On This Rock...
I Stand
On the foundation built by the sacrifices of the saints that came before me,
...I Stand
On the faith of my Christian brothers and sisters striving together to make Madison First United Methodist Church all it can be for the glory of God,
...I Stand
On the promises, gifts and graces of Jesus Christ, my rock and my salvation,
...I Stand
On this same rock, we the Body of Christ at Madison First United Methodist Church begin a new journey bathed in prayer. Individually, we discover our part in the process. Together we have the joy of truly experiencing what God can do through us. It’s our turn now. On this rock, we make our mark. Not just for ourselves but…
- For our family
- For our community
- For our children and their children
- For the next person seeking a relationship with Christ
- For the glory of God
What a great time to be a part of Madison First United Methodist Church
For together on this rock... We Expand
God has magnificently blessed us here at Madison First with dramatic growth in ministries and membership. As a result, we have great opportunity, great need and we need the great faith and space necessary to answer God’s Call.
The Goal:
We are called to further the ministry of Christ in ourselves, our ministries and our community through the use of a spiritual growth journey leading to a capital stewardship campaign. This will allow us to expand both our faith and our facilities as we fulfill our church’s vision and mission statements: “Madison First United Methodist Church exists to glorify God by being a healthy Body of Christ” and “encouraging and making disciples” to reach our community and beyond with the message and love of Jesus.
The Challenge:
Our challenge is to provide and fund facilities, enabling us to attain excellence in ministry and mission still retaining the spiritual atmosphere of places like our sanctuary.
The Plan:
We plan to build new and renovated facilities which will enable Madison First to be more effective as a caring Body of Christ in ministry and mission. Through a series of idea exchanges, needs have been gathered and a proposal made to include facility additions and changes which will include age-appropriate, fully accessible spaces for:
- education
- activities
- worship
- storage
- fellowship
- food service
- prayer
- counseling
- gymnasium
- music
- media center
- care and celebration ministries
A NOTE FROM OUR CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR
It takes more than just a building to make a church - it takes people… people who have fellowship with one another and most importantly, with God.
Through this fellowship, we are launching out in faith with the “On This Rock” spiritual journey and capital stewardship campaign. We believe that our people are going to experience spiritual growth and fulfill the vision that God has given for the church.
The prevailing theme of our journey and capital stewardship campaign, “On This Rock: I Stand – We Expand,” is a great challenge to us all. As we prayerfully seek God and do His will in this matter, we will grow spiritually as we walk in faithful obedience.
The commitments we make during this campaign will be very important to the future of Madison First United Methodist Church. Together under God’s leadership and direction, we will achieve an exciting victory for our Lord, giving Him all the praise and glory!
Jack Miles
Campaign Director
3 Steps to Determine My Faith Commitment
Step 1: Pray
This is the first and most important step in preparing your heart to respond to God’s call to action. Ask Him what He would have you give to help others find the peace and promise you have found in Christ. Listen to what He says.
Step 2: Prepare to Sacrifice
God does not expect equal giving, but He does expect equal sacrifice. Remember these are gifts above and beyond your regular tithes. Think in terms of what you can give up in order to reach our community for Christ.
Step 3: Expect a Miracle!
It is an awesome God we serve! So trust that He will provide what He impresses you to give even if it’s greater than the resources you can readily identify or expect. Leave room for faith in your commitment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are we planning to build?
The building project will provide much needed space for our preschool and children’s ministries. It will also provide for the renovation of existing youth Sunday school space for our elementary school children and a new youth center/education building. The center would include space for adult Sunday school and Bible study, providing an appropriate home for our contemporary worship service. We also envision a Fellowship Hall with a state-of-the-art kitchen. We need to renovate existing space to provide handicapped accessible restrooms, pre-marriage and pre-funeral family gathering room(s), chancel and bell choir rehearsal rooms and administrative offices.
Why build now?
We’ve reached capacity in our current facilities and God continues to bless us with more and more people seeking to become a part of Madison First United Methodist Church. In order to respond to this blessing, we must provide the additional space. Our current situation clearly calls for immediate action Now!
When do we begin construction?
As quickly as possible!
What is the total project budget?
God will lead us to this answer as our entire church family prays for His guidance in what ministries, programs and missions He wants at Madison First United Methodist Church. Once we complete this prayerful, spiritual journey, our Building Committee will ask an architectural firm to draw up new and renovated facilities that meet the vision God has given us. The final cost could be several million dollars.
How will the funds be raised?
The funds will be commitment pledges by our members during our “On This Rock: I Stand – We Expand” spiritual journey and capital stewardship campaign, February 5 through April 16.
How will the commitments be made?
Commitments will be made either by giving weekly, monthly or annually over a three-year period. Commitment cards will be signed at the Leadership Commitment Event on April 1st and the Celebration Event on Sunday, April 9th. Some may also be led to give non-cash gifts.
Will monetary commitments be made public?
No. Absolutely not.
Can commitments be changed, if necessary?
Yes. You may either increase or decrease your commitment at any time the Lord leads.
Will I have a chance to ask questions prior to making my commitment to the “On This Rock: I Stand – We Expand” program?
Yes. There will be information meetings scheduled during March.
Will new members be asked to help fund the project?
Yes. New members will be contacted by the Follow-Up Team and given the opportunity to make a commitment to the project.
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”
Matthew 19:26
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