A Vision for the immediate future development of Williamsburg UMC:
This past year we were presented with the opportunity to purchase the property next door at 227 N. The church had begun preparing for this purchase over 20 years ago with the development of the Vision Fund which had the specific purpose of using designated gifts to purchase properties, and specifically the 227 N. Third house, arou
nd the church so this congregation could continue to grow and meet the needs of a growing Williamsburg Township. We have purchased the house and we are now making plans for the future. The immediate plans will include parking, a possible playground, and a carport to protect the church van from hail. Ideally, we would like to build up donations to pay for these three things within the next year. We will be seeking a great amount of financial support from our congregation, and also from those associated with the congregation in online forums and in the community. Then in three years we will look to start a capital campaign for the construction of an activities building, also referred to as a life center or multi-purpose building. This new construction to be funded, built, and completed by 2032 at the latest, and would house a large open space for meetings, worship, receptions, or other community events as deemed purposeful by the Administrative Board and congregation, as well as other smaller classrooms, a kitchen, and restrooms (and possibly showers for missions teams or touring groups). We know coming out of COVID quarantine that attendance has been low as well as financial support across the board, not just for our church, but for most small churches. Church attendance will not be what it once was, and we must look at meeting the community where their needs are. To that end our new Mission Planning Team is looking at Asset Based Community Development, which finds the motivated individuals in the community and gives them the opportunity to develop businesses, groups, and projects in the unused church space. This can earn income for the church as well as create new relationships with those in the area who might never have considered stepping inside a church. We will still provide worship and Bible study, but we will also provide opportunities to meet the future growing needs of the greater Cincinnati, which is going to grow out to and past Williamsburg in the next two decades. Williamsburg UMC is uniquely situated with the land we just purchased, to grow with a growing community. We are hoping to be a modern community center where people go to find opportunities and end up finding Jesus as an unexpected bonus. Please continue to walk with us as we develop this vision over the next ten years together. Understand that these are ideas that we are putting forth with your help, and that with your help we will be ready to meet the ever-changing landscape of ministry in our ever expanding community. In the name of Christ Jesus
Rev. Dare Stevens
