Contents INTRODUCTION......... 4 I. Formation of Study Committee... 4 II. Supporting Pender s Vision... 4 III. Study Committee Role and Responsibilities... 6 SECTION 1: NEEDS OF THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY...... 7 I. Study Committee Requirement... 7 II. Methodology... 7 III. General Demographics... 7 IV. Religious Demographics... 8 V. Personal and Community Needs and Preferences... 9 VI. Surveys, Forums, and Interviews... 10 SECTION 2: MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE...... 11 I. Study Committee Requirement... 11 II. Methodology... 11 III. Regular Sunday Attendance... 11 IV. Special Services... 11 V. Potential... 11 SECTION 3: PENDER UMC S PROGRAM OF MINISTRY...... 13 I. Study Committee Requirement... 13 II. Methodology... 13 III. Historical Summary... 13 IV. Pender s Current Ministries... 13 V. A Vital Congregation... 13 Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 2
VI. Examples of Building-Related Constraints to Ministry Effectiveness... 14 SECTION 4: ACCESSIBILITY REVIEW...... 16 I. Study Committee Requirement... 16 II. Methodology... 16 III. The General Board of Church and Society and the ADA... 16 IV. Accessible Congregation Designation... 17 V. Board of Trustees Accessibility Survey... 18 VI. Accessibility Plan of the Study Committee... 18 SECTION 5: CONCLUSION......... 19 APPENDIX A: PARA. 2544 FROM THE UM BOOK OF DISCIPLINE,, 2012... 20 APPENDIX B: VISION THEMES T......... 24 APPENDIX C: MINISTRY LISTING......... 25 APPENDIX D: THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH RESPONSE TO THE ADA... 28 APPENDIX E: ACCESSIBILITY ILITY SURVEY RESPONSES...... 29 Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 3
I. Formation of Study Committee Introduction Pursuant to Para. 2544 of The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2012 ( Book of Discipline ), the Church Council is responsible for establishing a Study Committee. As stated in the Council s November, 2014 meeting minutes: Referencing the visioning process and discussions regarding needed building renovations, Leyla Becker, Serve God Cluster Co-Leader, made the motion to establish a study committee to review and analyze information and prepare a report to Council concerning the further actions to be taken. David Cacner, United Methodist Men President, seconded the motion. The motion to establish a Study Committee was approved on November 2, 2014. Chair of the Nomination and Lay Leadership Committee, Pastor Kenneth Newsome, presented the names of Jeanne Osborne as Chairperson, Bob Baumgartner (representative from Hang Together Team), and a representative to be named by Trustees to serve as the study committee. S.E. Nunamaker, Church Lay Leader, seconded the motion. Mike Dingman was appointed to serve as the Trustees representative. The motion for the above named individuals to serve on the Study Committee was approved on November 15, 2015. II. Supporting Pender s Vision The Study Committee s work is part of a larger process at Pender. The focus on building renovation began with the Board of Trustees. One of the primary tasks of Trustees is the maintenance of the church buildings and grounds. For several years, the Trustees have found this task increasingly challenging as the building is aging and the budget had decreased. In 2007, prior to the current maintenance challenges, the Trustees had an engineering firm evaluate Pender UMC and develop a Reserve Study to help guide the maintenance, replacement, and renovation schedule of our capital assets. Because of various constraints, many of the items have not yet been addressed. The Board of Trustees subsequently considered possible renovation to address the church s needed replacements and updates. After preliminary research, the Trustees contacted Lemay, Erickson, Willcox, Architects (LEWA). LEWA is well-known and highly regarded in Fairfax County. They work extensively with churches and civic organizations. LEWA gave their presentation to the Trustees and seemed a good match for Pender s needs. The Trustees asked Jeanne Osborne to be the liaison to coordinate activities related to the architect. As stated in the United Methodist Book of Discipline, the Board of Trustees is responsible for all Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 4
contracts, and they considered a contract for a space inventory, building survey report, online survey, ministry interviews, and a building use program. Before entering into a contract with LEWA, Jeanne Osborne addressed Church Council and explained what Trustees were considering. After a long discussion, Council recommended that Trustees not engage LEWA until after the June Retreat. It is important that the building always be used to support ministries and that a concentrated review of ministries would be most effective before the architect s surveys rather than concurrently. The Church Council authorized the Hang Together Team (HTT) to develop a broader information-gathering effort focused on ministry activities. These included the following: HTT-led Vision Informational Meeting to Congregation discussing process and demographics, open to all in the Sanctuary (5/14/14) HTT demographic information about county and church trends presented to Council (5/18/14) In preparation for the retreat, ministry leaders and servants were asked to pray about the plans that God has laid on their hearts for serving in the next 5-10 years. Ministry teams met, prayed and discussed the vision for their ministries and for ideas for change in line with God's calling. An HTT update in the Sunday services to the congregation and a description of the planned Retreat with an invitation to attend. (5/25/14) A focused hour of congregational prayer about future vision led by Pastor Kenny (6/1/14) An open-ended survey page, referred to as the Blue Sheet, that was available Sundays to the congregation in May and June. An