Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland."
A word from Faith UMC's former pastor, Rev. Jenna Johnson,
about our 3 year Making A Way Campaign
Our Story
In 2012, the people of Faith UMC of Corinth made a bold move in the purchase and development of the property across from Guyer High School. In this space, they built a building to house worship and community partnerships with the purpose of deepening their relationship with Christ and each other.
Our current building situated on 10 acres of land is the result of this faithful choice, made possible by the generosity of the members and friends of our church and an outstanding mortgage balance of $2.9 million. The interest-only payments amount to about $120,000 annually. Nine years after our church found its home at 6060 Teasley Lane, we are still making interest-only payments toward that mortgage.
The Making A Way Campaign is an opportunity for our church to restart on a Holy Spirit-guided path towards a new vision of future ministry at our church. By working together, our church can use this campaign as a launching point for our new reality—toward financial security and freedom for ministry in this new phase!
Together, we can invest in the future of our church and Denton county by investing generously in this campaign to change the trajectory of our lives together through partnership and community!
The Facts
The Loan:
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In 2012, our church transacted a $2.9 million mortgage to buy our current 10 acre property and construct our building. It is time for us to start paying principal on our loan and be even better stewards of our gifts.
The Church:
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In 2022, we plan to enter into a partnership with an Early Childhood Development Center as their host site. We have many groups who meet, learn, and grow here every day.
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We have a few important worship needs to be addressed: hiring a media intern to help us with technology on Sunday mornings, adjustments to the stage to help with sound and projection, updated light fixtures, and more!
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We know there are some maintenance issues that will arise in the next few years; we want to be prepared financially to tackle them when the time is right.
The Costs
The Loan:
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2/3 of raised campaign funds will go toward debt service and principal payments
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Our current monthly interest payment is about $10,000.
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Our goal is to move toward financial freedom by paying down our debt with principal payments from this capital campaign.
The Church:
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1/3 of raised campaign funds will go toward church needs and dreams
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Potential projects:
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hiring a media intern
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a drape for the stage wall (for sound and aesthetic appeal)
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updated LED light fixtures in the worship center
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acoustic panels in the worship space
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in-ear monitor system for band
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foundation work under emergency stairs
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preparation for air conditioning unit upkeep and/or projection systems
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update of wifi infrastructure/phone system
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The Impact
Movement Toward Financial Freedom
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The more principal we can pay on our mortgage, the more quickly we can free up additional funds for ministry and partnerships to influence our community with the love, dignity, and respect of Christ!
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Repayment of debt is good stewardship and allows us to be more aligned with our goals of serving our community above all else. We want to be outwardly focused, and freeing up funds from the mortgage would allow us to serve even more!
Worship Improvements
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Our worship experience in person and online will be enhanced with specific personnel and technological advancements
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Infrastructure updates will help us offer a more holistic worship experience with fewer bumps and an overall more immersive experience
Building Maintenance
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As many of us know, taking care of a building is hard work! Planning ahead for future needs will help us be prepared when the time comes so that these needs are a blip on the radar and not a devastating event.
How Can You Help?
Practice Gratitude
Be intentional about giving God thanks for the endless blessings our church has received from God. Find ways to express gratitude for the current and potential ministries as a result of reducing our debt and planning for the future. Praise God for future opportunities coming our way and all of the people whose lives will be transformed!
Lean In
The Making A Way Campaign Team is prayerfully planning for and dreaming about the future of our church. Plan to be involved when you are called to serve. Lean in to opportunities to be present and invested in campaign opportunities for information and celebration. Together, we can lean in to the work that the Holy Spirit is doing and be a part of the future that God has dreamed of for Faith UMC!
Pray: "Lord, what do you want to do through me?"