A . JUBILEE .

YEAR

F orward in faith

COMMUNITY UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH
 C A M PA I GN . P R AY E R

Eternal and Loving God, as we undertake a challenging and exciting new step in the
faith journey of this congregation, we turn to you for guidance. For the past 34 years,
since our official start as a congregation in 1973, you have led us both in times of
scarcity and abundance. You placed this church in the heart of this community to be a
light that shines in the darkness and a voice that boldly shares the love of Christ with
all who are in need. And now, once again, you are calling us to open our hearts to the
joy of serving and sharing our resources, so that Community UMC might continue to
grow and develop new ministries to serve our community and the world. We ask you
to expand our vision and to accept our thanksgiving and praise for the privilege of
sharing in the ministry of Christ and the opportunity to generously serve you. Receive
the gifts we offer as expressions of our deep love for you, through Jesus Christ who
gave himself for us.
AME N.
Dear Friends in Christ,

This is an exciting time in the life of Community United Methodist Church. We are embarking upon a capital campaign that
has the potential to free us from our current building indebtedness and move us forward into the future with dynamic new
ministries in our community and, through mission outreach, around the world. The theme of our campaign was intentionally
selected with our specific congregational needs in mind: A JUBILEE YEAR - FORWARD IN FAITH.

The idea of a “Jubilee Year” is found in the 25th chapter of Leviticus and is related to the concept of liberty, sharing and the
forgiveness of debt in ancient Israel. Leviticus 25:10 reads: “You shall count off seven weeks of years, seven times seven
years. . .and you shall hallow the fiftieth year and you shall proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.” I believe
God’s loving purpose in these instructions was to dismantle structures of social-economic inequality by releasing each
community member from debt (Leviticus 25:35-42), returning encumbered or forfeited land to its original owners (25:13,
25-28), and freeing slaves (25:47-55). Also found in the instructions for the jubilee year is God’s call for the people to live
simply, trusting God to supply their needs.

“Jubilee” can be a compelling image around which we as a congregation can gather our thoughts and vision the future. If
there is one idea on which most all of us agree from our focus groups and conversation with one another, it is the need to pay
off our large building debt. Being liberated from that debt will provide immediate resources for new ministries and community
outreach as together we move “FORWARD IN FAITH”.

Beyond the debt elimination, as our congregation responds positively to the challenge of the capital campaign and extra
monies are raised, the church leadership has set a further goal of possible building expansion to meet the spiritual and
ministry needs of a growing and larger community in future years. The Administrative Council has designated three priorities
for the funds that are raised. (1) A tithe (ten percent) of all money raised will be designated for mission and outreach. (2) The
initial funds that are raised will be used to eliminate our current building debt. (3) Monies raised beyond that will be used to
explore the numerous possibilities for the physical growth of the church to further serve the greater Crofton community in the
heart of which CUMC is so strategically located.

I urgently and prayerfully encourage your participation in this campaign. You and I are part of a vibrant and vital
congregation that has a brief history in time but a rich history of mission and ministry in our community. I thank God for your
faith, and I thank you in advance for the commitments you will prayerfully make!

In Christ,

Stephen C. Rettenmayer

Pastor S T E P H E N . R E T T E N M AY E R
To All Members of the Community United Methodist Church Family:

I am deeply honored to have been asked to serve as Chairman of our “A Jubilee Year – Forward In Faith” Capital Campaign.
Some people have suggested to me that this is a role that very few people would want to assume. I feel quite the opposite.
After all, who wouldn’t want to be part of a movement that is going to dramatically expand our ministry opportunities not only
here in Crofton, but to the “last and to the least” throughout all of the regional, national and international areas that we are
being called to serve.

Over the next few weeks, every Church family is going to be visited by fellow Church family members to discuss stepping forth
in faith in making a financial commitment in support of our Vision. Each of you will be asked to “consider” a specific amount to
be paid over a 3-5 year period. In addition, you will be asked to make a commitment to the 2008 Operating Budget. In this way
we will not have to conduct our traditional fall stewardship campaign for next year’s budget. I would like to emphasize that the
amount you are being asked to “consider” is not what you are “expected” to give. It is a means of emphasizing to everyone
that God is calling us to “stretch” in order to meet our goal. It is also important for all of us to realize that God does not expect
all of us to give equal amounts. However, God IS calling each of us to make inspirational gifts based upon our own family’s
current circumstances.

Another point I would like to emphasize is that historically most of us have given to our Church from our checkbooks and we
have not considered utilizing other assets that we may have accumulated over the years. Therefore, I sincerely request that
each of you prayerfully “consider” what you are being asked to do and to look at the possibility of gifting appreciated securities
(stocks, mutual fund shares, bonds, etc.), real estate or other tangible assets. As part of your consideration, we encourage
each of you to consult your tax and/or financial planning advisors to make sure you fully understand the significant tax and
estate planning advantages that may be gained.

God, through this Campaign, is clearly challenging each of us to reach beyond our normal comfort zones and step “Forward In
Faith” to meet the needs, not only of our existing congregation, but of the generations to come.