open invitation to the June 7 Council Retreat. In addition to being a ministry discussion of God's vision for Pender, the Retreat s purpose expanded to include an open forum and became a place to encourage discussion of the future of Pender s ministries and produced dozens of great ideas. Using the above information, all the ideas generated were recorded in an Excel Spreadsheet. Based on the information gathered from the congregation and the ministry teams, the HTT considered the relationships between the ideas and formulated Themes, with explanatory objectives and a so that purpose statement. These themes were presented at Council and then Beth Dougherty, HTT leader, presented them at all three services in early September. The Vision Page can be found at Appendix B. The visioning process is not complete Council continues to encourage the ministry leaders to continually review all the ideas generated and work with the visioning themes to help improve their ministry s effectiveness. From a Council perspective, the visioning work will continue to be built out to include process and tools so that multi-year planning can be enhanced at Pender. Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 5
The Trustees contracted with LEWA on 6/30/2014. LEWA completed their tasks and delivered their report in October 2014. Throughout the process, the Trustees have been responsible for contract issues, and the HTT on visioning activities. The Council has been coordinating all the components with input from the Senior Pastor. III. Study Committee Role and Responsibilities The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2012 outlines the planning and financing requirements for local church building, if the church desires to build, purchase or remodel a church, educational building or parsonage. The full text of paragraph 2544 can be found at Appendix A. The Renovation Study Committee respectfully submits the following report for the consideration by the Charge Conference, Jeanne Osborne Mike Dingman Bob Baumgartner Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 6
Section 1: Needs of the Church and Community I. Study Committee Requirement Per 2544 of the United Methodist Book of Discipline, the Study Committee shall, as part of its work, analyze the needs of the church and community. II. Methodology The Study Committee considered local and national demographics, area household trends, shifts in community expressions of faith, and needs identified within Pender UMC. As part of its visioning efforts, Council tasked the HTT to investigate the demographics of the community within five miles of Pender UMC. The Study Committee used the data as provided by the HTT. The needs of the Pender UMC congregation specifically were developed based on Council-led member surveys and surveys/interviews conducted by LEWA in 2014. III. General Demographics In the next 10 years The area is expecting moderate population growth; population growth from 2000 to 2010 spiked at 18%. Now expected to level off to between 4 and 6 percent until 2023 The area is expecting a significant increase in the number of school age children The area is expecting more families with children, compared to the state as a whole The average age of the area s population in 2010 was 33; in 2023 it will be 38. Numbers of children will also increase. In comparison to the state of Virginia, the area within 5 miles of Pender: Is significantly better educated than the rest of the state (33% have Bachelor s Degree, 25% have graduate or professional degrees v. 24% and 13% statewide) Is very diverse in terms of race/ethnicity Has a significantly higher median income Has fewer people living in poverty than other areas in the state, 4.8% to 8.8% statewide Is very white collar when it comes to jobs (80% have white collar jobs) Has more married-couple family households (83% v. 72%) than other areas in Virginia. Our numbers of single-mother households is significantly lower than other areas. We re on par with single-father households statewide. That trend will remain stable in future. Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 7
IV. Religious Demographics The communities within 5 miles of Pender have the following religious characteristics: The level of religiosity is called somewhat low 23% say it s important to attend religious services while 15% say their faith is really important to them. Beliefs about God Very Traditional Beliefs about Jesus Somewhat non-traditional Beliefs about social/moral issues (abortion, taxes, gay marriage, social justice) Mixed Presences of Nones (no religious affiliation) Average Has religious preference changed in last 10 years? About same Christian vs. non-christian somewhat more Christian Significance of Faith-to-Life Somewhat more significant Life concerns (money, families, work, stress, health, etc) Average Media preference --- Very Online Oriented Trends in religious characteristics: Growth areas by religious preference (past 10 years) None +2.8%, Nondenominational +2.4%, Spiritual +2.3% Decline areas by religious preference (past 10 years) Catholic -3.1%, Lutheran -1.2% Baptist -0.7% Methodist -0.5% Actively involved in church community 46.5%, 8.2% decline over past 10 years Percent of people likely to become active 7.2% Percent of people likely to cease activity 15.5% Probable reasons for non-participation in religious congregation: No time/less time available 43.5% Lack of a good faith community in area 29.9% Moved from community 28.8% Demands of raising children 27.1% Personal faith (of those not participating in a religious life): Not relevant to my life 49.8% Unsure about personal beliefs 40.5% No longer believe in God 35.2% Don t believe in God 37.1% Opinions about church (of those not participating in a religious life): Religious people too judgmental 68.8% Religion too focused on money 67.2% Don t trust religious leaders 64.5% Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 8
