Good Shepherd members,

Thanks to those who have attended our presentations on the past two Sundays in May. We know there are still lingering questions about the project. That’s not surprising, as it is a significant undertaking with lots of interconnected parts.

Mission Green (Jim and Liz Fritz) are sending emails with FAQ (frequently asked questions) over the next several weeks leading up to the Congregational Vote on June 5th. 

We hope these emails will help answer these questions and alleviate concerns.

Here’s FAQ #2 about COSTS:

Should Good Shepherd assume additional “debt” and burden the youth and young families of the church?

• Consider this an investment in a carbon-free future for our youth, not a burden
• This is a short term investment, only 8.5 years
• In 1988 the economy was pretty awful and interest rates to buy a house were over 10%.  The church elders made a similar choice to build the Sanctuary.  We now enjoy that great space because of their forward-thinking.

What if there are cost overruns like we had with the 2019 remodel?

• Mission Green accepts ALL liabilities, overruns, or contingencies.
• There will be legal contracts signed to lock the price to Good Shepherd.
• There will be no financial surprises for Good Shepherd.

What is the cost if we don’t move forward with Mission Green's proposal?

• New furnaces will cost approx. $75,000 over 7 years (equipment, installation, and loan interest)
• Energy costs will continue ad infinitum (well over $10k/year by year 7)
• Loss of $130,000 in grants, donations, and forgivable loans secured by Mission Green

Mission Green, LLC is offering a business proposal to eliminate Good Shepherd’s use of natural gas. It is a time-sensitive proposal. 

The congregation’s responsibility will be to either accept the proposal or reject it in its entirety. The Congregational vote will be on June 5th, immediately after worship.

 SAVE THE DATE 

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, following worship - SPECIAL CONGREGATION MEETING TO VOTE ON CARBON NEUTRAL INITIATIVE

At its April meeting, the Congregation Council voted to bring Mission Green, LLC’s Carbon Neutral Initiative to the congregation for a vote on June 5th.

Created by Good Shepherd members Jim and Liz Fritz, the proposal provides a carbon-neutral solution to help the congregation eliminate fossil fuel use and create its own renewable energy.

Information about the Carbon Neutral Initiative for Good Shepherd can be found here:

• New Mission Green videos that include the information presented at the Adult Forums and statements by local experts: www.youtube.com/channel/UCwOiVwCWNjHJLy-pcn1IZD
• Good Shepherd’s website: www.goodshepherddecorah.org/missiongreen/
• Jim and Liz’s website: www.missiongreen.llc

Jim and Liz welcome in-person conversations and questions as well as email messages: missiongreen@icloud.com

Sincerely,

Jim and Liz Fritz

Mission Green, LLC