ASBURY FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” - Ecclesiastes 4:12b
Early in the morning on May 2, 1933, the new organ at the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Rochester sparked a four-alarm fire that would completely destroy their building. This was the second fire in their 113-year history and left them with a difficult decision: should they construct a new building or join with another church? Both choices had their advantages and their advocates, but in the end, trusting God’s grace, they joined forces with another vibrant church—Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church. Though not everyone agreed and some members were lost along the way, during a uniting service in January 1934, the two congregations became one and Asbury First was born. Within two years, a remarkable thing happened—the new congregation grew larger than the previous two congregations combined. Asbury First was greater than the sum of its parts. We were truly better together. This is not a unique part of our story. In our nearly 200-year history, we have consistently made the choice to come together when the call was placed upon our hearts. Just think of the combination of Sunday school classes (“Fifty Plus” and “Fellowship Class” became the “Fifty-Plus Fellowship”) or the annual kick-off of the programmatic year, appropriately named “Together in Ministry”. The people of Asbury First know that though we may not be a perfect place, we are more perfect together than we are apart.
Because we know that we are better together, we have focused our Better Together Campaign on three areas: infrastructure, accessibility, and outreach. This campaign reflects our commitment to be a place where the warmth of our worship is synonymous with the warmth of our fellowship. It reflects our commitment to ensure all of God’s children can gather in all our spaces, regardless of physical disabilities. It reflects our commitment to Christ’s command to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and heal the sick. We have come far in the last 200 years, and the only way we have done it is together. This campaign asks each of us, as individuals, to make three commitments that will enable us to continue to thrive together: 1. To live the life of discipleship to which Christ has called each of us by growing in the inward (worship and study) and outward (volunteering and social holiness) expressions of our faith. 2. To make a sacrificial pledge (one time or over several years) which will allow us to better serve the poorest among us, open all our doors to those with disabilities, and ensure the warmth of our space always matches the warmth of our fellowship.
3. To make a pledge for our Annual Operating Budget, which will allow us to sustain and increase our ongoing ministries through this period of growth. The good news is that God walks with us on this journey, bringing us closer together with every step we take. There have been highs and lows over our last two centuries of faithful ministry, but we know that we do not travel alone. Wherever tomorrow takes us, we will have companions for the journey. If we have learned anything from our past, it is that we are better together. Grace and peace. Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Senior Minister
BUILDING OUR INFRASTRUCTURE This campaign begins with much needed renovations to our campus. We have urgent infrastructure needs that must be addressed to sustain our current ministries. Our commitment to updating our infrastructure reflects our commitment to be a place of warmth in our fellowship and our worship. So on a snowy day in Rochester, people come through our doors and find relief from harsh conditions. And on a dark day filled with rain, soft lights and beautiful spaces bring comfort to those who are weary. No matter the season, all are welcomed and cared for here, and it is reflected in the very fiber of our buildings. HVAC System: Our Sanctuary building is heated by a steam boiler well past its life expectancy. The new design will expand the footprint of the boiler room, allowing for new air handlers, two new boilers, and partial cooling to the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. Front & Side Steps: Our crumbling front and side steps to our Sanctuary building will be replaced with granite, which will endure our winter weather much better, providing a longer life and safety to all who use these high traffic entrances to our Sanctuary for worship.
Fellowship Hall Updates: While the HVAC system is being done, we will update our Fellowship Hall with a new, refreshed appearance (similar to our beautiful Gathering Center) and our kitchen with new lighting and updated appliances. Organ Project: The portions of our organ in need of restoration and upgrading will be done. The organ curtains will be replaced with a decorative wood screen. Sanctuary Lighting & Control: All Chancel lighting will be replaced with high efficiency LED lights, providing better viewing by those in our sanctuary, those watching live stream, and our musicians. We will also upgrade our technology to HD. Office Building - Third Floor Renovation: Our growing membership, ministries, volunteers, and staff will now be able to use the third floor of 1050 East Ave., adding over 3000 square feet of new space for meetings, offices, and new ministries. Columbarium Preparation: We will prepare the narthex of the Fellowship Hall to later be made into a Columbarium, a room with niches, for storage of urns, holding the cremated remains of the deceased. Approval of the full plan, along with the sale of niches will happen at a later date.
Stewardship
We believe we must care for the human, physical, and financial resources with which we have been entrusted.
Open to All We believe we are all equal in God’s eyes and all are one in Christ. We extend hospitality and encourage full participation for all regardless of any perceived defining characteristic.
