Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church



Northern Illinois Conference Outdoor
and Retreat Ministries

 

CHURCH BUILDING COMMITTEE


Dear Church Friends,

This is an important season in the life of our congregation. On June 27, we will gather in the sanctuary to vote on forming a partnership to build on our property at 1210 Ridge Road in collaboration with the Great Joliet Area YMCA. We hope that you will be able to attend this important Charge Conference meeting as follows:

Date: Monday, June 27
Time: 6:00 PM Overview of current plans for those who were unable to attend earlier meetings.
         7:00 PM Charge Conference presided by Rev. Diana Facemeyer, District Superintendent.

The journey to Ridge Road has been underway for many years. The site was chose in 2001 when the Davidson family made a generous donation of 5 acres. The church decided to purchase an additional 10 acres to make a total new site of 15 acres. The congregation completely paid for the land within three years and attention began toward building plans. A Guiding Team was formed, and later a Building Committee was nominated. The idea to consider the possibilities of a collaborative partnership to build a new building that would be utilized seven days a week for ministry and community services emerged as the Building Committee investigated options. Multiple potential partners have been considered over the last two years and it has become clear that the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is a strong collaborative partner with Christ centered mission to all people.

After careful consideration the Building Committee recommends that we formally enter into partnership with the Greater Joliet Area YMCA with the intent of building a combined facility. We feel that this is an exciting opportunity to connect with members of our community who do not have a church home, demonstrate good stewardship of our church property, and provide important services to our community. Future charge conference meetings would be required to approve architectural plans and estimated costs. The purpose of this charge conference is to gain the congregations approval to form a formal partnership and to be begin raising funds for our future building program.

To these ends, the Building Committee is proposing two resolutions to be voted on at the Charge Conference.

1. That the Minooka UMC under the careful guidance of the building Committee enter into a formal partnership with the Greater Joliet Area YMCA with the intent of constructing a combined church and YMCA facility on our property at 1210 Ridge Rd., Minooka IL 60447.

2. That the Minooka UMC initiate a capital campaign to begin to raise money for the said project, with permission to retain the service of a fund raising professional as deemed necessary by a joint recommendation of the Finance Committee and the Building Committee. Cost for such fundraising expertise will be approved by the Church Council before being retained. The initial multiyear fundraising goal would be $1.5 million.

All are welcome to attend this Charge Conference. There will be an opportunity for individuals to make statements either for or against the proposal. All confirmed youth and adult members of Minooka UMC in attendance will be eligible to vote. He vote will be conducted by paper ballots; results to be announced at conclusion of the meeting.

We need your voice and your vote for our church’s future. Please join us on June 27.

In Christ,

Gail Chase and Liz Figge - Co-Chairs of the MUMC Building Committee