Through God s Grace and Our Faithful Response

Through God s Grace and Our Faithful Response

Guide for Our Faithful Response A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTORS Great Things Await Epworth Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Epworth United Methodist Church has a long and rich history. It was built and sustained by generations of faithful, hardworking, spiritual, and selfless congregants. Their stewardship provided the foundation and legacy for a place of worship with open doors, open minds, and open hearts. From humble beginnings at the corner of Lake and Rehoboth Avenues in 1898 our congregation has a history of families generously working together to meet growing community needs. The witness and mission of the previous generation demonstrably met growing and changing congregant and community growth thru the move and expansion onto Baltimore Avenue in 1914; thru the addition of Sunday school classrooms in 1942; thru annexation of the parsonage for worship space, a new Fellowship Hall, and new Sanctuary in 1960; thru the addition of a new educational building in 1975; and thru the addition of third floor office space, a parking lot, a new parsonage, and the strategic purchase of 15 acres for future use on Holland Glade Road between 1989-91. That witness and mission continued when between 2000-2004 members recognized continued growth within the congregation and increased need throughout the community and undertook the study, recommendation, long-range planning, building, and 1 relocation to Holland Glade Road. Our existing 50,000 square foot church building features a large worship area, multiple classrooms, a fellowship hall, a preschool, administrative offices, music rooms, and meeting and conference rooms; and is testimony to the hard work and generosity of members. Today, we inherit that historic legacy. It is an appropriate time for us to Remember where we have come from, Rejoice in the gifts and talents that have helped us get here, Receive the

message of the Holy Spirit to move us forward, and finally, Respond as we continue striving to become the church of radical hospitality, extravagant generosity, passionate worship, risk taking service, and intentional faith development. Epworth continues growing as a Christian community in service to the greater Rehoboth Beach area; but the needs of our community and world continue to grow. While we Remember and Rejoice in the history that is a witness and a blessing for Epworth; how will we Receive the message about growing needs and Respond? Great things await Epworth through God s grace and our faithful response! The Great Things Await Epworth Capital Campaign (GTAE) is the second largest, and one of the most ambitious fund-raising efforts in Epworth s history. It is being launched in late 2012 to raise at least $1,500,000 million over a three year period to reduce our debt by $1,000,000 million dollars; and to provide $500,000 dollars in funding to strengthen, enhance, and sustain emerging ministries identified through Epworth s Dream Gathering Sessions held in the Fall of 2011. Through those Dream Gathering sessions, all of you identified additional Programs and Missions which bear out that Epworth is much more than bricks and mortar. The Epworth community is central to the faith life of members and the greater Rehoboth Beach community. This is the Lord s house where we are fed and cared for through the grace of God. Our church and our community is growing and evolving and there are needs to be met. Please pray as we all unite in faith and work together to Remember, Rejoice, Receive, Respond for the Future of Epworth. Great things await Epworth through God s grace and our faithful response! In gratitude to God and to you, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Baker Rev. Dr. Pat Loughlin 2

Guide for Our Faithful Response THE CURRENT MINISTRIES AND MISSIONS OF EPWORTH Great Things Await Epworth Jesus Christ. Our congregation currently makes every effort to accomplish radical hospitality strategically through the following initiatives: Welcome for, and follow through, with first time guests at worship Provision of meeting space for community affinity groups Opening the Pre-school to the community-at-large Epworth is successful in its work through its existing program pathways and administrative structures. Epworth continues to work to become a more fruitful congregation, in the image of Jesus, through the strategic practices adopted by the Church Council. These strategic practices acknowledge and extend God s extravagant grace, and currently include many initiatives: Formation of Vacation Bible School (VBS) Allocation and maintenance of Space for Rehoboth Boys and Girls Club Radical Hospitality Hosting of the Summer International Student Outreach Program (ISOP) Epworth United Methodist Church is currently vigorously embracing the legacy and history of this congregation by engaging in programs, ministries, and missions that continue to grow through the vision God has given us to become a church reaching out, celebrating, and living the love of Jesus Christ. We Remember and Rejoice in the witness of our legacy through celebration and extension of God s love through Jesus Christ into the local community, and through the United Methodist connection into the whole world. Jesus told his first followers to be witnesses in their own neighborhoods, in the next town, the adjoining country, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8) Epworth invites and welcomes all people into the household of faith, hope, and love; reaching out to all in the spirit and name of 3

