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Strengthening First†Metropolitan

Since amalgamation in 1997, significant steps have been taken to establish First†Metropolitan as a dynamic centre for spiritual growth and active discipleship. Regular comments from leaders within the community and the larger community underline that what is happening here is remarkable. A stewardship campaign began in Fall 2006 and has exceeded the goal of $800,000 by raising over $1.1 million in pledges over the next three years.

Use of the funds

Budget enhancement: To ensure that the present level of ministry and programming would continue, $90,000 per year was targeted for this area. The $90,000 for the 2007 budget has helped us achieve our first balanced budget since amalgamation.

Program expansion: Five areas have been identified for expansion of programs and $10,000 has been allocated for our Program Support staff person to assist in the development of new initiatives:

• Children, Youth and Young Adult Programs: the stewardship funds have permitted the creation of a new Children's Choir under the direction of Carolyn Howe, the music teacher at South Park School who is well-known to First†Met through her leadership of South Park choirs performing at the church.
• Faith Formation, Small Group Ministry and Nurture of Lay Leaders: further programs will be developed under the able mentorship of Tim Scorer.
• Music Programs: Bursary students have been a fine addition to our music program and we look forward to other initiatives.
• Lay Visitors Training and Support: Seed money of $5,000 will support the Spiritual Companions and New Vistas programs. The campaign will assist us in hiring a quarter-time Pastoral Visitation Minister.
• Support for Our Place: our support will help this vital inner city ministry as its new building becomes a reality.

Capital Improvements: The Sanctuary has been updated with the following:

• A new audio-visual system will allow us to project our order of service, hymns and AV supplements and will enable the choir, presenters and the congregation to see what is taking place on the chancel.
• New spotlights will provide enhanced lighting capability for productions such as our Christmas pageant and eliminate the need for rentals.
• Light switches and receptacles have been relocated for more convenient access, eliminating temporary wiring and improving safety.
• Energy costs will be reduced by replacement of incandescent ceiling bulbs.
• New window blinds on the large upper Quadra Street window will control glare and reduce heat build-up/loss.

The following changes to the Fellowship Hall have been approved:

• New lighter, plastic and steel tables and chairs, that are easier to handle and keep clean, have been purchased in sufficient quantity to seat 270 persons (completed).
• New longer window coverings will look more attractive, improve acoustics and darken the room for stage productions and movies.
• Upgraded lighting will save energy, reduces costs and improves the quality of light.
• Partial painting will improve appearance.
• New storage racks will permit safe, handy storage of stage props and other bulky items (completed).
• A new grease trap in the kitchen meets current health requirements for meal preparation (completed).

Purchasing a new energy efficient boiler is being investigated. Accessibility will be improved by renovations to the women's washroom outside the Doreene McLeod Room. The proposal for developing a memorial garden and columbarium have been put on hold for the time being.

Participation

If you have not already participated in this campaign, there is still time to do so. We need to sustain these efforts in ongoing years because there are many unmet needs in our congregation and in the broader community. As well, we must continue to reach out to those on the "borderlands of belief," especially those 30 to 45, if we are to sustain a viable congregation in the future. It is important that pledges made be honoured as donors have indicated, so that a predictable cash flow develops. All in all, donors have done an excellent job in this respect.

To find out more about the campaign and how you can be involved:

• Download a copy of the case statement (PDF / 16 pp.)
• To participate, contact Follow-up Director, Herb Pitts at 595-9979 or e-mail Carol Goy in the church office.

Visit this page to read quarterly updates on the status of the campaign and the use of the funds received.