The Next Chapter
When you hear the word “chapter” you may think of a book, especially the Bible. Or maybe your mind jumped to the idea of the next chapter in your life, a time that can be both exciting and challenging. At First United Methodist Church of Waynesville we have entered the next chapter for not only our church but also our contributions in the community and the organizations we support around the world. It’s an exciting and challenging time for our congregation too!
For almost two hundred years this church has played a vital role in Haywood County, standing strong through wars, floods and a devastating fire. Our congregation is known for being generous with our resources and willingness to share the church’s facilities with a variety of groups throughout Haywood County. But now our buildings are in need of repairs and upgrades if we want to continue our role as a significant resource in the community. Here’s a short list of the most pressing concerns:
HVAC system must be replaced. It is so old that refrigerant and parts are not available.
Solar panel installation and energy efficiency improvements.
Reduce debt incurred for the construction of the Child Development Center’s (CDC) facilities.
Elevators, doors, and entry systems need repairs.
Equipment in the kitchen needs to be upgraded.
Friendship House has a lengthy list of repairs.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN PROJECTS - PRIORITY LIST
Ready to Launch - Fully funded with cash available
Boiler Repair - Estimated $100K
This repair will address an existing leak underneath the courtyard in the boiler piping.
Targeted timing - Summer-Fall 2026New Controls for HVAC System - Estimated $275K
This system will increase control and effectiveness of heating and cooling systems, resulting in cost savings and improved system management.
Targeted timing - Summer-Fall 2026Boiler Replacement - Estimated $275K
A new multi-stage boiler system that will be more efficient and provide redundancy.
Targeted timing - Summer-Fall 2026Solar Panel System - $228K
Nearly 100 KW system installed on the Sanctuary roof reducing electricity usage by ~25% and greenhouse gas emissions by ~1800 tons per year.
Targeted timing - Fall 2026
Funded & In Progress - Funding committed through pledges, awaiting full cash availability
Chiller System Replacement - Estimated $385K
Moves to a packaged rooftop unit with greater efficiency and reliability.
Targeted timing - Winter 2027Fan Coil Unit Replacement - Estimated $260K
Provides heating and cooling to offices and youth areas.
Timing TBDSanctuary Split Systems - Estimated $390K
Replacement of 3 large cooling units and 3 air handlers serving the sanctuary.
Timing TBD
Vision Opportunities - Important future projects awaiting funding support
Education Building Heating and Cooling Upgrade - Estimated $937K
Install modern heating and cooling in the education building to improve comfort and functionality.
Timing TBDChoir Room HVAC System Upgrade - Estimated $75K
Redesign and installation of a new heating and cooling system for the Choir Room.
Timing TBDElevator Replacement - Estimated $100K
Budget for replacement as advised by service vendor.
Timing TBDDoor and Entry Systems Upgrade - Estimated $150K
Upgrade outdated components for enhanced security and reliability.
Timing TBDKitchen Upgrades - Estimated $25K
Replace aging kitchen components in this frequently used space.
Timing TBDDebt Retirement - Estimated $1.3M
Retire outstanding loan to free up approximately $120K per year in cash flow.
Timing TBD
These are preliminary numbers as the final system design is completed. Priorities may change based on challenges that arise, or as additional funding is received.
Frequently Asked Questions
A capital campaign is a focused fundraising effort to raise significant funds for a specific project or projects, such as funding a new church facility or renovating existing facilities. It’s a concentrated effort with a defined time frame. The giving period for The Next Chapter is three years. A capital campaign differs from an annual stewardship campaign, which funds day-to-day expenses, such as salaries, program costs, utilities, etc.
Capital campaigns align with biblical principles of stewardship and generosity, especially when used to further God’s work and ministry.
Replace and upgrade existing HVAC systems, install HVAC for 2nd and 3rd floors of education building - $3 million
Install solar panels and other energy saving options $227K
Retire debt for Child Development Center (CDC) - $1.3 million
Upgrade/replace doors and entry systems - $150K
Upgrade/replace kitchen equipment - $25K
Repair/replace elevator - $100K
Upgrade/repair Friendship House as funds allow
Total: $4,802,000
The short answer is “together”! Over the next several weeks more information will be made available to the congregation, including opportunities to prayerfully and financially participate in this campaign.
We have been paying off this debt since taking out the loan but there is an outstanding balance. If that debt is paid off by the capital campaign it will free up funds in the church operating budget to use for other ministries
Congregational giving and attendance have remained level, with little or no growth, over the past 25 years. Church leadership has focused on maintaining staff, programs, and outreach ministries. Significant growth in programs and outreach has been facilitated by the successful solicitation of grant funding. In the meantime, our facilities have aged, and we now face a situation in which our ministries and nonprofit partners will be adversely affected if these facilities are not updated.
This is a personal decision, but here are some guidelines for your consideration:
Be informed by reading all the literature provided during the campaign. Talk to a capital campaign team member about how a successful campaign will affect the life of our church and our community. Discuss any questions or concerns you might have.
Reflect on the blessings given you by a generous God. Give out of joy and gratitude.
Ask God for direction, pray, meditate, and be open to the Spirit.
Absolutely! You are encouraged to think of assets in addition to cash. For many people, this is the best (and smartest) way to give. Giving stocks or other appreciated assets as a charitable donation is beneficial to both you and FUMC. If you think you would benefit from more information on this topic, contact FUMC Financial Secretary, Brooks Wilson, at 828-456-9475 or awilson@fumc-waynesville.com.
Your giving to this campaign is a totally new commitment and is over and above your annual giving to FUMC. All the money received or pledged through this three-year campaign will be directly applied to the identified projects. We trust you will continue to support the current ministries and outreach of our congregation by undiminished, ongoing giving through your offerings.
If your financial circumstances change at any time during the giving phase, your commitment may be increased or decreased by notifying Brooks Wilson at 828-456-9475 or awilson@fumc-waynesville.com.
The funds are needed for all the projects listed so that our facilities can be used for the church’s ministries as well as those of our nonprofit partners who use our church complex. If the projects are not fully funded, the church will have to borrow funds to implement the highest priority projects, namely the HVAC systems. Should these systems fail the impact would be felt by not only our congregation but also our entire community, which benefits from the many services of our nonprofit partners.
Home Trust Bank is our current lender and has provided us with a very competitive rate, which we hope will continue to be available. If not we will seek other lending options.