Establishing and managing after-worship fellowship times Creation of a Food Ministry (Soup & Love Kitchen, ISOP) Integration of artful, dramatic, and musical presentations into worship Launching and managing a Nursery during all Worship services Convenience of multiple worship services, types, and times on Sunday mornings at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. Organization, provision and maintenance of skate board facilities and special events Observance of Christian Year seasons Provision of Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month Inclusion of relevant social justice issues of the day integrated into worship Collaboration with Larger Community for other Arts and Music Programs Provision of space for community-based meetings Practice and promotion of welcome and inclusiveness regardless of physical challenge, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Hosting of internal, and participation and facilitation at external, retreats throughout the year Opening and closing of all meetings with prayer Cultivation of new members (including membership classes) Facilitation of worship at other special occasions Passionate Worship Epworth strives to provide an environment enabling the Holy Spirit to shape hearts and minds, inspire devotion to God, and deepen spiritual awareness. Our congregation currently plays a part in passionate worship strategically through the following initiatives: Strong Bible-centric preaching Inspirational music presented by organ and piano, choirs, praise team singers, and band, bell-choir, and soloists Creative involvement of laity in the design and delivery of worship You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27) 4

Guide for Our Faithful Response THE CURRENT MINISTRIES AND MISSIONS OF EPWORTH Great Things Await Epworth Intentional Faith Development Stephen Ministry (trained volunteers help persons respond to crises) Clowning for Joy Cards and flowers for the sick and elderly So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17) Epworth nurtures people in faith through pastoral services, mutual education, and enrichment experiences that underscore the commitments of membership and community. Our congregation currently involves itself in intentional faith development strategically through the following initiatives: Disciple Bible Classes Vacation Bible school Sunday school for children Epworth Peace in the Community (EPIC) Youth faith group Food and Faith seasonal week-night events with meals and classes United Methodist Women Women s Bible study Living the Questions Discussion Group(s) Family Film Forums Food & Faith Class Sessions 5 Risk-Taking Mission and Service Epworth provides a foundation for mission which turns church service outward, allowing individual members of the congregation to provide service, offering the deliberate effort to improve the conditions of others. Our congregation currently involves itself in

risk taking mission and service strategically by pushing themselves, and each other, out of their comfort zone; stretching themselves beyond their circle of relationships and practices that routinely define their faith commitments through the following initiatives: Helping others near and far to meet basic needs and develop their God-given abilities Becoming, and working alongside the Good Samaritans trained volunteers who help persons with emergencies (326 persons/families assisted in 2011) Taking part in the ecumenical homeless shelter Establishing and maintaining the Food pantry/food basket Organizing and staffing the emergency shelter Developing a Prison ministry Taking part in the Thrift store benefitting the Lewes/ Rehoboth Association of Churches (LRAC) Participating with Habitat for Humanity (communitybased) Providing funding for and administering the discretionary social assistance mission(s) Participating Beginnings Joining and participating in Volunteers in Mission (international) Organizing and sustaining Congo Mission Teams in West Rehoboth/Westside Organizing and sustaining Appalachian Service Projects Launching and facilitating a Skate Program Responding to UMCOR (disaster response) appeals New Jesus began his own ministry by laying out a mandate to serve all who lack good news and are in need of care. (Luke 4:18-19) 6

Guide for Our Faithful Response THE FUTURE MINISTRIES AND MISSIONS OF EPWORTH Great Things Await Epworth God calls Epworth to continue to grow in faith, exemplified in love among its members thru service to the community and the world. Just as we Remember and Rejoice in our history and our legacy, we must now Receive the message from the Holy Spirit of where we go from here, and Respond accordingly. blessed as evidenced by the completion of our new building, a facility intended to not only serve our needs but also those of the larger community. Even as we worked to compile, analyze and present the input from those Dream Gathering Sessions over a year ago, we could physically feel that an increase in membership, the expansion of our ministries and pastoral services, and the community's growing appreciation of our presence all bore witness to the depth of our faith and the strength of our love as a congregation devoted to Jesus Christ. Scripture reminds us to be constant in mutual love, and to welcome strangers, care for those in need, and top practice generosity in the name of the Lord (Hebrews 13:1-6) In September, 2011 a special representative committee started working on a capital campaign that began with an audit of expectations of ourselves as God's people. It was an opportunity for us to dream individually, and as a congregation, about where we thought God would like Epworth to be in three to five years. The Great Things Await Epworth Capital Campaign is the result of that work. The great things ahead for us are expanded and enhanced demonstrations of faith which are extended into the local community, and the global family of the church. At the launch of the Dream Gathering Sessions in September, 2011 we recognized that Epworth is truly 7 These Dream Gathering Sessions forced us to Remember, and although we may have felt reason to Rejoice ; as borne out by the results of the Dream Gathering Sessions, we must be open to new visions for ministry, and open to raise questions about what God is calling Epworth to accomplish in the days ahead. We knew then we were at a point where we needed to look at our spiritual

