We are a strong and vibrant church that is Intellectually Challenging, Emotionally Stimulating and Spiritually Nourishing. Our reach is broad and yet deep…Our concerns are local and global…Our love is unconditional…
Our growth is essential.
Why Grow?
Since the establishment of Arapaho United Methodist Church (AUMC) in the 1960s, we have served as a neighborhood church to a continuously growing area. The construction of a new sanctuary was commissioned and completed in 1981 to account for that growth. However, since that time, virtually no significant development on our church home has been undertaken, despite continued growth in both membership and ministries. Today, we are blessed with five strong adult Sunday school classes, significant adult religious studies, a vibrant youth program, and countless opportunities for fellowship, yet we have insufficient facilities to handle any of these critical needs. Our existing facilities limit our current ministries as well as our potential for growth in both membership and programs – both critical inputs to remaining vibrant now and in the years to come. Enhancing our building will add vibrancy and appeal to our ministries for current and prospective members.
Who Will Benefit?
Everyone. The growth plans were carefully rendered over two years of listening carefully to the needs of all of our congregants. The plan is bold but responsible; broad but necessary. The plan appropriately addresses the many current needs of our congregation, balancing response with priority…scope with feasibility.
What Are We Building?
We are building three new sections and renovating a few elements of the existing infrastructure:
· Area 1: 7,300 square feet – 7 new, dedicated classrooms to address all adult and confirmation education needs
· Area 2: 3,000 square feet
· Larger and more secure toddler and infant facilities
· New, significantly larger kitchen facilities with direct access to Fellowship Hall
· Significantly increased storage for Fellowship Hall and general needs
· Area 3: 2,300 square feet – Dedicated, flexible youth fellowship and worship space that is appropriate for junior/senior high Sunday school, UMYF programming, and all aspects of religious youth programming.
· Renovation: 8,150 square feet
· Complete renovation of Fellowship Hall to increase capacity by 67% and create a more appropriate and flexible space for the myriad fellowship activities throughout the year
· Renovation and expansion of choir facilities, including office space for the Minister of Music
· Enhanced administrative space (Religious Education Dir., Day School Dir., Finance Office)
· Establishment of dedicated library and computer room
· Development of significantly more storage space for broad church usage
What Is Our Budget?
· Our estimated construction budget is $1.97 million - $2.47 million. Additional expected expenses related to development total $450 thousand (including architectural and contractor expenses and furnishings for the new space).
· Ongoing expense considerations need to be considered with respect to the new space (including operations, maintenance, and security).
What Is The Planned Timeline?
Pending a successful Capital Campaign to be conducted from February – March 2010, we expect to break ground for the new structure by September 2010, with construction completing in July 2011. Look for more communication about this exciting project and your critical role in its success over the coming weeks and months.