Care

Our 50,000 sq. ft. building has been a beautiful, strong, and spacious place to gather for worship, discipleship, and mission to our community for the past sixty of our 175-year history. Looking to the future, we desire to continue ministering in and from this building and its ideal downtown location.

We have recently invested significant funds in replacing the boiler system, installing a radon abatement system, removing asbestos, replacing most of the windows, restoring and protecting the stained-glass window, rebuilding the parking lot, installing internet wiring, and improving the north entrances and appearance with new awnings, signage, and lighting. We are grateful for the generosity of our congregation in funding these important and transforming projects.

There are several more improvements needed soon. The roof over the sanctuary and other areas needs to be replaced at an estimated cost of $220,000. The eleven original bathrooms and fixtures throughout the building need to be completely remodeled and replaced, which will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars All the lighting in the sanctuary needs to be replaced due to damaged wiring, fixtures, and inefficient bulbs, costing about $100,000. The organ needs about $80,000 in repairs. To lower utility costs and be good stewards of the earth, it would be a wise investment to spend at least $50,000 for solar energy from the roof. To rent out better office and educational space, more internet wiring requiring new ceilings and lighting in the lower and upper levels would cost at least $50,000. These expenses feel overwhelming. We all feel the economic pinch that impacts our ability to give above and beyond our usual offering. If we paid for these projects with our endowment, it would be unwisely depleted and our future cut short.

After prayerfully considering the needs and opportunities of both our congregation and community, the Trustees, the Building Repurpose Team, and the Ministry Council is proposing a creative and generous way for our congregation to best improve and use our property. What if we give our building to the Community Foundation?

Our building is in a prime location to serve our community. To grow in worship and ministry in this space, make needed improvements, and reach out in mission, we are proposing this transformative partnership with the Community Foundation of Northcentral Wisconsin. There are many logistics and legalities to work out, but the major idea is that we would have a renewable 100-year free lease to ensure certain areas of the church such as the Sanctuary and space for offices, music, classes, etc. are used exclusively by our congregation.

The Community Foundation would manage the rest of the space to be used by other non-profit organizations which align with our church's social principles. Some of the common areas, such as the Parlor, Chapel, Kitchen, and Fellowship Hall, would be spaces shared by our church and the other non-profit tenants. The Community Foundation would pay for all exterior and most interior improvements and maintenance. Exceptions would be for organ repairs, and possibly the sanctuary lighting. Our congregation would pay for a portion of utilities and cleaning, but we would save at least $50,000 every year in building expenses. After researching the needs of our community, the Community Foundation would prioritize using our space for childcare. They would create a partnership with the Woodson YMCA to offer a much-needed expansion to their childcare program. Our building could be used to nurture many young lives and give their parents better means to provide for their families and serve the community.

Another need is to continue as the site for basic English Language Learning (ELL) and Cultural Orientation. New Beginnings for Refugees (sponsored by the Community Foundation) also hopes to use the kitchen and fellowship hall for weekly community dinners featuring ethnic food prepared, sold, and served by new immigrants. This would fulfill the vision depicted in our stained-glass window of people from around the world coming together because of Christ's love and teaching.

The Foundation also recognizes a need for offices, storage, and studio space for several visual- and performing-arts organizations. Many of the sunny, south-facing offices and lower-level classrooms could be ideal, and the Fellowship Hall stage could be used for performances. Our talented congregation is known for celebrating music and the arts, and this is an opportunity to continue and strengthen that tradition. Our staff would likely need to move their offices closer to the parking lot, and they are receptive to that idea.

This kind of arrangement has been done by other United Methodist Churches. Our District Superintendent is supportive of us pursuing this opportunity, and the District Board on Church Building and Location would help us follow a process to ensure the long-term strength of our congregation's mission. Along with these possibilities are likely questions, concerns, and ideas. We invite everyone in our congregation to learn more, ask questions, and discuss your thoughts about this proposal at any of these upcoming meetings:

Monday, October 17, 6:30 pm
Sunday, October 23, 9:00 am
Sunday, October 30, 11:00 am

Grace and Peace,

First UMC Ministry Council, Board of Trustees, and Building Repurpose Team

Peyton's Promise Fall FUMC Drive