As each of you considers what you plan to do regarding this Campaign, I encourage you to also turn to God in prayer. I think
you will be amazed by the fact that He will show you and your family the way to becoming “joyful” givers who have been
inspired to go far beyond what you ever thought was possible.

We thank you in advance for your commitment. Whatever decision you and God reach together – it will be the right one.
Many thanks,

Charlie

Campaign Chair CHARLES . MOORE

History COMMUNITY . UNITED . METHODIST . CHURCH
1 9 6 7 - The Baltimore Annual Conference Board
Missions purchased 5 acres of land at the corner of Rt.
424 and Riedel Rd. Rev. L. Patrick Ricker was
selected to begin work in the community, and the
missionary society of the UMC purchased a house on
Farrell St. to serve as both a Church and parsonage.
1 9 7 3 - November 4th, CUMC officially becomes
a Church with 36 charter members, and 22 members
installed as officers.
1 9 7 4 - As attendance grew, the need for more
space for new programs became apparent. As a
result, CUMC began to meet in the Crofton
Elementary School.
1 9 7 8 - The congregation moves to the Arundel
Fire Hall, and the dream of a permanent place for
worship begins with the groundbreaking for a
multi-purpose building. That December the
consecration of the first phase of a permanent Church
home was held.
1 9 7 9 - A much needed outreach program, the
Child Development Center, began with a capacity of 20
children.
1 9 8 6 - After 13 years in Crofton, Rev. Ricker was
reassigned, and Rev. Gregory A Wise was sent to
serve as the new pastor. After receiving a generous
donation toward a sanctuary, the congregation began
the serious task of building a new church.
1 9 8 8 - After two years of service, Rev. Wise
left CUMC, and Rev. Chris Holmes was assigned to
serve as pastor.
1 9 8 9 - The seemingly endless periods of
blood, toil, tears, sweat, and a lot of prayers came
to a joyous conclusion as it was announced that
the funds for the new Sanctuary had been secured
through pledges, loans, and other sources.
1 9 9 1 - The Sanctuary and Education Space
of the Community United Methodist Church were
consecrated to the glory of Almighty God.
1 9 9 4 - Carole Sloan was appointed the first
full-time associate pastor of the Church. Followed
by Betsy Halsey in 1998, and Judy Kelly in 2003.
1 9 9 7 - The congregation, programs, and ministry
continued to grow, and so did the need for additional
space. As a result, construction for a new
Multi-Ministries Building was started. Mission trips to
Zimbabwe began this year, and have continued every
other year since.
1 9 9 8 - The new Multi-Ministries Building was
finished and consecrated on the 25th anniversary of
Community United Methodist Church.
2 0 0 5 - After 17 years of service, Rev. Chris
Holmes was reassigned, and Rev. Steve Rettenmayer
was sent to serve as the new pastor.
Needs and Opportunities
M I S S I O N S . O U T R E A C H I N I T I AT I V E S
DESIGNATE A MINIMUM OF 10% OF MONIES RAISED TO MISSIONS AND OUTREACH

- Significantly expand new and current initiatives (food pantry, community pastoral counseling, etc.)
- Establish scholarship fund for ASP and VIM trips
- Reduce multiple fundraising efforts throughout the year

M O RT GAG E . E L I M I NAT I O N
PAY OFF CURRENT MORTGAGE BALANCE OF $1.4 MILLION

- Save over $1.0 million in mortgage interest payments over the remaining life of the existing mortgage
- Eliminate $138K in annual principle and interest expense from Operating Budget
- These additional funds will then be available to expand new and existing programs and ministries (youth
programs, related staffing requirements, etc.)

E X PA N D . E N H A N C E E X I S T I N G FAC I L I T I E S
OPPORTUNITY TO CONSTRUCT A CANOPY OVER SAINTS PLAZA, A CONNECTOR FROM THE
SANCTUARY TO THE FELLOWSHIP HALL, AS WELL AS A SECOND FLOOR OVER EXISTING MEETING
ROOMS & CLASSROOMS WITH ABOUT 13,000 SQUARE FEET OF NEW SPACE.

- Expand Sanctuary
- 13-15 New Classrooms
- Expanded youth room, nursery, music rehearsal area, office space, meeting space etc.
- Expanded food pantry as part of a community wide initiative
- Space for community pastoral counselor and other pastoral needs
- Enhanced fellowship with a larger “meet and greet” area
- Safer/drier movement between buildings
- Enhance safety and physical appearance of property
 “WE COULD DO SO MANY MORE PROGRAMS WITHOUT HAVING TO
PAY T H AT E N O R M O U S M O R T G A G E . ”

“My hope is for unity and joy in expanding & opening ourselves to new
things, programs, people, worship, and study.”

We need a place where the congregation can grow.

