I remember it well. It was mid-March 2020, and I was scheduled to meet with the church leadership at First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Waukesha, Wisconsin to report the positive outcome of a feasibility study. I was prepared to confirm the congregation’s enthusiastic support to immediately proceed with a capital campaign to fund proposed projects to enhance the church building – through restoration, renewal, and replacement of old systems.
Then, BAM! The pandemic hit… and the capital campaign was put on ice.
But FUMC is a resilient congregation. Even after a pandemic…even after a change in pastoral leadership… even amidst the choppy waters of change within the larger United Methodist Church… FUMC continues to forge ahead in mission and service.
Early in 2024, church leadership wiped the dust off the 2020 project list, and with some slight adjustments, resurrected their goal to move forward with the capital campaign. Pre-campaign communications were helpful in re-energizing the congregation after the four-year lapse. The spirit of the congregation was once again focused on the desire to ensure that their church facilities are cared for, and inviting to all.
The Campaign Team conducted the campaign in the Spring of 2024, guided and supported by The James Company staff. Congratulations to the FUMC congregation as you now have over $800,000 in cash and pledges to revive, renew, and lengthen the light! Your loving stewardship of FUMC’s mission and ministry will have an impact for generations to come as your church building is renewed and your ministry is revived.
P.S. This was FUMC’s 5th capital campaign conducted by The James Company, dating back to 1997.
Fred Stoltz, Sr. Program Director
The James Company
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