Get It dONE Capital Campaign

The Prince of Peace story began in 1963. From the start we weren’t a typical church. We launched an outdoor worship service in the old Lucky Twin Drive-In Theater and integrated music and art in innovative ways. We designed our ministry to meet the needs of the growing community around us, taking risks in order to connect new generations with God’s love revealed in Jesus. We began building our first facility on the Ridges campus in 1974, with an addition in 1982. A few years later we purchased the medical clinic we now call the Christian Life Center. Our cross tower symbolizes our privilege to be a beacon of hope and wholeness to the community.

Our history is full of bold risks we have taken in order to meet the needs of the community around us. It is plain to see that the community has changed dramatically in the past several decades. In order to continue to impact the community for the sake of the Gospel, God’s vision for Prince of Peace challenges us to take new risks, collaboratively providing hope and wholeness to all people south of the river with specific focus on children, seniors, and people in poverty.

There are many great years behind us, but our best years are still ahead. It took courageous faithfulness and hope-filled generosity to build on this ground in 1974. Through that bold step, God has blessed thousands.

Today, Prince of Peace provides hope and wholeness for thousands of people on our campus and around the world. Phase 1 of our One Church Transformation was just the beginning. Now it’s time to finish what we started. Why? To enhance the incredible ministry we do here at Prince of Peace. To set up future generations for success. To pay forward with gratitude the incredible gift we’ve been given in this Church. To make this the kind of place to which we’re proud to invite people to encounter Jesus.

Prince of Peace is called to connect. We are called to connect with God in a vibrant relationship that brings us to greater aliveness. We are called to connect in our relationships with others who nurture, support, and challenge us. We are called to connect with the South Metro area to bring hope and wholeness to all, with specific focus on children, seniors, and people in poverty. We are called to connect and work collaboratively with schools, churches, local government, campus partners, and the business community to be the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus in the world.

As we look to the challenges and opportunities ahead it has become increasingly apparent that our facilities need to adapt in order to propel us forward into our vision. It’s an exciting and ambitious vision that can only become reality through our generosity.

Our God is a “finisher.” God finished the work of creation and rested on the Sabbath (Genesis 2:1-2). Jesus completed God’s work of redemption on the cross proclaiming, “It is finished” (John 19:30). And St. Paul promised that “the One who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it” (Philippians 1:6). Now, following God’s lead, we are being called to finish what we started.

That’s what the Get It dONE campaign is all about – responding to God’s goodness and following God’s lead in finishing the work that God has called us to do.

Phase 1 Construction Recap
The completion of Phase 1 of our One Church Transformation has exceeded all expectations in terms of its beauty and functionality. Nearly all ministries under one roof has created energy, increased staff collaboration, brought all generations together, and deepened our sense of community. This was made possible by the success of the One Church campaign in which $7M was committed and raised. Phase 1 construction costs are $13M, with current construction debt at $6M. This is construction debt; our final debt will be reduced at the end of Phase 2 construction.

Phase 2 Construction
Phase 2 of the One Church Transformation is estimated at $10.7M. Top priorities are the completion of the Chapel and parking lot, and construction on the first level to create a new Mission Outpost, Dental Clinic and Child Care area. This scope includes a 4,500 square foot addition to the west side of the building to serve Mission Outpost with receiving, storage and refrigeration space, plus a 1,000 square foot Facilities storage garage. $3M of the total cost is for capital repairs that must be completed whether or not we renovate our space. This includes completion of our parking lot, and the cost to replace our roof, electrical and mechanical systems when the Sanctuary renovation is done.

The Christian Life Center building was sold in October 2020 to Fairview Health Systems for $6.55M! This provides resources to pay off up to half of our construction debt from Phase 1 and invest in Phase 2 of construction. The building was sold to a long-time partner, providing an opportunity for expansion of medical services on the Ridges campus. Prince of Peace leadership is committed to assuming only as much debt as we can responsibly handle for the long term. Ideally we would tackle the entire proposed Phase 2 construction in 2021-2022 to save inflationary costs for construction and to transition efficiently into our renovated space.

CLC proceeds will also be used to pay down some of the cost of Phase 1, so that when our project is complete our remaining debt is affordable within the ongoing operating budget.

In order to model giving beyond ourselves we will also be giving 2% of Get It dONE funds raised to the Saint Paul Area Synod’s “Planting Hope” capital campaign which focuses on 4 key areas: Inviting others into a life in Christ; Renewing synod congregations including support of current mission starts; Raising up the next generations of leaders; Investing in a transformative project on the east side of St. Paul with community partners. It is a privilege to build the larger Church as we build our own ministry.

