Ministry Plan - "Central to our City"
"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your
welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." Jeremiah 29:11
In February, 2008, Central UMC adopted a bold new Ministry Plan to guide the devleopment of our ministries, facilities, and resources to realize the following fruits:
Individual spirtual growth, evidenced by increased faithfulness in worship, prayer, Christian formation, service, giving, and tithing.
To that end, Central has appointed a Building Committee, started Ministry Teams, and selected a consultant to conduct a feasibility study for a capital campaign. Check back here frequently for updates on the process of realizing God's bold new vision for Central.
UPDATE - JUNE 28, 2008
Many Ministry Teams of leaders will be meeting to develop those visions in the areas of Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission and Extravagant Generosity.
Meanwhile, the Finance Committee, chaired by Warren Green, has interviewed and selected a Capital Campaign consultant to conduct a feasibility study for the financing and development of an emerging capital plan to redevelop ministry space for the ability to offer relevant, new and existing ministries to accomplish our Mission to offer Christ’s unconditional love as we reach up to God, reach within ourselves and reach out to our community. Rev. Dustin Cooper of RSI will lead our consultant process, secure our feasibility study leadership and potentially lead our capital campaign, upon approval of the congregation to proceed with a development project, to be determined with a congregational vote in winter 2008/09.
The Building Committee, chaired by Roger Odneal, has been interviewing many church architects primarily from the Kansas City area as to their interest in our emerging development project. An architect will be selected by the end of the summer to begin feasibility work with Ministry Teams of the church and develop initial concepts of development and redevelopment of ministry facilities that serve the vision of the Ministry Plan and the ministries we plan on offering as we renew our commitment to being “Central to our City.”
Below, are the core concepts that have emerged from our 2 ½ year process of listening, learning, gathering, praying and planning. They will serve as guides in the development of drawings, fund development, and planning that will lead to an All-Church vote in winter 2008/09 when we will vote to proceed on this exciting step of renewing our witness and preparing our ministries and space to welcome and form new generations of God’s people. God is providing abundantly more than we can ask or imagine—persist in your prayers, offer your support and talents, sacrifice abundantly, and discover how God is doing a new thing in our midst!
CORE CONCEPTS FOR THE PROPOSED BUILDING PROJECT
Purpose: To develop a ministry facility that facilitates the Church’s mission to offer Christ’s unconditional love as we reach up to God, reach within ourselves and reach out to our community.
Core Values: Intergenerational, multi-purpose, accessible, connecting with the architecture of the current building and introducing strong elements of hospitality, group gatherings, meaningful conversations, community service, comfort and experience of the Holy. Attention to the arts, families and student culture around the church should be evident. “Green” and/or renewable resource design will demonstrate the church’s commitment to faithful stewardship of the earth and its resources.
Timing:
LATER SUMMER-FALL 2008 Architect secured; Ministry interviews: Renderings developed; Financial Feasibility study
WINTER 2008/09 Architect plans secured; Congregational vote to approve Project and Funding; Contractor bids
SPRING 09 Capital Campaign developed; Bids and permits secured
FALL 09 Possible construction to begin
Basic Elements of Project under Consideration:
• Large community, gathering space for multi-use including (but not limited to) small conversation areas, hospitality, food service, contemporary worship, lighting and sound for large groups.
• Multi-use classroom/small group spaces for adults and youth.
• Children and Family Center space, accommodating a full childcare facility • Office suite for Shepherd’s Center Central
• Mission/Disaster relief areas which might include bunk rooms, shower facilities
• Enhancements to hospitality and gathering space adjacent or connected to the sanctuary (main worship space)
• Redevelopment of existing spaces for accessibility, hospitality and updated aesthetic.