St. Jonah Orthodox Church

Rev. John Whiteford - Rector

 

January 7th, 2010 n.s.

 

Christ is born! Glorify Him! 

 

"Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the Temple;

and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD" (Haggai 1:8).

 

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

 

We are writing to ask for your help in building our new church.

 

Less than two years ago our parish purchased the land that we currently occupy.  This property had a house and a barn.  We used the money we had available at that time to remodel the house (our Phase I building) which we have used for services ever since.  However, we have already outgrown this facility.  Now we have turned to the renovation of the barn (our Phase II building).

 

After the completion of the architectural designs, and a bidding process, we have settled on a contractor, and are beginning to get the necessary permits to proceed with construction.  To date, we have raised more than $100,000.00 to build. $50,000.00 is needed to completely fund this building project.  The mortgage on our property does not allow the financing of this construction project.  We appeal to you, our brothers and sisters in Christ, to help us make this huge leap as a Parish by donating generously towards our building fund.

 

Let us know if you will be able to help us with this project by completing the attached form.  All pledges will be held in strictest confidence.  You are encouraged to submit the names of your loved ones that you would like for us to remember in our prayers.  We also ask for your prayers for the success of the project, and for our continued growth.

 

We ask that you respond by January 31st.

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Fr. John Whiteford and the St. Jonah Parish Council

 

 

Click here for the Appeal Response Form

 

Click here for Commemoration Forms.

 

Click here to read St. John (Maximovitch)’s thoughts on the importance of building a Church.

 

Click here for photos of our current facilities.

 

Please send your tax deductable donations to:

 

St. Jonah Orthodox Church

P.O. Box 1427

Spring, Texas 77383

 

You can also donate online by clicking on the Donate Button:

 

 

 

Potential Sources for Funds

 

A common question that is repeatedly asked: "I would like to help but I do not have any money or sources of money to help with."  This is a situation where if one's desire is strong enough to want to help then there are means to access funds. Although just increasing one's weekly/monthly tithe is a very viable option, at present this does not satisfy the immediate need of a substantial amount of money for at least a required down payment.

 

Several ideas are presented below for consideration.  Each idea must be evaluated based upon one's own financial situation and possibly with the aid of an accountant or financial planner.  This is not an exhaustive list but presents several avenues that can be pursued.

 

Your Tax Return - donated funds are tax deductible on your income tax provided that you itemize.

 

Withdrawals from Savings Account - donated funds are tax deductible on your income tax provided that you itemize. 

 

Sale of stocks, bonds or other securities - donated funds are tax deductible on your income tax provided that you itemize.  Costs may be associated with commissions for the sale. Also, capital gains taxes may also be applicable. 

 

Home Equity Loan/Second Mortgage - donated funds are tax deductible on your income tax provided that you itemize.  Interest on loans may also be tax deductible.  Costs may be incurred for fees to acquire the loan. Failure to pay back the loan may result in loss of house since your house is used as collateral. 

 

Loan from Life Insurance Policy - donated funds are tax deductible on your income tax provided that you itemize. Need to check terms of policy and any penalties.

 

Loan from Company 401k Plan - donated funds are tax deductible on your income tax provided that you itemize. You pay back yourself through payroll deduction for a set period of time.  Tax consequences may result if you leave the company prior to loan payback. 

 

Cash Advance from credit card - donated funds are tax deductible on your income tax provided that you itemize.  Very high fees and interest rates.  However, if one takes advantage of special promotions for new credit cards, there maybe no fees and interest rates maybe very low for the introductory period.