A Message From  “roots & wings” Campaign Co-chairs – John & Pollie Morison

This is our first issue in a series of monthly newsletters designed to keep Presbytery and local church leaders up-to-date on the progress of the r & w  campaign.

After nearly ten years of dreaming, debating and planning, we are now on the brink of sharing the vision with the people most likely to support the plan... nearly 19,000 Presbyterian members of our 65 churches in Eastern Virginia.  The improvements envisioned for Makemie Woods include:  a setting for adult ministry, a new indoor activity building, a welcome center to improve security of the site, water and sewage upgrades, and more. 

Building awareness and upholding the project in prayer is the need now and your active support is requested.
      
        IHL,  John and Pollie

Campaign Fundraising Timeline

• Over the next five months two “quiet” solicitation strategies will be undertaken.  The first will be among Presbytery and local church leaders, campaign volunteers, and Presbytery and Makemie Woods staff.  This will be followed by education and personal solicitation of more than 400 potential major donors.
• By the April Presbytery meeting at Makemie Woods, we will be able to announce that a significant portion of the project goal has been pledged.
• Local churches will be asked to prepare for the May launch of the congregational phase of the campaign in which we will reach out to our nearly 19,000 members.  This phase of the campaign will be completed by the end of June.
• By fall 2005, churches will be asked by Presbytery to include Makemie Woods in their respective budgets, beginning in 2006.

New Campaign Support Materials in Production

A team of volunteer communications professionals has designed several new tools that will be available soon to facilitate communicating the vision of the roots & wings project. A brochure will provide specifics of the improvements planned at Makemie Woods and a new video presentation will include a virtual tour of the facilities to be constructed.  This newsletter will provide updated information on the progress of the campaign.

Church Campaign Ministers

• Local Church Campaign Ministers (CCM’s) have received training and materials to be used to introduce and keep the roots & wings campaign before their congregations.
• An inspirational video on the value of camp and conference experience and the potential for expanding adult ministry at Makemie Woods with accompanying brochure and poster have been made available to each church for use with Sessions, church groups, fellowship events, etc.
• Newsletter articles and bulletin inserts have been distributed for local use following stewardship season.  Speakers are available to help share the vision for this project.
• CCM ORIENTATION – February 8 and 10, 2005 – Packet of materials will be given to each CCM for the church “kickoff” events which will be held after the April Presbytery meeting.