Extending The Vision Q&A:

Q. What is “Extending the Vision?”
A. Extending the Vision (ETV) is the growth and giving emphasis that we began together as a church in during the month of April 05. At that time, we gave an offering together for the next phase of our campus. Those of you who have been around Saddleback for one of the four previous campaigns know that we believe God wants to use this as a faith building time for our church family. This is not a fund-raising campaign, it is a faith-raising emphasis. If you were not here when we started, it’s not too late! You can still participate in the Extending the Vision emphasis. If you would like to make a commitment online for ETV, click here or email etv@saddleback.net for more information.

Q. What are the projects included in Extending the Vision?
A. There are five main projects that are included in Extending the Vision:
1. A new youth center called the Student Zone. (After being in rented facilities, portable buildings and tents for 25 years, our youth will finally have a building!)
2. A new entrance to our property (At Rocky Road, which will be renamed “Purpose Drive.”) We will also be adding more parking spaces to our campus.
3. An open air Pavilion/bookstore on our patio. (This was built with our first offerings to this emphasis.)
4. The Pedestrian Core is between the two new parking lots. It contains stairs and elevators that lead to an elevated pedestrian walkway which will cross above Saddleback Parkway so pedestrains don't conflict with car traffic.
5. A central cooling plant to cool our new and existing buildings. This will save the church a great deal of money over time.
You can learn more about each of these components by clicking on them to the right.

Q. There’s construction where the Student Zone is going to be built, does that mean we’ve begun?
A. Yes! We ripped out the parking lot and graded the pad, and we will begin work on the foundation in January.

Q. How will parking work during construction of the Student Zone?
A. We have a bunch of capable people doing everything they can to help things go smoothly…but, until the new lot opens our parking is going to be crowded. Here’s what will help—you parking at the Sterling lot (next to Starbucks) on Sunday morning and riding the shuttle. You’ll get to church quickly and we even throw in coffee and doughnuts!

Q. A building offering and tithing and PEACE trips — how do I balance my giving?
A. Great question! Tithing should be our first financial priority as Christians. If you are not tithing, start there…then, you decide where to give additional offerings.

Q. Will my commitment be kept confidential?
A. Absolutely!

Q. How will I designate my ETV commitment each week?
A. Our offering envelopes are printed with separate designations, so you can indicate what part of your weekly offering is going toward your ETV pledge versus your regular tithe. You can also click on "My Giving" above to give electronically.

Q. Is it easy to do online giving? I’m not really that good on computers.
A. We have made it as easy as possible! Just click on “My Giving” in the tabs above. Then, follow the simple instructions. All you will need in front of you is one of your checks, so you will have your account number. If you would like someone to walk you through the quick process, call Dottie at (949) 609-8073.

Q. What if I still want to give some property or other assets that I just didn’t get organized to give yet – and how do I do it?
A. Many people have asked us about giving their stock, bonds, coin collections, real estate, fine jewelry, and other items of value to the ETV emphasis. If you’d like to give a tangible asset, please keep in mind the following:
1. It is better to give an appreciated asset to the church instead of selling it yourself and giving the money. By doing this, you avoid capital gains tax.
2. It is better to sell a depreciating asset yourself and give the cash to the church.
3. For assistance in this area, call Pastor Chris Goulard’s office at (949) 609-8203.

Q. I didn’t get to see Rick’s video that he wants us all to watch. Is there some way I can still see it?
A. Yes, Click on "Building for the Next Generation" to the right to watch it on the site.

Q. I have a question that wasn’t answered here.
A. Please e-mail us at ETV@Saddleback.net. As appropriate, we’ll add your question to this FAQ.