and financial capital for doing God's work then, today, and tomorrow. In other words, we need to measure our willingness to exemplify the Kingdom of God through the investment of prayer, talents, time, and fiscal resources. Through the Dream Gathering sessions additional Programs and Missions were identified which bear out that Epworth is much more than bricks and mortar. We must not lose sight of the fact that the Epworth community is central to the faith life of its members, the greater Rehoboth Beach community, and the world. Many dreams/ideas put forth were either already in progress, or on the horizon; and were therefore immediately referred to our various Pathways with responsibility for those various areas of ministry and resources where they can immediately put those dreams/ideas into their planning for the future. Through a prayerful process of discernment, priorities surfaced from other dreams/ideas, showing where there is synergy and consensus from all our Gatherings. These priorities were presented to the Church Council in late January and, after consideration and approval, are being included here as the Emerging Ministries component of our Great Things Await Epworth Capital Campaign. As priorities, we envision strong emphasis on four areas, which include: Extended, Community-Based Ministry To The Poor The conceptual scope of this dream/idea arises out of the evergrowing population of souls in need within our congregation, community, and world-wide. It includes homelessness, hunger, joblessness, and neglect. It is anticipated that this goal could be addressed through responsive actions that both provide immediate assistance and empowerment to those in poverty helping them to achieve economic and social self-sufficiency. Specific tactics to reach this objective create the need for an effective, sustained ministry to the poor. This ministry requires ecumenical and interfaith participation via a group of sensitive, committed, and trained volunteers. These volunteers should be trained and equipped to relate to the psychological and the systemic complexities that accompany poverty, and provide for holistic intervention. God s grace makes possible our faith and our works of hope and love. 8

Guide for Our Faithful Response THE FUTURE MINISTRIES AND MISSIONS OF EPWORTH Great Things Await Epworth Expanded Ministry With Children, Youth, And Families The conceptual scope of this dream/idea stems from the growth within our church community, as well as additional requests for support that has resulted from successful community outreach participation. The goals of this scope include the need to include a full-time youth minister, more and greater music and drama activities, the creation of formalized mentoring services, the addition of mid-week programs for families, reliable transportation to worship and church events for the underserved, and ministries serving children and youth with special psychological and physical conditions. Immediate tactics to bridge this need would include the necessity for training staff and volunteers for such ministries Enriched Opportunities For Worship The conceptual scope of this dream/idea also stems from the growth within our church community. Sunday morning is a crowded time at Epworth, with space closely maxed-out at the 9:30 contemporary service. Again, as joblessness and alternate work practices increase, including the growing number of single parent families working two jobs - work schedules today do not always allow individuals or families to worship on Sunday morning. It is envisioned that an immediate tactic to reach this 9 goal may include a special team to begin exploring other worship options, while balancing the realization that the addition of services impact every other aspect of church life (i.e., evangelistic outreach, building use and related costs, volunteer services, hospitality, staff assignments, and communications).

Strategic Use Of Facilities The conceptual scope of this dream/idea is directly related to the other three priorities, and is intended to address the infrastructure requirements resulting from the previous three dreams/ideas. While additional physical space could be used - expansion of the building is not currently a fiscal option. Alternate objectives to support the logistics of the previous three priorities would include enhancement of the existing available space for present and future ministries as possible. Specific tactics would include greater accessibility for persons with physical challenges, provision of more storage space indoors and outdoors, flexibility of furnishings to accommodate for diversity of activities in common space, and rethinking how space is used for professional and volunteer staffing with a perspective towards hoteling or other work space sharing concepts. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. (Luke 12:48). 10