What is the purpose and goal of the Get It dONE campaign?
The goal of the Get It dONE capital campaign is to raise funds to finish what we started in Phase 1 and to move our One Church Transformation from vision to reality. How much of this we can accomplish depends upon the generosity of the congregation, and the proceeds from the sale or lease of the Christian Life Center building (CLC). Ideally the remaining work would be completed in this second phase. In November 2018, the congregation authorized the Prince of Peace Board of Directors to negotiate the sale of the Christian Life Center (CLC) and the associated lower parking lots. In October 2020, the sale of the CLC to the Fairview System was completed. This sale provides huge opportunities to Prince of Peace as we continue our One Church Transformation. CLC proceeds will also be used to pay down some of the cost of Phase 1, so that when our project is complete our remaining debt is affordable within the ongoing operating budget.

When does the Get It dONE campaign begin and when does it end? What is the time line for contributions?
This is a three year campaign with commitments beginning in February 2021 and contributions on a schedule that works best for you. Some may choose to make a one-time gift, others on a regular monthly basis or annually.

How do I learn more about the building project?
To get the latest information on the construction progress, visit our Land & Building blog at popmn.org/land-building-blog.

How will the Get It dONE campaign and construction affect our regular operating budget?
The capital campaign dollars raised are dedicated to only construction costs and are completely separate from our operating budget. Our plan is to keep construction debt, beyond what is paid by the Get It dONE campaign, at a level that can be managed by our operating budget without impacting ministry.

During a capital campaign there is always the concern that some disciples will divert some of their generosity from the general operating budget to the capital campaign. Shortfalls in our regular offering negatively impact our staff and the ministry to which God has called us. In addition, a failure to grow our operating fund through growth in stewardship keeps us from responding to the need for new and innovative ministry, from compensating high quality staff in order to keep them here, and from expanding staff as ministry needs dictate.

Our ongoing ministry relies upon continued faithful giving for regular mission and ministry.

Supporting The Wider Church
We will also be giving beyond ourselves by contributing 2% of funds raised in the Get It dONE campaign to the Saint Paul Area Synod’s capital campaign which focuses on leadership development and needed ministry in the east metro. The Synod’s “Planting Hope” campaign focuses on 4 key areas: Inviting others into a life in Christ; Renewing the congregations of the synod including support of current mission starts; Raising up the next generations of leaders; Investing in a transformative project on the east side of St Paul with other community partners. It is a privilege to build the larger Church as we build our own ministry.

Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes! Your gifts are tax deductible if you itemize your contributions when filing your tax return. If you have questions, please contact your tax advisor. The giving chart below may be helpful in planning your gift as it demonstrates how a weekly gift can grow over a one or three year period.

May I give electronically? Are there other giving options?
You may complete the electronic giving section on your commitment card, or enroll in electronic giving here. Besides cash, you may contribute gifts of stock and other securities. Charitable IRA Distributions for those over age 70-½ provide several tax advantages. Consult your tax or financial advisor.

How can I be a part of making this campaign a success?

1. 1. Pray. God, what would you like to do through us at this time in order to do your will for our church and our surrounding community?
   2. Stay informed. Information will be provided by email, mail, social media and through online worship opportunities. If you have any questions, please call the Church Office at 952-435-8102 and leave a message, or email onechurch@popmn.org. Someone will get back to you promptly.
   3. Prayerfully respond/return your commitment card. What would God have you give as part of this campaign to bless future generations?

Giving Challenge
The Get It dONE campaign will provide the resources needed to continue our One Church Transformation. It is also an opportunity to grow in faith as we invest more of our heart into God’s work in the world. Sacrificial giving teaches us to trust in God’s provision, rather than our reserves. Our generosity will provide for our ministry today and for generations to come.

Make a Major Gift – If you’ve been financially blessed, pray and consider making a Major Gift of $50,000, $1,000,000 or more.

Make a Lead Gift – If financially possible, pray and consider making a gift of $10,000-$50,000 over the next three years.

Matching Gift – As a starting point we ask you to pray and consider matching your current offering over the next three years. If you contribute $50/week would you give an additional $50/week to the Get It dONE campaign?
Make a Legacy Gift – Commit to leaving a portion of your estate to the campaign in lieu of, or in addition to, a current campaign commitment. Whenever they are received, these estate gifts would be used to pay down the debt on this construction.