A FOCUS ON ACCESSIBILITY As United Methodists, we believe all persons, regardless of “mental, physical, developmental, neurological, and psychological conditions or disabilities deserve access to the full life of the Church” (¶162.1). While our main church building is ADA compliant, our other two buildings—places where vital ministry happens—remain inaccessible to many. It is our desire that the ability to go anywhere with ease becomes so ingrained in our culture that those with accessibility challenges never think twice about how they’ll get inside or upstairs. They know Asbury First as a place without barriers to entry. What is communicated in structure is felt in spirit: all are welcome here.
Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus.
Luke 5:18-19 Artist’s rendering of updated 1050 East Avenue
Electric Service & Fire Code: This project will add or replace all electric work, emergency lighting, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in our Sanctuary building, while lowering all pull stations to ADA standards. Office Building Accessibility (1050 East Ave.) This project will install an elevator within the building to access all floors, as well as reconfigure the main entrance for accessibility and hospitality. Outreach Center Accessibility (1010 East Ave.) We will improve accessibility to our new Outreach Center (see next page for further details) by adding a new main entrance addition with an elevator serving the lower level, first and second floors.
EXPANDING OUR
OUTREACH Dining & Caring +1,315 sq. ft.
Remodel Existing Space & Build an Additional Dining Room
Storehouse +1,890 sq. ft.
1st Floor Sorting & Storage, 2nd Floor Storefront
URWell Clinic +645 sq. ft.
New Waiting Areas, Offices, Exam Rooms & Sinks
Artist’s rendering of the updated Outreach Center
Asbury First is known for our deep commitment to outreach.
We believe everyone deserves hope and fullness of life. We endeavor to practice mercy and work for justice in our local and extended community.
Each year, our current outreach ministries serve 35,000 meals, clothe 6,000 families referred by 150+ agencies, and offer free basic medical care to 600 people. As we look to the future, we believe we need to centralize all on-campus outreach ministries into one newly renovated, accessible, and beautiful space—1010 East Avenue. Renovating this building (an underutilized space on our campus) allows us to better steward our facilities, maximize outreach resources, and provide a comfortable space for our beloved guests on campus each and every day. Our commitment to creating an Outreach Center reflects our commitment to Christ’s command to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and heal the sick. This is the place where the gospel comes to life, where the work Jesus began over 2,000 years ago continues today in our own backyard. This is the place where strangers become friends, where real needs are met, where our faith turns into joyful action. Outreach Center: This project will consolidate our on-campus outreach ministries (Dining & Caring Center, Storehouse, and URWell Clinic) into the newly renovated 1010 East Ave. We will improve accessibility by adding a new main entrance addition with an elevator serving the lower level, first, and second floors. The entire building, and all ministries as a result, will benefit from ADA compliant entrances, exits, and restrooms, added security and safety measures, expanded space, natural light, and improved heating, cooling, and humidity control.
Outreach
“We are devoting a third of our campus to Outreach. We are redefining what Outreach means to this campus and the space those ministries will occupy.”
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.
Matthew 25:35-36
“We are devoting a third of our campus to Outreach. We are redefining what Outreach means to this campus and the space those ministries will occupy.”
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
GIVING PYRAMID: REACHING $6,300,000
INFRASTRUCTURE HVAC Project ..................................................... Front & Side Steps .............................................. Fellowship Hall Updates ..................................... Sanctuary Lighting & Control ............................... Organ Project ..................................................... Office Building Third Floor Renovation .................. Columbarium .....................................................
$ 1,100,000 $ 230,000 $ 210,000 $ 140,000 $ 170,000 $ 435,000 $ 175,000
ACCESSIBILITY Electric Service & Fire Code ............................... $ 180,000 1050 East Ave {Office Building} Accessibility ....... $ 1,000,000 See Below 1010 East Ave {Outreach Center} Accessibility ......
OUTREACH Outreach Center (including accessibility) .............. $ 2,600,000
TOTAL (INCLUDING CONTINGENCIES) .............. $ 6,240,000
How will we raise this money?