Don t trust organized religion 62.8% Disillusionment with religion 57.2% Strict/inflexible beliefs 56.5% Boring/uninteresting 45.5% Conflicts in religious community 43.6% Didn t feel welcome/useful 42.7% Worship/music style 40.5% Not current/old-fashioned 34.0% Never been invited 20.6% Identified significant religious concerns: Traditional worship services Bible or scripture studies Christian education for children Contemporary worship services Small groups Where we get our information: Local TV News National TV News Radio Facebook Email letters Online News Print Media Public TV/Radio V. Personal and Community Needs and Preferences Important concerns relating to an individual s personal life Weight loss Personal health problems Losing job Depression Important concerns relating to an individual s family life: Managing stress/time to relax Caring for aging parents Health crisis/illness Balancing work and family Time for friends/family Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 9
Important concerns relating to an individual s career and finances Future/savings/retirement Day-to-day financial matters Satisfying job/career Reaching my goals/being successful Important concerns relating to an individual s future hopes and possibilities: Fear of the future/unknown Finding personal direction/making right choices Fulfilling marriage/romance/intimacy Spiritual issues/religions (very low) Population in the area within 5 miles of Pender, generally want: Family-oriented activities (very high) Opportunities for volunteering in the community Holiday programs/activities Youth social activities Adult social activities Seniors/retirees activities Involvement in social causes Marriage enrichment Cultural programs Personal/family counseling Parenting development Crisis Support Groups Social justice advocacy work VI. Surveys, Forums, and Interviews In addition to the demographics and trends in the area around Pender, the Church Council gathered information from Pender s congregation as part of its visioning effort. An open-ended survey page was available Sundays to the congregation in May and June of 2014 and the annual Council Retreat was opened to the congregation. In addition, as part of its contract, LEWA conducted two forms of information-gathering that was more specific to building use and renovation. The first was an online survey open to all members with the addition of a comments section. Secondly, LEWA conducted small-group interviews to discuss the challenges faced by ministries that may be improved by a renovation effort, with the final interview conducted as an open town hall. All members had an opportunity to contribute in each of these events and all the information gathered is available to the congregation. Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 10
Section 2: Membership and Attendance I. Study Committee Requirement Per 2544 of the United Methodist Book of Discipline, the Study Committee shall, as part of its work, project potential membership and attendance. II. Methodology The Committee reviewed statistics for the last ten years of attendance for Sunday services at Pender, for Christmas and Easter services and reviewed some limited demographic information regarding Pender attendees/members. The Committee also considered the area demographic information discussed above. III. Regular Sunday Attendance A review of attendance statistics for Pender United Methodist Church ( PUMC ) for the last ten years (2004-2014) shows a steady, although not growing, attendance for the regular Sunday services (8:15 Service; Common Ground and 11:00 Service). For the last 5 years, total Sunday attendance averaged 530 people, with a slight increase in attendance at Common Ground and a slight decline in attendance for the 11:00 Service, with approximately a 5% deviation in total attendance from year to year. The statistics demonstrate that PUMC can count on continued steady attendance in the range of 530 regular members/attendees each Sunday. This steady attendance appears to be predicated on statistics for PUMC that show that approximately 85% of members/attendees have attended PUMC for 5 years or more. This demonstrates that PUMC has a strong core of regular members/attenders to build on and the potential to increase attendance by attracting new members/attenders. IV. Special Services Attendance for Christmas Eve services averaged approximately 900 member/attenders over this same time frame (2004-2014), showing a potential for growth in the number of regular attendees. Attendance for all Easter Sunday services was 1,024 in 2014. V. Potential The total capacity for the sanctuary is 545. The total capacity for Fellowship Hall - with chairs only - is 485. Therefore, there is sufficient existing capacity to increase attendance without expanding either the Sanctuary or Fellowship Hall. In light of the attendance at the Christmas Eve services, there is a clear possibility of increasing attendance by reaching out to the attenders of such "special services" and to make them into regular attenders. Further, projected increased growth in population for Fairfax County demonstrates a good probability for increased attendance through outreach to the surrounding community. A renovation that, among other things, freshens the look of the Church, that enhances fellowship opportunities, that Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 11
modernizes our sound/av capabilities and that facilitates continued growth in the various ministries of Pender will facilitate an increase in the number of regular attenders. Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 12
