Frequently Asked Questions
How did we get here?
Our church suffered catastrophic water damage as a result of the February 2021 winter storm. In light of that disaster we formed a Facilities Task Force, who have worked under the supervision of our Church Council to oversee campus restoration efforts. By summer of 2021 it became evident through prayer and discernment that UPUMC had been presented with an opportunity to reinvent portions of our campus rather than to replace them as-is. Working with an architect and general contractor, our Facilities Task Force recommended to our Church Council that we adopt a set of guiding principles for facility improvements and move forward with creation of what is now our Gathering Area and first-floor classrooms/parlor.
What other factors influenced the work we have completed and the campus improvements that are being proposed?
Our church clergy and lay leadership initiated a comprehensive visioning and discipleship planning process in late 2021, which resulted in us understanding our church’s context-specific vision: Embodying the love of Jesus for the good of our communities. From that grew our discipleship ecosystem, which gives us a guide on how to do the work of embodying the love of Jesus in our individual lives and corporately. The completed and proposed facility upgrades each directly support ministry strategies we believe will lead to achieving our vision.
Does the Bible address the transfer of wealth and assets to the church?
Both Old and New Testaments refer to the use and investment of money for the purposes of God’s kingdom. The spirit of these passages is the joy of participating with God in the redemption of all things. Some quick examples include Acts 4 where believers sold property for the church’s purposes or 1 Timothy 6 where believers were commanded to not put their hope in wealth but be generous and willing to share. A critical text is Luke 12 where Jesus teaches not only that our use of wealth is an indication of what we truly love but also “to whom much is given, much is required.”
How will I be updated on progress toward my pledge?
UPUMC’s finance office keeps accurate records of all things related to donations and will distinguish between your giving to the operating fund and the over-and-above giving you do to the campaign fund. All who pledge will receive a quarterly report as to what you’ve given compared to what you pledged. We will simply report and never chase or pester.
What if I can’t give to the campaign at this time?
We anticipate that some in our congregation may not be in a position to give beyond what they are already giving to the mission of UPUMC. Of course, we will never make anyone feel anything other than love from us—this love is not earned nor lost by a financial donation! We encourage you to pray and be supportive of the campaign in other ways.
How is financial accountability and decision-making handled at UPUMC?
Day-to-day financial operations are led by Constance Harp, Director of Finance. She and Executive Pastor, Rev. Emma Williams, are teamed with members of the Church Council who make up a Finance Committee. The strategic and top-level finance decisions are made in consultation with the Church Council and executed by the staff.
What if we don’t achieve our campaign goal?
We have set an ambitious but realistic goal, and we trust that God will provide through this congregation’s generosity. Not reaching our goal may negatively impact our ability to carry out the campaign’s proposed projects and prevent us from retiring construction debt incurred for flood recovery.
What if we raise more than our campaign goal?
If we exceed our target, this will put UPUMC in an excellent position to retire more debt, start components of the project earlier, reduce the amount of “value engineering” required to complete the projects we have named as Gather Together campaign priorities, and fund reserves.
What is the construction timeline?
Renovations to a facility as highly utilized as ours takes a great deal of planning in order to minimize the impact on each of UPUMC’s core ministries and our on-site partners’ ongoing programs. We anticipate construction beginning on the new music suite as early as Q1 2025 with the remaining projects beginning in Q2. Construction should be substantially complete by the end of 2025.
How will the church adapt its facilities for ministry as spaces are under construction?
The Facilities Task Force maintains close relationships with each of UPUMC’s ministry areas and with our on-site partners. Construction will be staged in a way that ensures the least possible amount of disruption (both in duration and in magnitude). For instance, work to the Caruth Main Entry Plaza will not begin until late spring, which we believe will minimize delays caused by weather. Major construction on the Children’s and Family Atrium will begin after the last day of class for The Weekday School’s 2024-2025 academic year. Connecting Point of Park Cities (CPPC) will use the activity center, parlor, and select first-floor classrooms on an as-needed basis.
What are some immediate positive impacts we can anticipate being made possible?
With the addition of the Caruth Main Entry Plaza, the same energy we experience in the Gathering Area each Sunday will spill onto the Caruth Patio, signaling to our neighbors that UPUMC is a vibrant hub of our community, and the Children & Family Atrium will create a sense of enthusiasm among Children’s Gathering participants as well as Weekday School families.
Who are the leaders of the campaign?
Adam & Janelle Hickey, Chairs
Alex Bell
Joe Brannon
Noah Bunn
Brooke Messer
Suzanne Miller
Dub Newman
Lee Wiley
Constance Harp
Joe Stobaugh
Emma Williams
Why do we need to receive commitments for giving over a three-year period?
A multi-year pledge allows us to consider our congregation’s capacity to give over a period of time. First of all, a person may not have cash available right away but could allocate or re-prioritize funds over a stretch of years. Second, there are tax advantages to giving in each of the years 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027. And finally, the pledge becomes a helpful budgeting tool for UPUMC—the church will have an approximation of the cash dedicated to this project.
How should I think about my capital campaign commitment relative to my regular giving?
Although the Gather Together campaign will impact our future as a church, maintaining steadfast, regular giving is vital. We ask that you make a commitment to the building project without decreasing your regular giving. In other words, don’t rob Peter to pay Paul.
What are the most common giving methods?
Most people give through bank transfers, checks, cash, debit and credit cards. Yet, many high impact gifts come from transfers of stock and Donor Advised Funds and Charitable Giving Accounts. Tax-savvy givers at UPUMC are already using some of these vehicles for the win-win they represent to the church and to the donor. Please consult your tax advisor on these matters, and if you have any questions about using non-cash assets to fund your commitment, please reach out to Constance Harp, UPUMC’s Director of Finance.
How do I determine how much I should contribute to the campaign?
Click here and you will find a helpful 3-step discernment process designed to help you make a decision that is right for you and your family.
