Capital Program
Progress pictures of the construction can be seen in our Church Photo Album Images
Now is the Time
It all started with the vision of a 16-year old boy who stood before his congregation in early 2006 and addressed the church’s need for a facility dedicated to its growing population of youth and children. “Now is the time,” he said from the podium. While Ryan Owens did not live to see his seventeenth birthday, his vision for Chapel Hill United Methodist Church has lived on and has culminated in a new 12,000 square foot addition for the church’s young people.
The congregation, dedicated to making Ryan’s dream come true, enlisted help with fundraising, financing, and organization of taking on such a large task. Several committees were formed by church volunteers, all with the same mission: to build a new piece of architecture that would meet the physical needs of the church without causing its financial demise. While Chapel Hill was enthusiastic about its mission, it was also cautious, taking careful steps toward what could easily become an overwhelming project. Each step was guided by logic, reason, and prayer.
The official kick-off ceremony held in early July 2010 consisted of an outdoor service followed by a carnival-like event showing the church’s dedication to its children and youth. In fact, it was these young people, as well as church officials, the town mayor, and several other community leaders, who took up shovels and performed the official ground breaking after an emotional statement by Ryan Owens’ father.
Soon, the lot was dotted with machinery and equipment ready to transform the grassy hill into a legacy. The main construction was the building, itself; however, other architectural changes accompanied it. A new parking lot giving the church an additional 75 spaces was added, as well as a stepped walkway from the lot to the youth building. A new front entryway was created, complete with dedication plaque, tiled floor, and extended bathrooms, complete with shower facilities. Additionally, the church’s kitchen and existing fellowship hall were remodeled and updated to meet the needs of such a growing population. Underneath the new building is an extensive storage area as well the hub for the mass of electronics wired throughout the new facility.
The children’s classrooms are located behind locked doors, maintaining a carefully monitored and safe environment for the children. Parents and guardians will check their children in and out of their classrooms using an electronic system complete with information cards. The classrooms, themselves, are much larger than their predecessors, complete with child-sized bathrooms and storage closets. Each room is equipped with a 43-inch plasma screen television and Blu-Ray player, allowing teachers and students to access the sanctuary, internet, and computerized curriculum. As an additional safety precaution, each classroom is also equipped with a motion-activated video camera allowing each room to be monitored and recorded. At the center of the facility is an open-aired courtyard, ready to be transformed into a safe playground for the children. A kitchenette at the end of the hallway will be used for children’s programs as well as the storage and creation of meals or snacks at various children and youth events.
The youth section of the building consists of three main sections: a fellowship hall complete with chairs, stage, screen/projector, and AV center; two large classrooms – one for middle school students, the other for high school; and a socializing area complete with leather couches, coffee house tables and chairs, and gaming systems. Students gather on Wednesday and Sunday evenings to enjoy music by their own youth praise band, a sermon delivered by their youth pastor or guest speaker, and small group discussions in the classrooms. Future plans for the facility include after-school homework assistance as well as a safe environment for children and youth to hang out with friends.
Indeed, since its official opening on Sunday, June 12, 2011, the new children and youth building has many plans in store for its future. While the ideas for its use are varied and plentiful, they all share the same mission: Now is the Time for Chapel Hill United Methodist Church to follow God’s plan in serving not only its own congregation, but the young people of its community.
Chapel Hill Capital Program:
The " Now Is The Time" campaign is to raise money for a new building and it is a desire to do more of that which God has called us. As the campaign progresses, we would like for you to remember two things:
Please pray... "Lord, what do you want to do through me to accomplish your will at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church?"
Also remember that it is... Not equal gifts but equal sacrifice.
We invite those who have not pledged to please pray... "Lord, what do you want to do through me to accomplish Your will at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church?"
* Special Notice regarding Building Fund contributions* All check contributions written to the Building Fund will be posted to the "Now Is The Time" campaign unless the contributor specifically designates otherwise on their check.
Click on any of the links below to open that .pdf file.
Floor Plan of Youth Building
Case Statement
Now Is The Time Letterhead
Q&A Brochure
Creative Strategies In Giving Brochure
Scriptures on Giving NRSV
Small Group Leader
Prayer NRSV Translation
RSI Small Group Curriculum Recommendations
A Message From Melissa Little:
Ladonna Stone and Melissa Little were talking one day about how they wanted to be able to give more to the building campaign but financially were unable to do what they felt that they should. The two employees of Methodist Hospital decided that it would be a good idea to do a fundraiser. A coworker threw out the idea of the "That's My Pan" fundraiser and promised to place a large order, which she did. Melissa and LaDonna distributed ordering information at Methodist Hospital and at Chapel Hill Church. They had an overwhelming response, especially when told the profits will go to the children and youth of the church. The two ladies were able to raise almost $1410.00. Leona will be getting the final figure soon. Melissa shared they had some small donations that were made as well. Both LaDonna and Melissa were very happy with the response and thank everyone that helped make the fundraiser a success!
