CREATING A PLACE TO BELONG
Capital Campaign Insider Resources for Faith Groups
In Support of the United Methodist Community House
“The poet Robert Frost once wrote, ‘Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.’ In offering a powerful image of God’s love, Jesus said, ‘in my Father’s house there are many dwelling places’ (John 14:2). We all need a place to belong, we all yearn for safe and secure space where we are valued, a place to call home. The United Methodist Community House has provided such a place to belong for over 100 years, reaching out to those who might otherwise be struggling to find such spaces. It has done so out of a deep commitment to see all persons as beloved, a value rooted in the Methodism of its founders, but a value widely shared by many. I am proud to support the work of UMCH and am delighted to participate in its bold new project to create more space for a place to belong.”
–Bishop David Alan Bard,
Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church,
and cabinet member, UMCH Creating a Place to Belong Campaign
CAMPAIGN RESOURCES
For All Faith Groups
Case for Support
A complete overview of the Creating a Place to Belong Campaign, including a description of the need, detailed project plans, and photos.
Visual Case for Support
The document we affectionately call our “placemat,” the visual case for support is a 1-page 11″x17″ piece that quickly summarizes the Creating a Place to Belong Campaign.
Campaign Prayer and Bishop Bard's Message
Project Drawings
We will share the latest architectural drawings and renderings as they are available. These drawings were last updated in March 2024.
> View 3-D renderings of the new facility here
> View 904 Sheldon renovation floor plan
> View 900 S Division floor plans and elevations
> View preliminary concept drawings for intergenerational playground
Photos
Photos that can be used for presentations or simply to follow along with our progress! We will add to these regularly.
Pledge Card
For United Women in Faith
United Women in Faith Campaign Brochure
This brochure designed specifically for United Women in Faith and was mailed to all individuals on the Michigan Conference UWF mailing list in April 2023.
1902 Society Details
For this momentous occasion, we have created a 1902 Society to honor the creation of UMCH by United Methodist Women in 1902.
Every gift matters. Every donor will receive a special bookmark and be listed on our website in alphabetical order (unless requested to remain anonymous).
The 1902 Society membership begins with a commitment of $19.02 per month for 36 months (or $684.72 total, payable over three years). All 1902 Society members will receive the bookmark and website listing as noted above, and will be listed on a 1902 Society sign at UMCH. Members will also receive a specially designed 1902 Society enamel pin at a 2023 UWF Annual Celebration.
Donors who give $190.20 per month (or $6,874.20 total, payable over three years) or more will receive all of the recognition described above and will be listed on a donor plaque in the new building.
History of UWF and UMCH
A history of the partnership between United Women in Faith and United Methodist Community House from 1902 through today, prepared by UWF leadership
Letter from Julia Paradine-Rice
Letter to Michigan Conference UWF members from Julia Paradine-Rice, President of the Michigan Conference UWF and Chair of the United Women in Faith UMCH Campaign Committee
LEARN MORE & SPREAD THE WORD
In-Person Tours
Learn more about the Creating a Place to Belong campaign and see the vision first-hand by scheduling an in-person tour with your group. Tours last 60 minutes or less and there is no request for funding made during the visit.
Speakers for Services & Gatherings
If you can’t make it to our site for a tour, members of the UMCH leadership team can come to you to share the vision of the Creating a Place to Belong campaign. We would be honored to join you at an upcoming service, UWF unit meeting, or small-group gathering.
To schedule a tour or a speaker, contact Stephanie Suero at ssuero@umchousegr.org or 616.452.3229 ext. 3031
United Methodist Community House strengthens our community across generations
through life-changing programs and services.
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United Methodist Community House | 904 Sheldon Ave. SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49507 | (616) 452-3226