Newer stories listed first
Posted October 12, 2011
Dear Friends,
It seems like just a few short months ago that our congregation began to imagine what a blessing a new multi-purpose building would be to many ministries of our church-and our three year Imagine Campaign kicked off. What a great blessing the completed building has been. The reality is even better than what we first imagined!
Despite difficult economic times, as a congregation, we have to-date given faithfully and generously to honor our pledges and fund the building. As we draw near the end of our three year campaign, though, I'm reminded of what I used to hear my dad often say, "Son, if you don't finish strong, you might not end up where you want to finish." Whether it be in school, business, work, projects, sports or personal situations, I think all of us can probably remember that how strong we finished did impact (sometimes dramatically) where we ended up.
As a congregation, it is time to finish strong the Imagine Campaign-to the utmost of our ability we need to honor our pledges, or if we have been blessed with extra financial resources, exceed our original pledges. If you are new to the congregation and haven't had a chance to participate yet, you can still help by giving to the Imagine Campaign now. Every dollar goes to reduce the amount of debt on the building we have been blessed with.
May God bless you,
Larry Baldwin
2011 Finance Team
"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21
Construction has finished, and we are in the process of using the new Ministry Center more and more. See what's already going on in the new Ministry Center. Find out more...
We wanted to thank everyone who gave so willingly to the Imagine Campaign and to help furnish the new Ministry Center. There are still a few items left, so check out the list to see what God has done. Find out more...
The sounds of music, children and laughter fill the halls of the new Ministry Center at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church on Eldridge Road. The addition was dedicated Sunday, January 9, for the ministries of worship, children and students.
Construction began in November 2009 for additional space that would house free childcare for weekly church activities, all music ministries, student Bible studies, and preschool events. The center was completed in time for the recent Christmas Eve communion services.
“The new building allows us to grow by adding much needed space for classrooms, state-of-the-art music facilities and childcare facilities,” said Marty Nicholas. “But we’re most excited about the fun and learning that will take place here. We’ve already seen this building come alive with the excitement of the kids who will benefit from it the most.”
On Sunday mornings, middle-school and high-school age youth will fill the classrooms for Bible studies while expanded childcare will be offered downstairs during all church services. During the week, a wide variety of church and community activities will take place, including yoga prayer classes, adult studies and numerous music activities for all ages.
On February 24, Sugar Land Methodist welcomes back Mary Flo Ridley, nationally acclaimed author and speaker, to the Ministry Center’s larger meeting area called “The Venue.” She will offer parents a simple, unforgettable plan for shaping their child’s sexual character by giving them simple conversations at an early age. To register and reserve childcare for the event, call 281-491-6041.
Nicholas added, “We invite our neighbors to come see how we’re growing at Sugar Land Methodist.”
Sugar Land Methodist dedicated the new Ministry Center on Sunday, Jan 9. The building will house expanded childcare for weekly church activities, all music ministries, student Bible studies, preschool events and so much more. Key to designing and executing the project are (l-r) Linda Haskew, Ryan Kerr, Jeremy Stovall, Loye Ross, Rev. Martin Nicholas, Robert Reid, Chuck Mathes, Michelle Carter
Added November 9
We've prayed, planned, imagined, given and waited. We've seen buildings demolished and a new structure rising. We've been inconvenienced, muddy and dusty. We've been patient! Now, it's time to see what God has provided for us through our faithfulness.
Join us in worship on November 21 at 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. as we celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of the Imagine Campaign, then stop by the Imagine Open House to tour the new building! The building will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and members of the Leadership Team will be located throughout the building to answer any questions.
As you wander around the beautiful new facility, begin to pray for all the wonderful things that God will do in our new building and through Sugar Land First United Methodist Church in the future.
Added September 26
Added July 10
Added April 4
Added March 7
Added February 14
Added November 19
Click here to go to the pledge page and send in your pledge for the Imagine Campaign.
Added November 11
To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Imagine, we will be holding one worship at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Sunday school will not meet. It’s time to imagine the bold plan that God has for Sugar Land Methodist!
Added November 10
November 1, 2009 Imagine Ground Breaking Ceremony
Added October 25
Imagine is breaking ground! On Sunday, November 1, we invite you to participate in the groundbreaking service for our new building. We will gather at 12:30 p.m. in the grassy area just south of the Sanctuary to celebrate the beginning of construction on the Chapel renovations and new, multi-ministry building. We encourage all ages to be present for this important event in the life of the church. Our children will be decorating their very own shovel during the 10:10 hour, so they too can be a part of the celebration!