GIFT LEVEL
GIFTS REQUIRED
AVERAGE GIFT
Achieving our goal will require each of us to prayerfully consider how we will give to this campaign. All of us have a goal of tithing— giving 10% of our income to God’s work in this world. Still, making a commitment like this is a personal and prayerful decision. If you would like some help in discerning your pledge amount, here are a few different ways to think about it:
$350,000 - $1,000,000+
1
$500,000
$200,000 - $349,999
4
$250,000
$125,000 - $199,999
5
$150,000
$87,500 - $124,999
5
$100,000
$62,500 - $87,499
5
$ 75,000
$37,500 - $62,499
10
$ 50,000
• Consider making a pledge that allows you to take a step closer or beyond tithing. • Use a calculation that makes sense for your situation (ex. typical annual gift x 5 = capital project gift which can be given over several years). • Recognize your unique situation and give sacrificially and generously out of the abundance of God’s blessings in your life.
$19,000 - $37,499
25
$ 25,000
$10,250 - $18,999
60
$ 13,000
$6,250 - $10,249
75
$ 7,500
$4,000 - $6,249
75
$ 5,000
$2,000 - $4,000
85
$ 3,000
$1 - $2,000
100
$ 1,000
Every gift matters. In the end, each of us will give and we will meet our goal together!
COMMITMENT SUNDAY: NOVEMBER 19TH
Generosity
We believe what we have is a gift from God. We share our gifts with an open heart to help meet needs at Asbury First, the Rochester community, and throughout the world.
Asbury First is an exciting place to be. On Sundays, we worship together during three services. We connect with all ages through adult Sunday school classes, children and youth programming, and music. In addition, this campus is full of activity throughout the week. On any given day, there are people sharing warm meals, clothing, haircuts, or medical care. There are people finding community in small groups, yoga, or prayer. There are people volunteering by sorting clothes, repairing bicycles, knitting prayer shawls, or washing dishes. The everyday ministries of Asbury First are funded through our Annual Operating Budget. This budget ensures that our spaces are lit, warm, safe, staffed, and prepared to Do More Good in their area of ministry.
A CLOSER LOOK AT OUR ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET
Discipleship
Worship
We believe we are at our best when we connect to God together through preaching, prayer, and song. We strive for excellence in all we do, especially in our worship experience.
We believe we—adults, youth, and children alike—are called to grow in our faith both as a community and individuals through education, regular worship, meaningful fellowship, a commitment to service, and celebrating rites of passage together.
INCOME ALLOCATION
Community
We believe we are better together; fellowship and care are keys to love and life.
ANNUAL BUDGET: $2,100,500
61%
OUTREACH
25%
22%
20%
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
4%
WORSHIP & ARTS
19%
DISCIPLESHIP PROPERTY USAGE
ENDOWMENT
RESTRICTED GIVING
PLEDGES
233
24%
10%
SOURCE OF INCOME 15%
GLOBAL UMC
A WEEK AT A GLANCE WITH A FUNDED BUDGET
115
60
VOLUNTEERS
CHILDREN ENGAGEMENT
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
702
3
28
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
WORSHIP SERVICES
SMALL GROUP MEETINGS
800
120
12
PEOPLE RECEIVING HOT MEALS
PEOPLE RECEIVING CLOTHING
PEOPLE RECEIVING MEDICAL CARE
ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET: THE NEXT 3 YEARS
DOLLARS PLEDGED 2015
Our Dreamscape Plan was accepted in June 2017 by an overwhelming 97% vote. This plan calls us to build upon the good work already being done, to deepen our life together, and to have a greater impact on our community and around the world. In order for us to accomplish many of the strategic goals set by the Dreamscape, we must increase our Annual Operating Budget. Many of the goals that will be accomplished through funding our budget are goals related to strategic staffing. This year, more than ever, we recognized the heavy demands placed on the senior leadership and the importance of balance and a sustainable work pace for those on staff. Currently, our proposed budget for 2018 includes funding the Church Administrator’s salary, which was funded this year by an additional designated gift. The proposed budget for the years ahead (2019 & 2020) includes additional strategic staff additions based on our Dreamscape goals.
This campaign asks each individual and family to consider an increase of 5% in their giving to the Annual Operating Budget, which will ensure we are able to accomplish many important goals set before us by our Dreamscape.
2018
2019
2020
Goal: Maintain our current staff, which includes the recent addition of our Church Administrator position
Goal 3.1: All who desire one have a place within Asbury First community beyond worship
Goal 4.1: The Outreach Taskforce’s report “A Way Forward” has been faithfully implemented.
