<div>October 16, 2024
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<div><strong>Stage Two: Going Solar!!!</strong>
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<div><strong>Rooted and Growing Together</strong>
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<div>What began in 2021 as an emergency fundraiser has now evolved into the capital campaign we originally envisioned, thanks to your unwavering support and our collective efforts!
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<div>Atonement knows its building’s true value lies in the vibrant community that gathers within its walls: By My Side, Recovery Groups, Concerts, Community Events, Advocacy Groups, Movie Nights, Morning Music, Voting, and so much more. You are the heart of Atonement. 
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<div>We seek to maintain our space in a safe and supportive way for our larger community. To continue on this trajectory, we have discerned a few large projects, the primary of which is our plan to go solar! A few other things surround that goal, so all together, we are looking at the following to maintain the best and safest use of our building for everyone:
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<li>Solar Panels
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<li>Building Batteries
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<li>Roof Replacement
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<div>The congregation has already replaced half of the roof; the other half is at its life expectancy. The church’s sanctuary is also used for Concerts, Morning Music, Movie Nights, Voting, and various town hall-style meetings for the community. The roof maintenance contributes to our alleyways' safety, one of which serves as a primary entrance throughout the week. 
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<div>But let's talk about the really exciting part - going solar!
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<div>We are working with Solar States, which has an extraordinary mission. They install panels and work within our Philadelphia community to educate and train people in this field. They’ve surveyed our building and determined that we are an excellent candidate for solar panels. This panel array would almost, if not completely, cover our power usage. The building batteries would enable us to continue operating the building even with a power loss in the neighborhood - an essential function supporting By My Side and the groups that meet regularly in the building. It would also allow us to function as a shelter for the neighborhood if needed. 
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<div>Going Solar is also an opportunity to care for creation, which is an excellent way for us to love our neighbors. The reduction in utilities and any possible income will help us continue addressing the maintenance of our building so it can continue functioning on behalf of the community well into the future. 
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<div><strong>Please consider giving $5, $50, or $500 to our next stage.</strong>
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<div>What to expect from us:
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<li>Every dollar will go to the property with sustainability and safety needs prioritized. 
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<li>Regular updates about what is happening and how the process is unfolding.
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<li>Open and transparent communication with you regarding any questions you have.
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<li>And an enduring commitment to embody dispositions and practices of love and hospitality.
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<div><em>First Update</em>
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<div><strong>THANK YOU!!! Our emergency goal has been met!</strong> We will be transitioning to our originally intended capital campaign. Donations can still be accepted here; they will be applied to minor repairs left over and to the Capital Campaign: <strong>Rooted and Growing Together! </strong>
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<div>Please see the updates for more details! 
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<div><em>Original</em>
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<div>It’s been an eventful week for Atonement. Our boiler (aka Spot, the Dragon) has cracked and won't be bouncing back. Then, just yesterday, an electrical panel caught fire. Thankfully, everyone in the building for these emergencies remained safe. Plans have already been underway for a number of capital improvements to Atonement’s facilities (including replacing the boiler), but now we must accelerate our efforts. As we head into the fall and winter, we miss Spot's heat greatly; however, dear Spot will be replaced by Puff, the Magic Heat Pump! And repairs to the electrical panel and the fire-damaged areas are now a top priority. We are seeking your support to address these pressing and necessary repairs.
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<div>These repairs—and the other planned capital improvements—will enable Atonement to continue to serve as the vital community center that it is, housing beloved organizations and providing a gathering place for meetings and events. So many rely on Atonement and call it home: By My Side Neighborhood Parenting, Recovery groups, Fishin’ In C Chamber Music, Fire Museum Concerts, Polling Site for elections, and of course our queer-affirming Christian spiritual congregation in the Fishtown neighborhood. This is not just about the building for us. It’s about accompanying people while they:
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<li>figure out parenting
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<li>try to include spirituality in gender neutral child raising
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<li>navigate life and addiction
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<li>find easy access to the beauty of fine arts
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<li>are just trying to figure out how to get from here to there, whatever that might mean to each individual
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<div>It is never just about the building for us.
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<div>Under normal circumstances, a replacement would run around $30,000 to $40,000; however, the ongoing COVID pandemic has increased prices—doubled, in this case. We will be switching to a system which will provide both heating and cooling. The $70,000 estimate includes the four units needed to cover our expansive building, as well as the ductwork, electrical upgrades, any associated permits, and labor.
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<div>This emergency effort to fund the replacement boiler and fire-damage repairs is now phase one of our capital campaign. If we exceed the $70,000 goal, the remaining money raised will be put towards phase two of the capital campaign.
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<div>We hope that you can partner with us! We believe that we can reach this goal of $70,000 with your help through an avalanche of small contributions. Make a donation today using this site.
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<div>Thank you and God bless.
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<div>Pastor Noah
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