FACT SHEET
Your Questions Answered
Why don’t we knock down the existing building and
start again (incorporating the stained glass
windows in the new complex)?
For future Christian ministry on this site a custom built
building was our preferred option. However, there were
three compelling reasons not to choose this option: (a)
the disruption to the families of those buried in the
Columbarium Wall (b) the streetscape is under a heritage
restriction (c) The cost was out of our league.
How can we afford it if we are already behind
budget with our regular giving?
We are behind budget for the year (working on a budget
where an equal amount is given each quarter). However,
our consistent experience (and the experience of other
growing churches) is that much more is given in the
second half of the year than the first half. A further
complication is that there is a turnover at the end and
beginning of each calendar year. At this stage many who
left stopped giving to church (and switched their giving
to network support) as they left the church, and the new
church members are only starting on direct transfer
giving now.
Why don’t we knock down or sell the Rectory?
We are limited about what we can do with the Rectory
because (a) it is Heritage Listed and (b) we and the
Anglican Church Property Trust do not think it wise to
sell off parts of an already relatively small parcel of
land.
Will my gift be tax deductible?
We are setting up a tax deductible fund which will allow
a percentage of the cost of the new building to be
claimed as tax deductible (the portion of the building
used for ‘Christian Education’ will be tax deductible).
Why doesn’t the Anglican Church Property Trust
pay for this project?
The Anglican Church Property Trust owns the land, church,
hall and rectory on trust for us. Most of the trust’s
relatively small reserve of funds are committed to buying
future church sites in new housing areas in Western
Sydney. However we have been encouraged to think that an
application for funding will be given a favourable
hearing, especially when we show what strong local
support there is.
What will happen to the stained glass windows?
The moved stained glass windows will be relocated
prominently.
What about parking?
We will need to demonstrate that more people using our
site will not significantly adversely impact parking in
the local area (in the off peak times that we use the
church). This should not be difficult as most people who
drive to church currently park in Annandale Street (on
the Parramatta Road side). If church attendees park in
Annandale, Johnston and Trafalgar streets, any impact on
the local parking will be minimal.
I want to start giving financially to Building
God’s People now. What do I do?
Some people have already started giving to the building
fund. If you would like to do this please phone Marnie
on 9660 2444 or drop her an email:
marnie@christiansinthemedia.org.