Section 3: Pender UMC s Program of Ministry I. Study Committee Requirement Per 2544 of the United Methodist Book of Discipline, the Study Committee shall, as part of its work, review Pender UMC s programs of ministry. II. Methodology The Study Committee reviewed historic documents and books and Pender s Church Conference reports to compile information about the growth of Pender s membership and ministries, as well as the history of Pender s current building. The Study Committee also reviewed the information compiled by LEWA, and the information gathered in the various visioning and fact-finding activities that Pender engaged in during 2014. III. Historical Summary Pender s roots as a congregation began in 1903. Pender has experienced steady growth throughout its decorated history. The first Cornerstone of the first church building was laid on June 4, 1907. Pender moved to its current location in 1964, and experienced major building programs in 1970 (doubling the size of first building), 1985 (Sanctuary consecrated), 1992 (Outreach Center Dedicated) and 1994 (Education Wing consecrated). As a result of the Holy Spirit led partnership between Pender s strong and visionary pastoral staff and its Grace filled Laity, Pender has grown from its 61 original members to its current size of 1349 members. An average of 530 attend one of the three Sunday worship services. IV. Pender s Current Ministries Pender is blessed with strong and thriving ministries supported by our Leadership and organized within the Know God Cluster, Love God and Others Cluster, Serve God Cluster, Grow in God Cluster, and Share God Cluster. A list of each ministry can be found in Appendix C. We seek to engage and equip disciples through all our ministries and our partnerships such as the Re-gift Thrift Store, Pender Hill School, and American Heritage Girls. Our partner ministries serve as a principle outreach to the community. For example, Pender Hill School has over 100 students served by 23 staff members and ministers to families with children from toddlers to Pre-K. Preschool families are regularly encouraged to join in Sunday worship and often participate in non-worship fellowship events. Many of the preschoolers return in the summer for VBS. This partnership not only directly serves families in the community, but creates a mutual support that benefits both the Preschool and Pender church. V. A Vital Congregation As a Vital Congregation, Pender seeks to enhance its ability to extend God s Grace to others through vibrant and relevant ministries. As the ministries expand their reach, Pender will continue to experience growth and increase its impact in the community. Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 13
Pender s leadership is developing a Five Year Plan that seeks to facilitate the congregation s desire to identify and prioritize the current and new ministry opportunities. The process has included Congregational input through written responses and town hall meetings, discussions with Pastoral staff, ministry leaders and administrative staff, and consultation with outside resources such as LeMay Erickson. The process, which is still in its developmental stage, has identified many areas where the growth of the ministries is constrained by the current building. VI. Examples of Building-Related Constraints to Ministry Effectiveness The following presents examples of building-related constraints and needs that impact Pender s ministries. The following is not intended to be a comprehensive list, but represent areas that the initial survey by LEWA identified. The actual scope of possible renovations will be reflected in the preliminary plans that will be developed by the Building Committee (if and when appointed), in conjunction with an architect, and with continued input by the Council and Congregation: a. Youth The Youth ministry is a thriving ministry of Pender. The program is growing and its continued expansion supports Pender and its mission. The youth meeting room is over capacity, limiting the program opportunities and adversely affecting the youth gathering s warm and inviting atmosphere. A larger, and more technology driven, space is critical. b. Worship As Pender s worship services have expanded, the need for an improved sound/video system, accessibility and flexibility increases. However, Worship expansion is also constrained by the current sanctuary layout. A modernization of the Sanctuary will assure Pender will continue to be an inviting and warm place for worship. c. Music Ministry Pender has a vibrant and multi-faceted Music ministry that is also severely constrained by the current building configuration. Flexibility in the ability to use the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall, and larger and more functional areas located outside of the Sanctuary, will enhance the Music Ministry. d. Fellowship Activities Most ministries have fellowship needs that differ based upon the size and structure of the ministries. Fellowship Activities need to occur in varying rooms and environments that are friendly, inviting and flexible to meet the varying size and wishes of different ministry activities. Sunday morning fellowship is currently conducted in small classroom distant from the Sanctuary. e. Kitchen Facilities Many ministries use the kitchen facilities to enhance their effectiveness and outreach, however it needs updates to improve its functionality and appearance. As the Fellowship activities increase and change in their implementation, a more modern kitchen will become critical. Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 14