“BY FREEING UP FUNDS, WE WILL BE ABLE TO
R E A C H A N D H E L P T H E L E A S T A N D T H E L A S T. ”

“ I T I S A B I G U N D E R TA K I N G, B U T I H O P E W I T H
G O D ’ S B L E S S I N G, W E C A N A C C O M P L I S H E V E RY
PA R T O F T H E P L A N . ”
 L O W E R . L E V E L

U P P E R . L E V E L

C H A N C E L E X PA N S I O N
& LO B BY L IN K

PL A ZA . CAN O P Y
 Needs and Opportunities
2 - L E V E L
CL A S S ROOM
E X PA N S I O N

U P P E R . L E V E L

L O W E R . L E V E L
C H A N C E L E X PA N S I O N
& L O B BY LIN K

2 - LEVEL
C LASSROOM
E X PA N S I O N
 Needs and Opportunities
P L A ZA C AN OPY &
2 - L E V E L C LASSROOM E X PA N S I O N
Needs and Opportunities O U R . G OA L

MISSIONS . OUTREACH 1 0 % o f Mo n i e s R a i s e d
INITIATIVES

MORTGAGE . ELIMINATION $ 1 . 4 M i l l i o n

EXPAND . ENHANCE EXISTING $ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 - $ 3 . 6 M i l l i o n

FACILITIES
Unique
OPPORTUNITY OF A
C A P I TA L C A M PA I G N
 Your Gift
A capital campaign has certain features distinguishing it from annual giving:
It is in response to a matter of SIGNIFICANT need, and It schedules payments over a LONGER PERIOD of
therefore takes place ONLY when necessary. time; donors select a giving plan convenient for them.

It invests its return in PERMANENT PROPERTIES.
It seeks much LARGER AMOUNTS of money than a
planned budget can meet.
It requires a PLANNED and INSPIRATIONAL effort,
often involving gifts of annuities, real estate, trusts, life
insurance, IRA’s, securities or other assets. Through it,
many individuals come to realize the joy of deepening
their faith and commitment to the church.

GIFT . AMOUNT 3 . YEARS 5 . YEARS

Semi-annual Quarterly Monthly Semi-annual Quarterly Monthly

6 payments of 12 payments of 36 payments of 10 payments of 20 payments of 60 payments of

1,000,000.00 $166,666.67 $83,333.33 $27,777.78 $100,000.00 $50,000.00 $16,666.67

500,000.00 83,333.33 41,666.67 13,888.89 50,000.00 25,000.00 8,333.33
200,000.00 33,333.33 16,666.67 5,555.56 20,000.00 10,000.00 3,333.33
100,000.00 16,666.67 8,333.33 2,777.78 10,000.00 5,000.00 1,666.67
50,000.00 8,333.33 4,166.66 1,388.89 5,000.00 2,500.00 $833.33
45,000.00 7,500.00 3,750.00 1,250.00 4,500.00 2,250.00 750.00
40,000.00 6,666.67 3,333.33 1,111.11 4,000.00 2,000.00 666.67
35,000.00 5,833.33 2,916.66 972.22 3,500.00 1,750.00 583.33
30,000.00 5,000.00 2,500.00 833.33 3,000.00 1,500.00 500.00
25,000.00 4,166.67 2,083.33 694.44 2,500.00 1,250.00 416.67
20,000.00 3,333.33 1,666.67 555.56 2,000.00 1,000.00 333.33
15,000.00 2,500.00 1,250.00 416.67 1,500.00 750.00 250.00
10,000.00 1,666.67 833.33 277.78 1,000.00 500.00 166.67
5,000.00 833.33 416.67 138.89 500.00 250.00 83.33
Staff + Leadership
C O MMUN IT Y . UNITED . M ETHODIST . C HURC H

S TA F F STEERING . COM M I TTE E

Rev. Stephen Rettenmayer, Senior Pastor Charlie Moore

Doug Burian, Music Ministry Director David Owen
Emily Morozek, Choir Director Barbara Julian
Linda Van Sickel, Child Development Center Director Charlie Eyet
Nancy Marsh Mills, Christian Education Director John Barnes
Rosemary Warren, Office Staff Garland Roberts
Ruella Barnes, Office Staff Laurie Schramm
Karen Gould, Minister of Congregational Care & Discipleship Frank Gould
Andy Titcomb, Minister of Congregational Care & Discipleship Kenn Bing
Lynn Bogovich, Bell Director Bob Sellers
Susan Meyers, Business Manager Susan Staples
Jacquie Newell
Cindy Wood
AD MI N I ST RAT IVE . COUNCIL

Barbara Julian Diana Huber Cindy Wood Alan Hicks

Ernie Clayton Margaret Cullings Jacquie Newell David Hickes
Charlie Moore Dave Lanzer Garland Roberts Jack Hoare
Brian Cheetham Frank Gould Rosemary Warren Mike Castagnola
Peggy Smith Shawn Staples Pam Schweitzer Peggy Elliott
Ruella Barnes John Holly Shane Schramm Bob Sellers
John Barnes Lura Sellers Barbara Shumar Melanie Moon
Adele Hanes David Owen Dianne Dezio Jillian England
Les Bennett Mary Beth Holly Frank Sallustio
Jess Bennett Heather DiAngelo Martha Brewer
 A . JUBILEE . YEAR

F orward in faith COMMUNITY UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH

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