A. Expanding Our Vision is our opportunity to take advantage of all
that the Lord has given us by increasing the influence of Christ in the
lives of everyone in Meridian and the surrounding areas. The purpose
of this campaign is to encourage people to willingly grow in the grace
of giving—without coercion or pressure. As each of us grows in the
grace of giving, God can use us to accomplish His will for His church
and use us to meet the needs of our community and future generations
for Christ.

A. The new facilities and renovations to the current buildings will
address our growing needs for generations to come.

As you will see in this brochure and on film, our plans for First
Presbyterian Church are impressive, but within reach. Two new
structures will be built; one housing a combination Fellowship Hall
and Gymnasium; the other a new Children’s Ministry Building and
Nursery.

The careful planning of these two buildings will connect the current
structure to a wider church community; and, for the first time, all
portions of our campus will be assessible to those with physical
handicaps.

The Children’s Ministry Building and Nursery will feature a new
entry point to our church, with a spacious central lobby where you
will find yourself in a warm place of fellowship that allows for
transition into many different areas. This new 10th Street entryway
will be covered, allowing for all-weather access. Also of significance,
this new facility features an elevator that will reach all three levels of
our facility.

Another aspect of life at First Presbyterian Church includes providing
a facility that helps people develop not only spiritually, but physically
as well. Our new Fellowship Hall/Gymnasium will accomplish that.
As you enter, you will be surprised by the sense of intimacy that’s
created by its unique design. The plan is centered on a space that is
warm and inviting for church and community-related events, but also
allows for fellowship. A row of glass doors provides natural lighting.
This new building will feature a large kitchen.
As we expand our vision with two new buildings, we will also
renovate several areas in our current Sanctuary. First, new restroom
facilities with handicapped access will be built where the old Adult
Choir Room and Bell Choir room are; secondly, we will create a new
Adult Choir/Bell Choir room in the space the old Nursery/Preschool
rooms occupied.

Finally, the careful planning of the new facilities will result in two
new outdoor spaces. A unique meditation courtyard will be created;
and we will have a new, secure playground for our children.

A. The two new buildings will be built first. Phase II of the project
will be the renovations.

A. You can begin now by praying to know and do God’s will
concerning your gift to this campaign. Spend time in prayer and in
God’s Word as you seek to discover His will. The amount He leads
you to give will be the right amount. (2 Cor 8:11-14)

A.Your commitment to Expanding Our Vision should be an amount
God leads you to give over and above your regular tithe and
offerings. We must maintain our giving to the operating budget so that
day-to-day ministry continues without interruption. (Acts 20:35)

A. We are asking that everyone in our church pray every day for
Expanding Our Vision. We are convinced that the Lord wants to
assist you with your decision as to how much to give. A constant
theme in the Scripture is, “Not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice.” Only
you and the Lord know how much you can give. Some are given by
the Lord more opportunities than others to give in significant ways.
But we can all sacrifice equally. Pray daily for God to direct you
about your commitment. Through prayer and personal assessment, we
believe you will know what to give. Again, your gift, whatever the
amount, should be an over-and-above gift. To split our current giving
between the current operating expenses and the new building will
prove nothing and will endanger our ability to minister in the present.

A. You will receive a commitment card and be asked to fill out the
card with the amount you intend to give. The commitments will be
received on Commitment Sunday, October 7. The actual giving to
Expanding Our Vision begins the following Sunday, October 14,
when we will receive the first offering for the campaign
commitments. We are hoping to receive on that Sunday the largest
one-time offering in the history of our church. We are asking each
person to bring on that Sunday as much as they are able to contribute
toward Expanding Our Vision. However, we recognize that not
everyone will be able to do that. Most people prefer a system of
regular giving. As a result, you may give weekly, monthly, quarterly,
yearly or in a lump sum throughout the next three years of the
campaign; however, you should make your decision based on God’s
will and the best method for you.

A. No. Absolutely not. Only the total of all commitments received
will be announced on Celebration Sunday, October 14, 2007.