f. Gathering Activities Many ministries are constrained by not being able to benefit from improved gathering areas outside of the Sanctuary. Improving these gathering areas will enhance member services by many ministries. g. Administrative Activities As Pender s ministries expand, the staff s responsibilities also expand as they support the needs of the church. Our current administrative space is already cramped and would not easily accommodate future staff increases. Privacy of staff will enhance counseling opportunities and work production. Improvement of the administrative technology (e.g. computers, software and phone system) is necessary to allow a full integration of the technology capabilities into a ministry based, staff coordinated, communication system that ties the Pastors, Members, Ministries and Staff into a cohesive, vibrant community. h. Building and Membership Wide Technology Implementation - Most ministries that use the building recognize their need for using improved technology throughout the building and implementation of current software capabilities will allow greater communication and coordination among the congregants. Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 15
I. Study Committee Requirement Section 4: Accessibility Review Per 2544 of the United Methodist Book of Discipline, the Study Committee shall, as part of its work, develop an Accessibility Plan including chancel areas. II. Methodology The Study Committee considered the recommendations and requirements of the General Board of Church and Society, the Discipline, and the Accessible Congregation Campaign. Additionally, the Trustees submitted results from a 2014 Accessibility Survey for consideration. III. The General Board of Church and Society and the ADA The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines contains requirements for accessibility to buildings and facilities by individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Pender UMC, like other churches, are under a religious exemption. Though not legally required to comply with the ADA, the 2012 United Methodist Book of Discipline dictates that should a local church build a new or expand current church facilities, that compliance with ADA standards be expressly followed. Further, though not legally required to comply with the ADA Title 1 requirements, the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church adopted in 1992 and subsequently confirmed and readopted a resolution to provide barrier free facilities to reasonably accommodate persons with disabilities to qualified applicants and employees of the local church. The entire text can be found at Appendix D. The resulting resolution states: Therefore, be it resolved, that all United Methodist churches investigate and attempt to comply with Title I of the ADA, which states that employers "may not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities" and will "reasonably accommodate the disabilities of qualified applicants or employees unless undue hardship would result." Additionally, local churches should encourage all persons who wish to participate in the life of the congregation. From the 2012 Book of Discipline, Paragraph 162.I, The Social Community, it states: Rights of Persons with Disabilities We recognize and affirm the full humanity and personhood of all individuals with mental, physical, developmental, neurological, and psychological conditions or disabilities as full members of the family of God. We also affirm their rightful place in both the church and society. We affirm the responsibility of the Church and society to be in ministry with children, youth, and adults with mental, Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 16
physical, developmental, and/or psychological and neurological conditions or disabilities whose particular needs in the areas of mobility, communication, intellectual comprehension, or personal relationships might make more challenging their participation or that of their families in the life of the Church and the community. We urge the Church and society to recognize and receive the gifts of persons with disabilities to enable them to be full participants in the community of faith. We call the Church and society to be sensitive to, and advocate for, programs of rehabilitation, services, employment, education, appropriate housing, and transportation. We call on the Church and society to protect the civil rights of persons with all types and kinds of disabilities. Given the explicit requirements found in the Book of Discipline and the resolutions of the Conference, Pender has sought to adapt its facilities to be welcoming to congregants and staff. IV. Accessible Congregation Designation A concerted, multi-year effort by Pender members resulted in a 2009 certification of Pender UMC as an Accessible Congregation. This designation is awarded by the Accessible Congregation Campaign (ACC) of the National Organization on Disability. Their logo, a wheelchair surrounded by a heart, is now displayed on Pender s bulletins, signage, and website. It was awarded based on an ACC Commitment Form and a 2006 plan prepared and submitted by Jane Vorder Bruegge, RN, to the ACC. The plan described a three-year effort to increase accessibility. On our signed and submitted commitment form it states: We commit to the following principles: In our congregation, people with disabilities are valued as individuals, having been created in the image of God. Our congregation is endeavoring to remove barriers of architecture, communications and attitudes that exclude people with disabilities from full and active participation. People, with and without disabilities, are encouraged in our congregation to practice their faith and use their gifts and talents in worship, service, study and leadership. As defined in ACC guidelines, accessible congregations seek to be inclusive by fostering attitudes of acceptance as well as instituting architectural modifications that would reduce or eliminate barriers. A number of the modifications recommended by Ms. Vorder Bruegge were not completed, but can be considered in a renovation effort should the Building Committee choose to do so. Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 17
