| Good morning. I represent the Organ Capital Campaign Committee. A year ago, a committee began to review options for restoring fine organ music to Rutgers. We talked to organ builders who were familiar with our instrument and organ technology, and we reviewed different, and differently priced, options, from simply patching some of the more egregious flaws to replacing the instrument. Because we have an instrument that is worth restoring, replacement was not considered a serious option. We could have opted to patch this very early 20th century instrument, but that was a matter of continually throwing good money after bad. So, the committee recommended and the Session approved engaging an organ builder to restore the organ. Competing bids gave us an opportunity to challenge the vendors on their commitment to give us the features we wanted, and we now have an excellent builder focused on our needs, at a fair price. The Session authorized the formation of a committee to spearhead fundraising for this project, so that we might avoid diverting much of the money from other church programs. We began planning this campaign in June. I’m happy to report that members of the Rutgers Church community have already pledged nearly $150,000 of the $400,000 required for this restoration, and we are only now formally launching this campaign. This is a difficult economy, so where is the money coming from? Well, let me tell you about listening up. When I first came to New York, I never noticed that tall buildings had tops. I saw what was in my line of sight, straight ahead, to the left and the right. I never looked up. Then an architect I know introduced me to the remarkable detail that tops so many New York buildings, and now I look up all of the time, and I see a new and bigger and more interesting world. Those who “listen up” are hearing the music of gifted artists, like George Davey, playing our organ, and they know that so much more is possible. By supporting this restoration, they are listening beyond what we hear from our instrument today, listening already to the remarkable music that will be made possible through this effort. Their gifts, to the glory of God, make the remarkable possible. So, this is your first, but not your last, opportunity to consider what your own gift might be to support this effort. The committee has mathematical aids to assist you – calculators, multiplication tables, an abacus, a pair of dice – whatever it takes. Committee members will now stand, so you know to whom you might speak if you have questions about the campaign. I have a sample pledge form, and you will find others in the bulletin in future weeks, and we'll also be mailing them to you. One final word: note that I have written two checks. One of these is for my organ campaign pledge (which is payable over three years, by the way). The other is for my annual stewardship pledge. One doesn’t replace the other. So please give thoughtful, prayerful consideration to your commitment, in anticipation of Capital Campaign Pledge Sunday on October 5. Thank you. |
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