The Outreach Embedded in the Capital Campaign

The Outreach Embedded in the Capital Campaign
Susan Testa

I have what I like to call a “white blouse syndrome”.  Some of the women out there will know what I mean.  White blouses are the basis of so many fantastic outfits but they are boring to shop for and I dislike spending my money on something so mundane.  I feel the same way about buying things like water heaters and vacuum cleaners.  Ho-Hum.

My impression of pledging to the Capital Campaign was in danger of falling into that same sorry syndrome.  Brick and mortar holds very little interest for me.  I could see with my own eyes that there were leaks in the roof and I know how that causes other structural problems if not taken care of.  I volunteer in the office 1 morning a week and have to use a space heater to counteract the draft from the windows.  $$ are literally flying out on the currents. And dodging potholes in the parking lot so I won’t twist my ankle is getting harder to do as they grow/multiply and I shrink and age.  But I would rather use my money to feed the hungry, cloth the naked and provide a home for the needy.

EPIPHANY!  I can have both with my support of the Capital Campaign because built into those boring building projects is the basis for so many of the worthy missions I wish to support.

Did you know that the Front Door Agency is in the same spot as the Nashua Transit Bus stop?  In bad weather, people waiting to board that bus do so in the shelter of the front porch of that building.  That same front porch is in need of repair and that project is part of the Capital Campaign.

Did you also know that First Church recognizes the Front Door Agency as an outreach partner?  We rent the entire building to them at a price well below market value.  Their monthly payment is roughly the same as the price of an average apartment.  The money we save them is then used to house, cloth, feed & counsel those in need.

We also provide snow removal ($$saved), landscaping ($$saved) and especially parking to the Front Door Agency .  Our parking lot is most certainly on the list of projects for the Capital Campaign, making it safer for them and for us.

In addition to all of that, 10% (a biblical tithe) of the money raised is going to our own Outreach Board for use in ways that they will determine.  More money being spent on causes I wish to support.

There is no way I could do those things on my own, but with the help of all my fellow congregants I can make a difference in the lives of many.  So now I’m excited to support this campaign and I hope you will join me in my enthusiasm.