V. Board of Trustees Accessibility Survey The Board of Trustees is tasked with the responsibility of reviewing the accessibility of the buildings, grounds, and facilities of the local church to discover and identify physical, architectural and communication barriers that impede the full participation of people with disabilities. In support of the Study Committee s assessment, the Trustees solicited comments from current congregants and especially encouraged those with mobility, hearing, or vision limitations to submit comments. Respondents were asked to consider ten areas of potential concern: parking, entrances, hallways, bathrooms, signage, lighting, stairs, elevator, worship spaces, and furnishings. Space was available for additional remarks. These comments are provided in Appendix E. VI. Accessibility Plan of the Study Committee Based on the history of Pender UMC s Accessibility efforts and the current needs as documented by the Trustee s Congregational Survey, the Study Committee recommends the Building Committee, should one be formed, to work with the architect and builder to reduce or eliminate accessibility barriers wherever renovations exceed simple aesthetic changes, and to conform to ADA standards wherever reasonable. Primary areas to consider include: Sanctuary, including chancel Outdoor and indoor portions of entrances Main floor rest rooms Administrative Areas Youth Spaces Additionally, accessibility should be considered when updating parking, lighting, signage, and furnishings, and for all audio-visual upgrades. Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 18
Section 5: : Conclusion Pender United Methodist Church has been blessed for over a 100 years to be part of the spiritual fabric of the Fairfax area. As the church has expanded its work, the ministries have multiplied and our building has served as a home base for missions, area outreach, education, and the making and growing of disciples. The Study Committee believes that a renovation will better enable the expanding ministries of Pender and meet our vision. Some suggestions for the Building Committee to consider: Address deferred maintenance, so the facilities remain safe and well-kept. Improve gathering, fellowship, youth, and educational areas, so that we can welcome members to inviting and efficient spaces and connect them to ministries. Renovate worship areas to more easily accommodate different worship and music ministries so that each member will be encouraged and better equipped with a deeper knowledge of Scripture and firmness of faith. Consider the more efficient use of pantry, storage, and kitchen areas so that we can better serve our congregation and outreach to our community. Improve the administrative and storage areas to support staff and ministry work and utilize relevant technologies. Improve the handicapped accessibility of the Sanctuary, chancel, bathrooms, and entrances to allow every worshipper to more fully engage in the life of the church. The Study Committee does not see a current need for a new building and believes that a renovation of our facilities can adequately provide for the ministries of Pender as we continue to nurture our members and make new disciples for Christ. To ensure the continued faithful stewardship of our facilities, we respectfully recommend that the Charge Conference of Pender UMC prayerfully consider a resolution to 1) authorize the renovation project and 2) elect a Building Committee. In Christ, Jeanne Osborne Mike Dingman Bob Baumgartner Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 19
Appendix A: : Para. 2544 from the UM Book of Discipline,, 2012 2544. Planning and Financing Requirements for Local Church Buildings- If any local church desires to: a) build a new church, a new educational building, or a new parsonage; b) purchase a church, educational building, or parsonage; or c) remodel an existing church, an existing educational building, or an existing parsonage where the cost of the remodeling will exceed 25 percent of the value of the existing structure or require mortgage financing, then the local church shall first establish a study committee to: (1) analyze the needs of the church and community; (2) project the potential membership with average attendance; (3) write up the church's program of ministry ( 201-204); and (4) develop an accessibility plan including chancel areas. The information and findings obtained by the study committee shall: (a) form the basis of a report to be presented to the charge conference ( 2544.3); (b) be used by the building committee ( 2543.4); and (c) become a part of the report to the district board of church location and building ( 2544.5, 2521.1). 1. After the study committee finishes its work, the local church shall secure the written consent of the pastor and the district superintendent to the building project, purchase proposal, or remodeling project. 2. In the case of a building project or purchase proposal, the local church shall secure the approval of the proposed site by the district board of church location and building as provided in the Discipline ( 2520.1). 3. The charge conference of the local church shall authorize the building project, purchase proposal, or remodeling project at a regular or called meeting. Notice of the meeting and the proposed action shall have been given for not less than ten days prior thereto from the pulpit of the church, and in its weekly bulletin, newsletter or electronic notice or other means if required or permitted by local law. a) After approving a building project or a remodeling project, the charge conference shall elect a building committee of not fewer than three members of the local church to serve in the development of the project as hereinafter set forth; provided that the charge conference may commit to its board of trustees the duties of the building committee. b) After approving a purchase proposal, the charge conference shall be deemed to have authorized and directed the board of trustees to proceed with the purchase. In the case of the purchase of a parsonage, the board of trustees shall either: (1) purchase a parsonage that has on the ground-floor level: Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 20
