Compton UpLift FAQ: Extending Our Ministry to More People

Compton Heights Christian Church is in the midst of Compton UpLift, our capital campaign to improve our building and expand our ministry as a result of these improvements. Construction completed February 2020. Keep reading for answers to the most common questions people have about this campaign and project.
What does Compton UpLift do?
- Made the fellowship hall and lower level accessible to people with physical limitations through the installation of a lift near the front door of the sanctuary and the basement.
- Created two gender neutral bathrooms on the lower level. One bathroom contains a shower.
- Made needed repairs to the kitchen waste system to make clean up after group meal functions possible.
- Replaced the fellowship hall flooring.
- Replaced the fellowship hall ceiling, adding new light fixtures and upgraded HVAC vents.
What does the lift, upgraded bathrooms and kitchen mean for Compton’s
ministry?
- More people can attend fellowship dinners
- More possibilities for meals we have for ourselves and the community
- Better accessibility to Isaiah 58 Ministries functions: exercise, food distribution, assistance, celebrations
- More availability to community groups who need meeting space, but need accessibility
- Genuine welcome for transgender people to have accessible gender neutral bathrooms
- Ability to host small youth groups or work groups overnight with the shower available
- Shower facility a plus for Isaiah 58 clients seeking assistance, change of clothes, etc.
- Accessiblity for:
– Larger receptions, such as weddings, funerals, anniversaries, etc.
– Easter morning breakfast and other meals
– Soup and prayer evenings for Advent and Lent could be physically inclusive
– In-house congregational retreats
– Bazaar, craft sales, trivia night and all events
What did Compton UpLift cost?
The total cost was $265,000. We borrowed $195,000 from Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) secured by a mortgage on the church building and land. Visit www.disciplescef.org for more information about DCEF.
How are we paying for Compton UpLift?
- As of July, 2021 – through grants, fund raising, friend gifts, member gifts and pledges we have paid approximately $85,500 of the total cost. The balance on our mortgage as of July, 2021 is approximately $179,500.
- We need to raise an additional $89,000 to cover the total cost.
- + $ 89,900 – current pledges(over 5 years) and gifts (these are amounts already given or pledged)
- + $74,600 – new grants, gifts and pledges over and above our support of our basic ministry
- + $15,000 – fund raising (over 5 years)
- = $179,500 – Total – mortgage balance as of 7/2021
- Additional pledges and gifts averaging $14,900 yearly for five years are needed to reach our goal. (Additional amounts will be needed if fundraising falls short.)
- Breakdown: $14,900 is $286 a week over and above our support of our basic ministry.
- Perspective: If 29 people give an extra $10 a week, that would equal $290 a week.
Suggested ways to save in order to give
- Forego a $5 latte, a $10 movie ticket or a $10-15 lunch
- Give a portion of a tax refund or an insurance settlement
- Contribute in honor of a birthday or anniversary at $1-a-year observed
- Sell unused personal items at a yard sale or some inherited treasure and donate the proceeds
Group fund raising activities and no-cost contributions
- E-Scrip Dining
- Save aluminum beverage cans
- Trivia nights
- Donate scrap copper or aluminum from repairs
- Bazaars or craft sales
- Monthly soup lunch with donation basket
- Coin banks (including found coins)
- Online fundraisers
- Shop through Amazon Smile or GoodShop
How do I let you know how much I can contribute?
- Download, save, fill out, save, and return the Compton Uplift Pledge Form to the church via mail or in person
How do I contribute to Compton Uplift?