Giving & Stewardship

The 2024 Keep DPC Cool Campaign is in full swing. Click on the link above or email or call the DPC Program and Ministerial Secretary, Denise Howell, who will send a pledge card out immediately – phone: 404.378.1777 x226, email: dhowell@dpchurch.org

A Critical, Beyond Budget Giving Opportunity

March 3, 2024

Dear Members and Friends of Decatur Presbyterian Church,

This letter represents a heartfelt “thank you” and a “significant ask”. First, thank you for your generosity and faithful stewardship. For generations, you have provided for Christ-oriented missions and ministries while also maintaining and renovating our wonderful buildings at the corner of Church and Sycamore Streets. Over the years, you have continued to inspire me with your generosity and willingness to do what is needed for the sake of our shared mission.

The “significant ask” relates to a once-in-a-generation need, which is the replacement of the large HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) units that sit on top of the Bradley and McGeachy Buildings. These buildings house the fellowship hall, nursery, DPCC preschool and kindergarten, children’s ministry, chancel and children’s choirs, the Keith Parlor, session room, adult classrooms, administrative offices, and the Global Village Project.

We were fortunate not to have to replace these two units in the prior capital campaign, but we knew their time was coming. We were hopeful to include these units in the upcoming major capital and debt retirement campaign, but that campaign has been delayed until 2025 and we could wait no longer. In short, the 20+ year old units have limped toward their demise. After multiple, expensive repairs often over the past few years, their replacement became inevitable. And since the lead time to install these units is approximately six months, we could not wait and risk being without heat and air for a long period of time.

How much do these large HVAC units cost? As anticipated, far more than I would have imagined! Each of the two units, including installation, costs the church $126,500, thus the KEEP DPC COOL campaign goal has been set for $253,000. This is a large sum, but not beyond the ability of our members to fund in a short period of time. Your session has already pledged significantly toward this effort. Personally, my household plans to give approximately one-fourth of our annual pledge to this effort. Some may be able to give far more.

Why does the church not have a “sinking fund” for such needs? We do have a Major Maintenance fund, but it continues to be depleted by ongoing major maintenance needs. Why don’t we use the endowment to address such needs? We have funded a number of critical building projects over the years from our endowment draws, yet due to the significant cost of these HVAC replacements, a special campaign is required. Fortunately, we are blessed with an endowment whose future annual draws will cover many of the lesser major maintenance needs that have been identified.

Is there a silver lining? Yes! The replacement of these units will reduce dramatically the HVAC repair costs that we have been experiencing, AND the efficiency of the new units, along with our fairly new solar panels, will reduce our annual operating costs.

As you prayerfully consider what you are able to give to KEEP DPC COOL, be aware that we are planning a large, three year pledge campaign in 2025 to retire the remaining $1.5 million debt from the 2017 Wide Open Doors Campaign and address the other critical major maintenance and renovation needs that will enable our ministries to thrive. Thus, significant “beyond the budget” giving will be needed now and for several years to come. Such giving opportunities are part of being a healthy, vital congregation that lives and serves to the glory of God as we appreciate our past and look forward to a bright future.

In addition to the faith that undergirds and our considerable human resources, our buildings are our primary “tool” for ministry. These wonderful buildings, utilized almost every day of the week, house not only the ministries of our congregation but also many community events and activities. The generosity and faithful stewardship of all our members are needed to ensure that we KEEP DPC COOL!

Please offer a check or give online within the month of March, or make a five-month pledge (payable by July 31, 2024). Thank you once again.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Dr. Todd Speed

“I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”
John 13: 34-35