Added September 25
On Sunday, 20 September, the Church Conference overwhelming accepted and endorsed the motion presented by the Building Committee and the Boards of Finance and Trustees to proceed with the construction of the new multi-purpose building. After hearing the plans and the rationale, the church members approved the plans by a vote of over 97% in favor of the recommendation.
The new building, which should take 12 months to complete, will provide permanent and dedicated space to our growing Worship and Music ministries, attractive additional childcare room, the ability of the students to meet on the main campus on Sunday mornings and a larger prayer chapel, as well as needed offices. In many ways, our programs will benefit and the building will assist the church to reach and to retain young families who are looking for a church home.
Please watch for the upcoming announcements concerning the groundbreaking, possibly around the first of November. This will be a joyous day as the vision that we began to imagine together as a congregation starts to become a reality.
Added September 25
Project Cost
Construction Cost: $4,226,163
Consultant & Soft Costs: $853,144
Total Project Cost: $5,079,306
Added September 9
The Imagine Campaign is moving forward to determine a final budget and the construction timeline for the new building. Your presence can make a difference. We will gather next Sunday, September 20, 12:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
The Imagine Campaign Church Conference Update is now available for your review. Click here to download a pdf copy or pick up a flyer this Sunday at the Registration Desk and information racks located in the Narthex.
Imagine Campaign Financials as of August 30, 2009:
Imagine Pledges: $3,387,261
Collected: $1,198,690
Interest Earned: $7,583
Total Income: $1,206,273
Expenses: $590,988 (Capital Campaign expenses, Architectural Services, Property Surveys and Asbestos Surveys)
Cash on Hand: $615,285
Added May 6
Timeline of Events
February 2009: Given the current economic climate and the total amount of Imagine commitments, it was determined by the Building Committee that the best decision was the construction of one building–Phase I. (Note: The Student Life Building and Gymnasium will be Phase II of the Imagine Campaign.) There are several outstanding advantages to additional classroom space rather than a gym at this time. These include:
March 2009: The Building Committee is authorized by the Church Conference to spend up to, but not exceeding, $300,000 for the completion of architectural plans and building permit; demolition of the Music Suite, to include site improvement; and stained glass removal and restoration. Rationale includes:
Imagine Campaign Financials as of April 30, 2009:
Imagine Pledges: $3,387,261
Collected: $940,450
Expenses: $405,239 (Capital Campaign expenses, Architectural Services, Property Surveys and Asbestos Surveys)
Cash on Hand: $535,211
Added March 11
The recent Church Conference held on 10 March in the Sanctuary approved the recommendation of the Building Committee by an overwhelming majority. This approval now allows the Building Committee to proceed with incremental steps in the Imagine Campaign that include the completion of the architectural plans on the multi-purpose building; application for building permits; the demotion and site improvement of the Music Suite; and removal and restoration work on stained glass windows. The vote of the conference allows the Building Committee to spend up to $300,000 of the Imagine Campaign funds that currently total over $700,000 given to date.
It is the plan of the Building Team, along with the Board of Trustees and the Finance Team, to report to another Church Conference in the summer with a budget for the construction of the multi-purpose building and a construction timeline in order to seek approval before proceeding. Please continue to lift in prayer the hard work of these leaders as they plan and decide the next steps with prudence and caution.
Click here to download the Meeting Minutes
Click here to download the Motion that was put up for vote
Added March 10
We've received new detailed drawing of the Multi-Purpose building and chapel rennovations from the architechs. Click here to see them...
Added March 3
There will be a question and answer session on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Parlour. The building committe will be there to update you on the next steps of the Buidling Campaign and answer any related questions that you have. We plan on seeing you there!
Added March 3
All members are encouraged to take part in an important Church Conference on Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. A vote will taken on the next steps for the Building Campaign, to include:
Funds are available for all the above.
Please Note: Another Church Conference will be required to determine if construction will begin or if we will wait, depending on economy, the health of the operating budget and the Imagine Campaign budget.
