Dear FellowUnited Methodists, During our 2001 Annual Conference, a body of legislation was passed requesting that a committee be formed to study the feasibility of a conference wide Capital Fundraising effort. The purpose of such an effort is to further unite our conference around a common goal and to secure funds for our conference wide objectives. In response, Bishop Hassinger has assembled a committee consisting of both lay-people and clergy with a wide array of backgrounds and experiences. We began meeting in September and are in the process of gathering the data needed in order to present a report to the next Annual Conference in 2002. In evaluating our task, it has become clear to our group that we need to have a broad range of input from throughout the conference. We are now asking for your help so that we can best understand the hopes dreams and desires of the general membership of our conference. Before we can commission a specific study regarding fundraising feasibility, we must first determine what the conference feels are the most pressing needs and the most appropriate needs to be addressed in a capital campaign. Some have already been identified, and we have summarized them for you. However we are still looking at this as an open book. Now is your chance to make sure that your voice is heard. Please take a few minutes to complete the enclosed survey and return it to the conference office. We look forward to hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to represent your ideas and recommendations at our 2002 Annual Conference. Sincerely,
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Identified Needs Outdoor and Retreat Ministries: The group which has created a vision for these programs is working with Rolling Ridge, Aldersgate, Mechuwana, and Wanakee, to work support their ministries and growth. Deferred maintenance and capital needs of our outdoor ministries sites and retreat centers are great. All sites are growing in their programs and offer maximum effect for our investment. Campus Ministries: The Resource Team affirms that growing and effective campus ministries call for adequate facilities, including repairs and renovations. Some of these ministries are directly related to local United Methodist congregations. Specific examples of active ministries that have needs are: Bridgewater State (MA), Plymouth (NH), and University of Maine (ME). New Church Development: The Bishop has appointed a Task Force which is developing a master plan for strategic new church development in New England for the coming decade. There is no question that planting new faith communities is the most effective way of reaching new persons in Christ and growing our Church. Some of these would include various languages and ethnic communities to reach new and unchurched population groups. The newer models of new church development may be less capital intensive (we often plant new communities in connection with existing congregations and facilities). Yet, the need for a funding pool to facilitate new building and capital expansion for new mission and ministry in New England is obvious. Covenants with Other Christian Bodies: The New England Annual Conference has two international Covenants: with the West Angola Annual Conference of The UMC and la Iglesia de Cristo en Nicaragua. Our Capital Gifts Campaign will enable our brothers and sisters in these countries to facilities and ministries that feed, heal and educate the Christ that is in “the least of these.” |