(a) one room that can be used as a bedroom by a person with a disability; (b) one fully accessible bathroom; and (c) fully accessible laundry facilities; or (2) purchase a parsonage without the accessible features for persons with disabilities specified above and remodel it within one year's time, so that it does have those features. 4. The building committee shall: a) use the information and findings of the study committee and any other relevant information to estimate carefully the building facilities needed, as the case may be, to house the church's program of worship, education, and fellowship or to provide for the present and future pastors and their families; b) ascertain the cost of any property to be purchased; and c) develop preliminary architectural plans that: (1) comply with local building, fire, and accessibility codes; (2) clearly outline the location on the site of all proposed present and future construction; and (3) provide adequate facilities for parking, entrance, seating, rest rooms, and accessibility for persons with disabilities, but providing for such adequate facilities shall not apply in the case of a minor remodeling project; d) provide on the ground-floor level of a newly constructed parsonage: (1) one room that can be used as a bedroom by a person with a disability; (2) a fully accessible bathroom; and (3) fully accessible laundry facilities; e) secure an estimate of the cost of the proposed construction; f) develop a financial plan for defraying the total cost, including an estimate of the amount the membership can contribute in cash and pledges and the amount the local church can borrow if necessary. 5. The building committee shall submit to the district board of church location and building for its consideration and preliminary approval: a) a statement of the need for the proposed facilities; b) the preliminary architectural plans, including accessibility plans; c) the preliminary cost estimate; and d) the preliminary financial plan. 6. After preliminary approval by the district board of church location and building, the pastor, with the written consent of the district superintendent, shall call a church conference, giving not less than ten days' notice (except as local laws may otherwise provide) of the meeting and the Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 21
proposed action from the pulpit or in the weekly bulletin. At the church conference, the building committee shall present: a) the preliminary architectural plans; b) the preliminary cost estimate; c) the preliminary financial plan; and d) the building committee's recommendation. A majority vote of the membership present and voting at the church conference shall be required to approve the preliminary architectural plans, cost estimate, and financial plan and the building committee's recommendation. 7. After approval by the church conference, the building committee shall develop detailed plans and specifications and secure a reliable and detailed estimate of cost, which shall be presented for approval to the charge conference and to the district board of church location and building. 8. After approval by the charge conference and district board of church location and building, the building committee may begin the building project or remodeling project. Written documentation substantiating the approvals of the charge conference and the district board of church location and building shall be lodged with the district superintendent and the secretary of the charge conference. 9. In metropolitan areas, the building committee shall ensure that adequate steps are taken to obtain the services of minority (nonwhite) and female skilled persons in the construction in proportion to the racial and ethnic balance in the area. In non-metropolitan areas, the building committee shall ensure that racial and ethnic persons are employed in the construction where available and in relation to the available workforce. 10. The local church shall acquire a fee simple title to the lot or lots on which any building is to be erected. The deed or conveyance shall be executed as provided in this chapter. It is recommended that contracts on property purchased by a local church be contingent upon the securing of a guaranteed title, and the property's meeting of basic environmental requirements of lending institutions and of local and state laws. 11. If a loan is needed, the local church shall comply with the provisions of 2540 or 2541. 12. The local church shall not enter into a building contract or, if using a plan for volunteer labor, incur obligations for materials until it has cash on hand, pledges payable during the construction period, and (if needed) a loan or written commitment therefore that will assure prompt payment of all contractual obligations and other accounts when due. 13. Neither the trustees nor any other members of a local church shall be required to guarantee personally any loan made to the church by any board created by or under the authority of the General Conference. Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 22
14. It is recommended that a local church not enter into a binding building contract without the contractor being properly bonded or furnishing other forms of security, such as an irrevocable letter of credit approved by the conference, district, or local church attorney. From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2012. Copyright 2012 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Found on http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/para-2544- planning-and-financing-requirements-for-local-church-buildings Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 23
Appendix B: : Vision Themes Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 24