Added May 3
Dear Friends,
In January you received a letter detailing the status of the Imagine Campaign plans. As you may recall, our Building Team and Board of Trustees has determined that the building designed primarily for childcare, classroom space and music will best suit the current needs of our congregation. The advantages to additional classroom space rather than a gymnasium building include:
The Building Team, Board of Trustees and leaders from the Finance Committee met to evaluate the status of the Imagine pledges and contributions, the revised estimate of construction costs and the Ministry Operating Budget in light of the current economic climate of our country. Leadership feels that incremental steps can be taken that will maintain momentum, reduce expenses and improve our ministries while exercising the needed prudence and caution that these times require. It would be cost efficient to authorize the architects to develop the construction documents and have the construction contractor provide a detailed estimate of costs. Also, some demolition work can proceed, as well as the stained-glass window restoration.
Therefore, a Church Conference is being called on March 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary to present the proposal to the congregation for approval. A “Question & Answer” meeting will be held on March 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the Parlor to give you a chance to talk with the Building Team, and preview the plans.
God has blessed us through this season of ministry and is leading us into this year and the years that follow with a new sense of vision and possibilities. Together, we can only imagine the lives we will touch with God’s love and the impact we will make in building God’s Kingdom.
In Christ,
W. Martin Nicholas
Senior Pastor
Added May 3
Dear Friends,
The beginning of each new year is a time of resolutions, planning and change. As we start 2009 as a family of faith, let me take this opportunity to update you concerning our Imagine Campaign and the progress that has been made.
At the end of November, it was announced that the pledges to the Imagine Campaign totaled $3,500,000 with new commitments still being made. I am so proud of your strong support of Imagine, in spite of all the distractions we faced. During the fall, we experienced the damage of Hurricane Ike, the anxiety of the economic woes and the noise of a presidential election; yet, your sacrifice was faithful, enabling the Building Team and Trustees to move forward and plan for the church’s future needs.
Several meetings with the architects and contractors evaluated the needs of the Children, Student and Worship Ministries as well as the construction possibilities. The decision of the Building Team and Trustees was that Merriman Holt Architects further develop the plans for the building designed primarily for children and worship, not the gymnasium building. Currently, the contractors and the church’s project manager are estimating construction costs, which are now dropping slightly.
Given the current economic climate and the total amount of the Imagine commitments, it was determined that the best decision was the construction of one building and there are several outstanding advantages to additional classroom space rather than a gym. These include:
In the next few weeks, the Building Team will meet with the Trustees and review the estimated construction costs. With the Finance Committee included, a proposal will be developed to present to the congregation at a Church Conference. Please continue to keep these leaders in your prayers as they work hard in their task.
God has blessed us through this season of ministry and is leading us into this year and the years that follow with a new sense of vision and possibilities. Together, we can only imagine the lives we will touch with God’s love and the impact we will make in building God’s Kingdom.
In Christ,
W. Martin Nicholas
Senior Pastor
Some have asked “When do I start giving?” and “How do I give?” The Campaign giving period officially runs from November 1, 2008 until October 31, 2011, however, if you prefer you may begin giving on January 1. You may write a separate check or you may combine your “Imagine” contribution with your regular giving. If you combine the amounts on a single check, please be sure to indicate in the memo line how much is to be applied to each. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Thomas at 281.634.8952.
We are seeing lives touched and transformed by God’s love! Our programs and ministries are expanding as the community around us continues to grow. New opportunities exist for our church to reach people for Christ, so let us continue to move forward in faith and confidence as creative and relevant witnesses of Christ with all our resources, time, talents and financial gifts.
Our goal is to be an irresistible influence in our community, expressing Christ’s love for all in our service, our fellowship, our worship and our programs. This will require our continued investment in the lives of others and in Sugar Land Methodist. To meet this goal, we are embarking on a Capital Campaign. Through the campaign, we will be able to put into place the facilities and programs needed to increase our ministry to the community.
Our title for this campaign is “Imagine” and you will be drawn into the image of a child gazing at the heavens, imagining what the future holds. I believe this theme captures the spirit that we share of remembering our heritage and imagining our future. Our church’s ministry has been a strong and faithful presence in Sugar Land for nearly 100 years and now we are ready to discern and to discover the exciting future that God has planned for us.
It is my prayer that you will wholeheartedly support “Imagine”. Enclosed is some preliminary information. In the coming weeks you will receive additional details about this project. Please know that you are important to us, and we covet your prayerful support.
May God bless you and make you bold in your service for Him.
Martin Nicholas
Senior Pastor