First UMC Fox Hill Needs Your Financial Support for Our Roof

Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”  In this passage, the Psalmist refers to both human families and physical buildings. When we expanded our worship and fellowship space about 24 years ago, the project resulted in an expanded sanctuary, a new fellowship hall and wonderful kitchen, new choir room, offices, bathrooms, and Narthex. God was building His people in such a way that we had to grow our space. God has not stopped building us and giving us hope and growth, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

God continues to grow us, and we are using our building for many purposes, from worship to spiritual growth, to outreach in our community, and to enable current and future generations to come together. But just as human bodies and spirits need to rebuild from time to time, our buildings require maintenance from time to time.

Now the nearly 24 year-old Narthex and the shingled roofs need to be replaced along with the much older flat roof on the rest of the building. For the past several months, our Facilities team and Trustees have been working with roofing companies to secure proposals for the complete roof replacement. They have selected a contractor to do the job and it comes with a price estimate of about $160,000 (subject to unanticipated issues which may be encountered).

We need to commence work as soon as possible. This is where you come in.

Funds must be secured to pay for the project. The process is beginning with this appeal to you, our congregation. Your “over and above” contributions will give us a strong start and reduce possible future financing costs. We still need to pay our normal operating expenses, but all extra contributions, large or small, will help us reach our goal.
We know some may have very limited funds, others may have broader resources. Some may have excess retirement funds available. Donating Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can provide you with tax savings even if you do not qualify for itemized deductions. Shares of stock which have appreciated in value can be donated as stock (do not sell them to donate cash) without having to pay capital gains and offering the potential to deduct the full current value of the shares. Always speak with your financial/tax professionals and Bill Bryan, our Finance Chair, with any questions and before making any stock transfers.

Thank you for completing the pledge card indicating your support in this urgently needed project. The results will help to preserve the wonderful facility we enjoy and in which we can carry out our mission as a vibrant church, making Christian disciples & enriching lives through outreach.

Thank you and blessings to all,
Pastor Brian Sixbey, Trustees, Church Council, Facilities, and Finance Committees