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Frequently Asked Questions

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About the Campaign

What is Life Happens Here?
It is our joyful campaign to renew and build the spaces where our church lives its life together: the Education Wing, and the entry where every guest first arrives. We believe LPC is a home for fellowship, discipleship, and mission, and by faith, we are making room so that life in Christ keeps taking root here and keeps being carried into our community and beyond.
Why now?
As part of our master planning process, we determined we could best serve our community in our present location. We are a growing body, and we have outpaced our space. Our desire is to own the lostness of Tupelo, and a reconfigured building helps us gather, grow, and go more fully. The building is aging and we are struggling to keep pace with the people God keeps bringing through our doors. What a wonderful problem to have!
Does this project include the sanctuary?
Not at this time. This campaign addresses our children's, discipleship, and entryway spaces only. We are encouraged by our two service offerings, and believe they have addressed our sanctuary space concerns while providing additional worship opportunities.
What does “By Faith” mean?
It is the heart of the campaign, grounded in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. We plan and build what we can see, and we trust God to provide for what we cannot yet.

About the Building

What is the Education Wing?
The work we have resolved to do: a new children's chapel, refreshed children's classrooms, a new pastoral and counseling suite, a new check-in desk with a single welcoming entry into the Education Wing so it is a safe and settled place for families to grow, and refreshed, accessible restrooms.
What is the Welcome Center?
The further vision we are believing God for: a new center area for the church. It brings together an inviting entry with a covered drop-off and open space to gather, three new adult classrooms for discipleship, and a new office space for our staff.
What is the difference between the Education Wing and the Welcome Center?
The Welcome Center and Education Wing are our prayer. The Education Wing is our commitment. The Education Wing is what we have resolved to do. The Welcome Center and Education Wing, completed together, is what we are believing God for and trusting Him to provide as only He can. Our hope is simply that you can see, with joy, exactly what your gift is building and what it is reaching toward.
What happens if we do not raise the full amount?
Our vision and prayer are that God provides the resources needed to complete both projects at the same time. If that doesn't occur, the Education Wing comes first, as our commitment, and will begin construction once 50% of the cost for that phase is in hand. The Welcome Center moves forward as God provides. Nothing about the plan depends on reaching the largest number.

About Giving

What are we trying to raise?
Our commitment, the Education Wing, is $1,800,000. The full vision, including the Welcome Center, is $4,500,000. Our trigger to begin construction is 50% cash in hand for either phase: $900,000 for the Education Wing, and $2,250,000 for the Education Wing and Welcome Center together.
Will we need to take out financing?
Our goal is to take on as little debt as possible. The building finance committee, together with the session and diaconate, are committed to stewarding our church's resources as wisely, and to sparing the church from heavy debt service. After careful review, we believe that having 50% of a phase's cost in hand puts us in a responsible position to carry out the renovation work while faithfully servicing any remaining debt.
How can I give?
Review Fulfill the Pledge on our site for exact details.
  • Online in Realm: Life Happens Here Campaign
  • Check: Life Happens Here in memo line
  • Through gifts of stock, real estate, or estate planning.
Instructions for Pledging and Giving in Realm.
Is this gift in addition to my regular giving?
Yes. A campaign commitment is meant to be over and above your regular tithes and offerings, so the everyday ministry of the church stays fully supported while we build. Think of it as a distinct season of giving toward the vision, alongside your ordinary generosity.
What is the difference between the Pledge — Life Happens Here fund and the One-time Gift — Life Happens Here fund?
When making a gift, please use the Pledge — Life Happens Here fund when contributing toward your pledge.
To make gifts toward the project that don't count toward your pledged amount, please use the One-time Gift - Life Happens Here fund.
What if I am not able to give much?
There is no pressure here, and no minimum. God loves a cheerful giver, one who has decided in his or her own heart. Every gift matters, and there is room for everyone in this.
How long is the pledge period?
We are asking for three-year+ commitments. Giving can begin now, through the remainder of 2026, with the pledge fulfilled across 2027, 2028, and 2029. You are welcome to give all at once, annually, monthly, or on whatever rhythm fits your household.
Are my gifts tax-deductible?
Lawndale Presbyterian Church is a recognized nonprofit, and gifts to the campaign are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The church provides annual giving statements for your records. For how a particular gift affects your own situation, especially gifts of stock, real estate, or an estate plan, we encourage you to consult your tax advisor.
Is there a processing fee when giving online through Realm?
Yes, we ask that you please cover the small processing charge when making gifts through Realm. There is a selection you can choose when making the gift.