Central To Our Future: 

A Campaign for Central Church

Final Report

 

We are pleased to report that the Central to Our Future capital campaign for Central Church has exceeded its $3.5 million goal. Thus far, we have received $3,521,386 in gift commitments, of which $2,253,041 has already been received.  This wonderful generosity is the result of gifts from 242 households.

This faithful support of our mission to enhance our building so that it can continue to be a place of welcome, radical hospitality, and service is a testament to the vibrance and health of our many ministries.  As we gather under the dome once again to worship, inspired by the beauty of our building, we will be called into an expanded mission that welcomes all.  By the end of the year, this welcome will be extended even further with the completion of our new accessible west (parking lot) entrance and elevator.

I am extremely grateful to all who have given to and prayed for this campaign.  Your sacrificial giving has made these projects possible.  I am especially appreciative of the former members of the Traverse Bay UMC congregation who allowed some of the proceeds of the sale of their building (approximately $700,000) to complete the $4.2 million project without significant long-term debt.

A special thanks for this wonderful fund raising success goes out to the Capital Campaign Committee that made over 75 calls and visits to Central’s friends and members to invite their support.  During these visits, we heard over and over again an overwhelming appreciation for Central Church and especially its pastoral and staff leadership.  In many ways, these gifts are an affirmation of Central Church’s current and future ministry.

In addition to the work of the Capital Campaign Committee, the Building Committee under the leadership of Lisa Myers, and the Board of Trustees under the leadership of Tom Alfieri and Glen Lundin have managed the complexities created by last year’s flood.  In addition, they have faced the inevitable challenges of renovating a building that is over 100 years old while the major construction of the Fish Pass is going on nearby.  All of this is being managed in an economic environment of rapid cost escalation.  Thanks to them for all of their hours of dedication and careful planning.  

On behalf of the Capital Campaign Committee whose members include Pastor Linda Stephan, Bob Blackmer, Jackie Barone, Al DeSimone, Mark Girardin, Michael Matts, Dave Maxson, Ann Porter, Royce Ragland, and Kathy Schaeffer, thank you for all of your support and encouragement.  As a committee, we are grateful to have participated in this campaign that has been envisioned for many years and we look forward to the many future ministries that the renovated building will host and enable.

Grace and peace,

Dean Francis

Campaign Chair