Finish Strong Campaign
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. - Phillipians 3:13
Download our 21 Day Devotion Guide
The focus of the “Finish Strong” campaign is to address our current mortgage debt of $2,239,901. Every dollar given to the campaign will be applied towards the principle of the loan, including monthly principal and extra principal payments. This not only reduces our debt more quickly over the next three years but potentially saves significant interest costs. The current interest will continue to be paid from the annual budget.
We see two main reasons for pursuing this goal:
-
To apply good stewardship practices by focusing financial resources on God’s work, not interest expense.
-
To offer Suntree UMC members a high value giving opportunity where every dollar given to reduce our mortgage principle will save significant dollars of interest expense.
Our church leadership has prayerfully considered the timing of this campaign, and while there is never a ‘perfect’ time for a campaign, they believe it is important to move forward now. Our debt is a significant burden on Suntree UMC’s budget and is impacting our ministries and our mission. It is critical that we address this need in 2021.
The giving period of the Finish Strong Campaign begins in June 2021 and continues for three years. This giving period stretches over four tax seasons, which may be helpful as you consider the timing of your gifts. An important aspect of this campaign is that you consider it in addition to your current estimated giving, which is needed to maintain our current budget. This includes operational expenses, salaries, ministries, and interest payments on this loan.
Commitments to the “Finish Strong” campaign should be over and above one’s regular giving. Please do not reduce your regular giving in order to make a commitment to the debt reduction campaign. We understand not everyone can make an additional gift to this campaign, but everyone can participate by joining in prayer and giving thanks for all that God has done and is doing at Suntree UMC for God’s Kingdom.