Guide for Our Faithful Response CAMPAIGN FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES OF EPWORTH Great Things Await Epworth message that God desires to use us to bless others. We sincerely hope that this Great Things Await Epworth Capital Campaign Case Study will help you think about ways you can Respond to God s generosity and provide a legacy for the future mission and ministry of Epworth. What Can I Do How Important is My Gift Debt Reduction - $1,000,000.00 In human terms, we Receive the calls of others need through our sense of sight and hearing. Often, we may be challenged to Respond to the needs of others either because we have already given so much in time, talent, and money; or because we may be currently challenged ourselves. Epworth currently has total debt of $2,600,000.00. In order to be good stewards of our financial resources and significantly increase the cash flow available for budgeted operating expenses, the Great Things Await Campaign seeks to reduce our debt by $1,000,000. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Ephesians 3:20-21 We all cannot Respond at the same level, but we can all Receive the message that every gift is important because God works through all of us and we can all Respond in some way. The scripture shows us that God can use what we give and multiply its effectiveness. Only God can do that but God chooses to do it through us. Epworth is a blessed community, and we strive to live our lives reflecting on our gratitude to God. As faithful members of the Epworth community, we Remember and Rejoice in all that comes from God; and we intentionally Receive the 11 This debt reduction will enable us to sustain existing ministries, and establish the emerging ministries for the next three to five years and beyond.

Emerging Ministries - $500,000.00 As detailed in Section V, through a prayerful process of discernment, priorities surfaced from the Dream Gathering Sessions held in the Fall of 2011, showing where there is synergy and consensus from all our Programs. These priorities were presented to the Church Council in late January and, after consideration and approval, are being included here as the Emerging Ministries component of our Great Things Await Epworth Capital Campaign. As stated earlier, as priorities, we envision strong emphasis on four areas, which include: Ministry with the Poor Children, Youth and Families Worship at Epworth Improved and/or Expanded Facilities With the combination of special funding for these emerging ministries, and the reduction of our debt service (providing additional funds in our operating budget), these emerging ministries could be launched and sustained in future operating budgets. 12

Guide for Our Faithful Response CAMPAIGN FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES OF EPWORTH Great Things Await Epworth Current Operating Budget - $1,055,000.00 Operating Funds As Needed Funds & Operating Funds Rental Fees Interest Income Pathway Funds Building Funds Total Operating Funds 867,520.00 47,000.00 480.00 72,464.00 67,536.00 1,055,000.00 Operating Expenses Personnel Facilities Pathway / Program Debt Service Total Operating Expense 540,327.00 157,650.00 164,709.00 192,314.00 1,055,000.00 It should be noted that while the Current Operating Budget presented above is inclusive of our Conference Benevolence contribution, it does not reflect Epworth s extraordinary outreach giving to missions, including: 13 Lend-a-Hand Discretionary Fund Preschool Christmas Joy Heifer Project Mission Teams West Side New Beginnings Food Pantry And numerous other projects Capital Campaign Budget - $1,500,000

Essential Pledge Chart This chart illustrates the three different levels of giving, the size of pledges within each level, and the number of pledges by level and by size. This model, or a combination of it, will be needed to have a successful Great Things Await Epworth campaign, it is intended to be used as a guide for our faithful response. Respond YES when invited to participate through your prayers and volunteering to the Great Things Await Epworth Campaign Respond YES as you consider a pledge over a three year period. A pledge of $3.00 per day will total over $3,000 in three years! What Can I Give Respond YES to a consideration of a planned gift through: Your will Gifts of stock Insurance Gift Annuity Corporate Matching Gifts Respond YES to Remember, Receive, and Respond! Rejoice, Can I Make a Pledge and Pay it Off Over Time Yes, the Great Things Await Epworth Campaign timeline assumes a launch date of late 2012 / early 2013 with pledge payments beginning in early 2013. Payments can be made in a lump sum; or annually / monthly over a three year period, or with any convenient increments within the three year period. How You Can Respond Your response is critical Respond YES to the Great Things Await Epworth Campaign 14

Almighty God, All that we have comes from you. Help us to share in the blessing of giving as well as the happiness of receiving. All generous God, make us think more of what we can give to life and less of what we can get out of it. We hold our gifts, our talents, our possessions, our life itself, in trust for you and the service of mankind. Lord, give us generous hearts: that in response to your love, our lives may overflow in thanksgiving and generosity. In Jesus name we pray; AMEN Campaign Contacts: Stu Bruce Glen Pruitt Mary Helms Susan Jiménez Rev. Dr. Jonathan Baker Rev. Dr. Pat Loughlin greatthingsawait@eumcrb.org (302) 227-7743 www.eumcrb.org