DEEP ROOTS, NEW LIFE

Frequently asked questions

What will contributions to Deep Roots, New Life be used for?

Gifts to Deep Roots, New Life are restricted gifts to be used to purchase and renovate a permanent place for Church of the Apostles. We will use the gifts for a down payment, capital improvements, and deferred maintenance. Gifts to Deep Roots, New Life may only be used for these purposes.

What if we commit more than $950,000 to Deep Roots, New Life?

Thanks be to God! If we commit more than the stated need, we can dream and design our place to meet our current needs and provide for growth. In this case, all money given to Deep Roots, New Life will be used for the purchase, design, renovation, and deferred maintenance of a permanent place.

What if we commit less than $950,000 to Deep Roots, New Life?

We are sure that it is God’s plan for us to purchase a permanent place for Apostles. He has always given us exactly what we need when we need it to accomplish his plan. Therefore, we are confident that we will be generous enough to commit $950,000 and collect exactly what we need when we need it.

One advantage to giving to Deep Roots, New Life over three years is that we have time to meet the need and trust that God will be generous by calling people who join Apostles in the next several years to give and enable those who have made commitments to give more.

Will we buy the space in Trumbull where we currently gather?

Although we are not yet certain that 6358 Main Street will be our permanent place, we hope it will be. We have a three-year lease, giving us time to collect financial commitments to Deep Roots, New Life, and we have the right of first offer when the building is for sale.

We are grateful to God that moving to our current location allows us to see his vision for purchasing a permanent place. We have seen growth in visitors and new families since we moved here. And, we have been learning how a permanent place helps us stay on mission as we settle our roots deep into one place for a long time.

What kind of space do we hope to find if we don't buy our current space?

Through the research and consultation of the Permanent Place Team (PPT), our ideal space would include the following:

• We desire to buy an existing church facility

• We will also consider a commercial, retail, or office space that can be zoned as a religious property and be configured and renovated into a beautiful space suitable for Anglican worship, ministry, and mission.

• Designated kid spaces or multi-purpose rooms that can be used as Sunday School and youth rooms

• Space for adult classes and meetings

• Space for a sacristy and vestry

• Appropriate storage

• A worship space that is beautiful or can be designed and remodeled to suit the transcendent nature of Anglican worship

• Welcoming presentation to the neighborhood; inviting entrances, easy-to-find, clear signage

• Enough parking on-site, off-street parking, and spaces that we can lease from neighboring businesses as needed

• Room to grow (including adding a second Sunday worship service if necessary)

• Well-lighted, secure entrances, and a safe neighborhood

• Access to public transit - bus lines, train stations, etc.

• Fellowship areas and hospitable spaces, including outdoor green space, for hosting Come and See and fellowship events

How were the criteria – square footage, rooms, etc. – determined for the space we need?

The Permanent Place Team (PPT) determined the size of space we need as follows:

• Met with the Rector to discuss vision, strategy, and plans for growing in our permanent place

• Spoke with staff and volunteers who lead ministries at Apostles, especially for children and youth

• Reviewed the floor plans of our current space at the synagogue for comparison

• Researched the general specifications for worship space, parking, etc., for both our current congregation and to prepare for growth

• Consulted with a commercial realtor to get input on the estimated renovation cost per square foot for an existing church as well as other spaces (i.e., commercial, retail, office)

In what area are we looking for a space?

• The target area is about a 6-mile radius from our current space, including the north end and Black Rock neighborhoods of Bridgeport, Trumbull, Fairfield, and parts of Shelton and Stratford.

• In or near a residential neighborhood

• Close to a highway, parkway, or connector for accessibility to those traveling from throughout Fairfield County

• Taking into consideration where the members of Apostles currently live 

What are the design values for renovating Apostles' permanent place?

As Anglicans, we value three things in the spaces where we worship and minister: Utility, Blessing, and Beauty. We will look for space with these qualities already exist or can be designed and renovated to exhibit these values.

Utility

The property should provide an affordable, functional, and safe space for the worship of God, the celebration of the sacraments, fellowship with one another, and the care of our congregation's physical and spiritual needs.

Blessing

The property should offer to all who enter the openness, vulnerability, and hospitality that we offer in the loving and hospitable example of Jesus, with special emphasis on welcoming guests and visitors.

Beauty

The property should exhibit a sacred aesthetic, pointing us to God and reflecting our Anglican heritage through elements such as light and material.

How was the price of a potential property determined?

Apostles' Rector and leaders, including the Permanent Place Team, consulted with a commercial realtor to help us determine the cost range of a permanent place that meets the criteria defined by the Permanent Place Team. The high end of that range is $2 million to purchase, design, and renovate a permanent place.

Are we able to finance the cost of a permanent place?

Yes. Using a grant provided through the Anglican Church in North America, we hired Joe Park from Horizons, an expert in helping churches raise funds for property purchases, to help us with a capital campaign. We have also consulted with Wesleyan Impact Partners, a financial institution specializing in financing church mortgages. Through this extensive process, we have determined Apostles could borrow $1,100,000 on a $2,000,000 property. 

Apostles must raise approximately $950,000 in a cash down payment before buying and renovating a property suitable for us while continuing the work of ministry, mission, and fiscally responsible operational health.

When can we begin actively searching for a permanent place?

Commitments to Deep Roots, New Life will be received over 36 months. It is common for 40-50% of the total to be collected in the first year. Once we have enough money in hand and more coming in each month, Apostles can begin looking for space by early 2026.

COLLECT FOR DEEP ROOTS, NEW LIFE

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, giver of every good and perfect gift, lead Church of the Apostles to a permanent place. Meet us as we worship you in Word and Sacrament, grow closer as the family of God, and give to your work. Make us a generational, durable, and fruitful church for the glory of your name. Increase our trust in you as we step out in faith, knowing that you will meet us. Move us in sacrificial generosity as we ask, “God, how are you asking me to give?” Amen.