Appendix C: : Ministry Listing Pender s ministries are organized under Ministry Clusters. Congregants are encouraged to find a place to serve based on their skills and spiritual gifts. Pender UMC s Servant s Guide offers a description of each ministry. Know God Cluster Music Ministry Adult Music Groups: Sanctuary Choir, Handbell Choirs, and Instrumentalists Common Ground Music Youth Music Groups: Youth Choir, Youth Handbells, and Instrumental Ensemble Children s Music : Vocal Choirs, Handbells and Handchimes: Worship Support Ushers Acolytes Wedding Coordinators Sanctuary Care Communion Stewards Communion Servers Seasonal Flowers Audio Visual Worship Committee Sing n Celebrate Love God and Others Cluster Visitation Ministry (Smiles on Wheels) Pender s Senior Citizen Members Prayer Group Prayer Shawl Ministry Martha s Table Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 25
Family Ministries/Events Welcoming Team Grow in God Cluster Pender Youth Turning Point God s Positional Squad (GPS) Youth Small Group Youth Retreats Children s Ministry Vacation Bible School (VBS) JLU (Jesus Loves You) Young Adults Ministry American Heritage Girls Sunday School Small Groups Ministry Library The United Methodist Women The United Methodist Men Share God Cluster Outreach Center Food Pantry Hypothermia Center Sanctity of Life (SLM) Jail & Prison Ministry ESL (English as a Second Language) Disaster Relief Center Faith Promise Missions Ministry Servant/Neighborhood Evangelism Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 26
Military Personnel Outreach Nursing Home Ministry Serve God Cluster Servant Recruitment (Ministry Finder) Reward Servants Leadership Training (Organize Servants) Encourage Servants (New Member Assimilation) Leadership Church Council Lay Nominations and Leadership Committee Hang Together Team Staff Parish Relations Committee Board of Trustees Finance Committee Stewardship Team Counters Office Helpers External Outreach and Communications Website This Week at Pender Internal Communication Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 27
Appendix D: : The United Methodist Church Response to the ADA The following resolution was most recently readopted in 2008: Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for Employers (#3002, 2008 BOR) WHEREAS, the General Board of Global Ministries, on October 16, 1979, called "United Methodists to a new birth of awareness of the need to include, assimilate, receive the gifts, and respond to the needs, of those persons with mental, physical, and/or psychologically handicapping conditions, including their families"; and WHEREAS, the General Conference resolved in 1980 to take major steps in adapting facilities, new and existing, such as "church sanctuaries, educational buildings, parsonages, camps, colleges, or other church-related agencies or facilities" so that they meet minimum guidelines for "barrier-free construction" (see "Barrier-Free Construction for People with Disabilities"); and WHEREAS, President (George H.W.) Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and WHEREAS, love without justice is empty and meaningless, and it is unjust to deny anyone employment based solely on human-created obstacles; and WHEREAS, it is fitting that Christians be a "cloud of witnesses" for the secular world; Therefore, be it resolved, that all United Methodist churches investigate and attempt to comply with Title I of the ADA, which states that employers "may not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities" and will "reasonably accommodate the disabilities of qualified applicants or employees unless undue hardship would result." ADOPTED 1992 AMENDED AND READOPTED 1996 READOPTED 2004 and 2008 Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 28
Appendix E: Accessibility Survey Responses Comments from the Fall 2014 survey sponsored by the Pender UMC Trustees. Parking Entrances Hallways Bathrooms Signage Lighting Stairs Awkward stride for steps leading from lower lot Ramp at curb needed at choir door; not enough handicapped spaces especially obvious during events like flea market Ramps needed at the front doors and on either side of "island" at front entrance No curb ramp at front door VERY limited for number needed for handicapped/elderly Ramp needed at front door Narthex automatic doors don't always work Need awning over drop-off space during rain Main automatic door is too narrow, uneven surface (metal strip) Larger automatic door to Narthex, too narrow Ramp needed in choir hallway - quite steep - can it be longer and shallower? Choir ramp is way too steep maybe a ramp/level turn/ramp option would work Slope from north entrance to Narthex too steep Need bathrooms and drinking fountains at far end of building Automatic door access? Power door button Automatic door access would be an improvement No comments Improve outdoor lighting at north entrance and outreach center Confirm that lights come on at sundown (noted that choir entrance light does not always go on) No comments Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 29
Elevator Slow door closing No basement access, restricts activities Worship Spaces Furnishings Need ramp to access altar to facilitate w/c and walker access Need ramp from choir hallway to access choir loft; the current one is too steep Hard to hear - try hearing assistant devices for audio capability Need ramp to altar or at least a second handrail Ramp access needed to chancel space; more pews shortened for wheelchairs Need spaces to "park" walker Second railing, easier access to altar Seats are low and can be hard for someone to stand up Limited seating in Narthex Insufficient seating in Narthex for mobility-impaired Additional Comments Need access to wheelchairs closer to front door Need storage and EASY access to wheelchair loaners Windows in adult classrooms need new hardware for opening and closing Pender UMC Renovation Study Committee Report, January 2015 30