31 & Done is an opportunity for our entire church family to impact future generations right now. We can step forward in faith as one church body to lay the groundwork for ministry and to touch the lives of countless numbers of children and adults. If we all commit to give a portion of what we have been blessed with, our church family can achieve the following goals together.

Immediate Goals:
In order to restart construction on the Children's Center and to be able to sustain the construction costs throughout the project without significantly increasing our line of credit, we set the following goals:

To restart Children's Center construction
1. Have $1.5 million, cash in hand
2. Have $3.6 million pledged, in order to realize $3 million received

May 2012 - You will see major changes this month!
To date, we have 2.26 million, cash in hand, and we have received pledges totaling over 3.6 million! We are so grateful to God for His provision and to so many in the E91 community who have sacrificed for these goals.

The playground will be installed this month, although it will not open until the new section of the building is ready. Estimated date of completion is July 2012 for the new building, and September 2012 for the entire project, including the special needs area and nursery renovation.

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31 & Done Goals
Goal #1: Complete our KidsWorld Children’s Center
We remain committed to expressing the simple truth of Jesus Christ to the Indianapolis community and beyond. We still deeply believe in the need to expand our local children’s ministry by coming alongside community families and partnering with them in the spiritual nurturing of their children. We know that more than 75% of those who come to Christ do so before the age of 18, which emphasizes the tremendous responsibility we have to minister to children. With more than 700 children in attendance in our KidsWorld ministry each weekend, they comprise a group larger than 95% of churches in America. 

The need is great and the time is now to impact the future by completing the KidsWorld Children’s Center, started in 2008 and later halted due to lack of funds. Completing this building will allow our children’s ministry to expand, becoming an even more powerful resource for kids and families.

Features include:

• New worship space for Grades 3-4 and Grades 5-6
• Dedicated small group rooms for upper elementary students
• New specially-designed space for preschoolers, ages 2-3
• Remodel/expansion of nursery area
• Expanding space for PreK and Kindergarten children
• New custom-designed space for our growing class of children with special needs
• New playground enclosed in courtyard area

Each week, we experience increasing needs in our children’s area. Children meet in hallways due to lack of space. As our ministry with children with special needs has increased so has the necessity for more adequate classroom facilities. Like our children, this facility holds great potential. Together, we can finish what we started and help more children continue on their faith journeys.

Goal #2: Retire our Existing Debt

“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7, NIV).

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8, NIV).

The Bible is filled with much advice on handling money, including guidance on the topic of incurring debt. Many of us have experienced what it is like to be under the weight of debt at home and similar burdens apply for the church. Even when handled responsibly, debt can hamper the church’s ministry potential. Currently, we have debt of approximately $3.8 million and outstanding construction debt on a credit line of $2 million. We believe that retiring this existing debt would free our church to  explore new areas of ministry and help us to better care for our ministries on campus. Paying off this debt in full would increase direct funding for ministry by approximately $530,000 per year in saved principal and interest costs. 

31 & Done: Two Years, Together
As individuals, these goals can seem daunting at first. But, we know that with God, nothing is impossible. This is an opportunity for our church family to accomplish these goals together so that we can share the life-changing hope of Christ with our community and the world. Our congregation is filled with generous people, who have responded to so many needs over the years. Even in tough economic times, E91 families have proven resilient in their commitment to support ministry financially. With a relatively small additional sacrifice, we can accomplish these major goals together in two years.

How? Currently, we have 2,800 households who contribute financially to the E91 ministry. If each household would commit to giving $31 per week, above and beyond their regular giving, we would complete our children’s center and retire our existing debt in only two years.

What is the cost? A sacrifice as simple as a dinner out or a night at the movies.

2,800 households x $31/week for 104 weeks

Over time, many of you have demonstrated a strong commitment to E91. We are asking the entire E91 community to respond to the 31 & Done challenge in a way that reflects your heart for ministry and desire to give sacrificially.  After prayerful consideration, please let us know how God is leading you to participate in this bold ministry plan by completing a 31 & Done Commitment Card. Visit the 31 & Done table in the atrium to pick up a card or call Kevin Hibner at 849-1261 x2369 for information. You can also complete a commitment form online.

This is a moment to leave a legacy…together. This is a time when we can pull together as a family. One person might step forward to cover another person’s share of the cost. One family might find they cannot do $31 per week, but they could commit $10 per week to help accomplish these goals. When we move together as one church body, we are truly acting in God’s design and can accomplish great things for His kingdom.