision for the future.

What can you do?
• Mark Wednesday, September 1 on your calendar. This is the date of our campaign kickoff. It’s gratis and will be an exceptionally classy, gala, fun event for our parish family. (more details later)
• Say “Yes” when asked to serve on one of the eleven teams. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to be part of this historic effort.
• Pray for this campaign and its leaders.
• Thoughtfully and prayerfully consider what a sacrificial, financial commitment is for you.

This will be a spiritual experience for all of us provided we pray, laugh, work together, give sacrificially and HAVE FUN!!! AMEN!!!!!

Beginning August 1, you will see a new face around All Saints’. He is Mr. Armond Paulson, Senior Director for the Rauchenstein Consulting Group. The Vestry chose the Rauchenstein Group to direct our Capital Campaign, and Armond will be living here in Tupelo until the campaign is completed (about 12 weeks). Armond and his wife, Judy, live in Austin, Texas. There, he is an active Lutheran layman serving as a Church Council member and president (the equivalent of our Vestry and Sr. Warden, respectively), Sunday School teacher, youth advisor, and choir member. Armond’s commitment to his work here means that he will be fully involved in all aspects of our parish life. You will see Armond at worship, at programs and other activities. He will truly be joining our community, not only for the campaign work but also for his own Christian life. Please make it a point to welcome him into our parish family as he works with us to bring an exciting vision to life.

Top of Page

March 29, 2004

Dear Parish Family,

We are sending you this letter to give you the results of the Feasibility Study by Holliman Associates, Inc. with regard to our proposed capital campaign for the construction of new facilities. The purpose of a feasibility study is to measure not only our financial indicators, but also the congregation's understanding of our needs, our degree of consensus as to proposed solutions, the leadership we have in place, and our morale as a community.

The 58-page study was presented to the Vestry, Building Committee, and Finance Committee on February 16 by a representative of the Holliman firm. For the past six weeks, we have reviewed the considerable amount of data and opinion collected in the study. Below are some of the most telling results of the study, including interpretation and comments from Mr. Glen Holliman in a telephone consultation. Here are the "bottom lines:"

• Our Feasibility Study was extraordinarily strong. The response rate of 48 is considered "outstanding," compared to the national average of about 33. Only one in twenty-five congregations meets so high a percentage of response.
• There is 97 agreement about the needs we are facing and must address.
• 95 favor a campaign.
• 90 would support the campaign proceeding this summer.
• 89 said that they would give to the campaign; only 3 said they would not.
• A special strength of All Saints' is that fully 48 of respondents indicated that they are willing to work in support of our campaign. The national average for this indicator is only about 20!
• There is virtually total agreement with the building priorities set forth by the Building Committee in the tentative case statement "The Way Ahead" that was mailed to you in January.
• The report concludes that our congregation is highly positive about our current parish life, holding the clergy and staff in "very high regard," affirming the persons now in positions of lay leadership on the Vestry and campaign committees, and being both excited about our current growth and optimistic about future prospects.

The study revealed only two areas of concern about conducting a campaign or our ability to support one. First, 36 said that the initial goal of $3.02 million is too high and is not attainable (another 43 being unsure). Please understand that our leadership has anticipated this from the start, and we will be considering revisions to the master plan to make the project more affordable. This is a normal part of every capital campaign. At this point, concern over the final cost of the project is not a deal breaker! A related matter is anxiety in our congregation about being able to sustain and increase our annual operations budget during the course of a major campaign. This is indeed a serious issue that will impact our future plans. Our Treasurer, Corky Springfield, will focus on this throughout the course of our planning.

The second identified concern is the worry over a possible division within the national Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion, and the impact something like that might have on All Saints'. While many responses expressed this concern, very few indicated that it would affect their willingness to support our capital campaign. The study's conclusion is that the national Church's controversies
have produced more of a "sense of unease" at All Saints' than any real threat to the success of our campaign.
 

Naturally, some important questions remain. What will our final budget be? We know that it is likely to be less than the initial goal of $3.02 million, but we don't know how much less. The study estimates that almost $1 million would be raised in congregation pledges. In addition, we are aware of major estate bequests planned for All Saints', and there is a strong possibility of significant outside gifts. How much money beyond pledges (if any) should we borrow? Can we build everything in one project, or would it be better to undertake construction in two phases separated by several years? It may appear that not much is happening right now, but be assured that the committees, Vestry, staff, and the Rector are hard at work to bring forward the final proposals and strategy.

The last word is YES, WE WILL PROCEED WITH OUR CAMPAIGN! The congregation is solidly behind it and is willing to step up to support it. Glen Holliman himself said that the results of our Feasibility Study are "as good as it gets." [You should know that Mr. Holliman has a national reputation for being a firm realist - "cheerleading" is certainty not his style!] We are almost ideally positioned for this undertaking since our congregation enjoys a very strong consensus about our needs and the vision to meet those needs. Obviously, we have a long way to go financially if we are to get reasonably close to the mark. We will need every one of our households to respond with a pledge, either a one-time gift or over a three-to-five-year period. Our pledges must be realistic about the kind of financial commitment this will take, and you should be aware that we may have to assume a prudent debt. Nonetheless, we remain very confident, and we are most grateful for your overwhelming commitment to All Saints' future.

We would do well to remember Glen Holliman's own personal observation: "From what I see, if All Saints', Tupelo, can't do it, it can't be done!"

The Building Committee will hosted a presentation of the master design concept for our proposed new parish hall, education and administrative facilities at 9:30 a.m. (during the Sunday School hour) on Sunday, January 11,2004 in the parish hall. Architect Gus Staub was on hand to explain the drawings and answer questions. Those attending received an in-depth look at the plans for the most ambitious project All Saints' has ever undertaken!