We need to fund all current staff positions
We need to add an additional Volunteer Coordinator position
We need to add an additional Social Worker position
$1,049,700
2016
$1,088,800
2017
$1,105,400
2018
$1,160,000
2019
$1,205,000
2020
$1,255,000
HOUSEHOLDS PLEDGED 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
492 505 494 525 575 625
GIVING FAQS
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Are there named gift opportunities?
Am I making a commitment to both our Annual Operating Budget and the capital projects?
Yes! There are several named gift opportunities in this campaign, ranging from $20,000 to $1,000,000. Examples include: • 1050: Room on Third Floor—$20,000 • 1040: Organ Restoration—$75,000 • 1050: Reception Area—$100,000 • 1010: Welcome Foyer—$250,000 • 1040: Sanctuary Cooling—$350,000 • 1010: Outreach Center—$1,000,000
Yes! We will provide a giving statement each quarter for your records, which will also update you on the status of your pledge.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY & COMMITMENT TO THE MISSION OF ASBURY FIRST!
One gift to be expected at this date:
How many years may I take to fulfill a capital projects pledge? You may take as long as you need to make a meaningful gift to this campaign. Based on past campaigns, most gifts have been given over the course of 3-7 years.
ADDRESS
Can more than one person give for a named gift opportunity?
Yes! We have a group of volunteers bringing leadership to our requests for outside funding through grants, foundations, and any other opportunities.
for for for
year(s) year(s) year(s)
ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET 2018: $
Yes! In fact, in our last campaign we had an adult Sunday School class give a joint named gift, and it was a beautiful way to participate in the campaign.
Are we planning to pursue outside funding for any of the capital projects?
Weekly gift of $ Monthly gift of $ Yearly gift of $ Other:
NAME(S)
Are there ways to make a gift other than cash?
For a complete list of named gifts and additional FAQs, visit our website at asburyfirst.org/bettertogether or request a copy at bettertogether@asburyfirst.org
Please accept this pledge to both the Capital Projects and the Annual Operating Budget
CAPITAL PROJECTS: $
We hope so! This campaign is a two-fold campaign for the Annual Operating Budget and the campus projects outlined in this brochure. Both are mission critical as we look to the years ahead.
Yes! We can accept securities, real estate, and personal property (as deemed acceptable by the Board of Trustees). You may also make an gift using a deferred vehicle (bequest, charitable gift annuity, charitable trust, life insurance, 401K distribution, etc.).
BETTER TOGETHER PLEDGE CARD
I plan to make my gift:
Weekly
Monthly
Yearly
OPTIONAL PHONE
I’d like to make a multi-year pledge through 2020:
I would like to be contacted regarding my estate plans
Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607 585.271.1050 www.asburyfirst.org
I’d like to commit to a set amount: 2019: $ OR
2020: $
I’d like to increase my 2018 pledge by for the next two years (through 2020).
% each year
DID YOU KNOW... Check all that apply
You can receive giving envelopes, weekly or monthly, to organize your giving in the offering plate on Sundays? Yes, I would like to receive giving envelopes:
weekly
monthly
You can set up a recurring gift electronically for automatic giving in any regular interval of your choosing? Yes, I would like to set up a recurring electronic gift.
You can make a gift of assets, such as stocks, securities, real estate, or life insurance? Yes, I would like to be contacted regarding a gift of assets.
YOU MAY ALSO MAIL A CHECK ANYTIME THROUGHOUT THE CAMPAIGN TO: Asbury First United Methodist Church ATTN: Better Together Campaign 1050 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607
SHARE IN THE MINISTRY OF ASBURY FIRST FOR GENERATIONS TO COME In so many ways, we are standing on the promises of those who have come before us. Asbury First has such a rich past, and together we can ensure a vibrant future. This campaign has been made possible because of the faithful gifts bequeathed to the church through previous generations. We want to stress the importance of prayerfully considering your will and estate plans, regardless of your age and circumstance. Making a planned gift to Asbury First will allow us to Do More Good for generations to come. It will provide a lasting reminder to all who follow that we are truly better together.
Are you considering a planned gift to Asbury First? Have you already included Asbury First in your plans? We would love to hear from you, so we can understand and celebrate your gift in a way that is meaningful to you. Please indicate that on your pledge card or feel free to contact Morgan Dornsife (Director of Development) at mdornsife@asburyfirst.org or 585.271.1050 x112.
Love God & Neighbor. Live Fully. Serve All. Repeat. Asbury First United Methodist Church 1050 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607 585.271.1050 asburyfirst.org/bettertogether bettertogether@asburyfirst.org 10/2017