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A Flourishing Place
A Flourishing Place
Building improvements to grow our accessibility and welcome for everyone
Building improvements to grow our accessibility and welcome for everyone
This year, the NBMC congregation turns 40 years old. There have been many changes and periods of growth over the years – and we are in one of those periods of growth. Throughout the years our building has served the congregation and community well, but some aspects of the physical space have been problematic–or just tolerated–by attenders and guests. RIght now, because of our growth that offers financial stability, and in alignment with our identity as an inclusive and welcoming community, there are several large one-time projects that need to be tackled.These projects are a critical reflection of our values, and being a “flourishing place” – and these projects require a one-time financial investment, raised through a Capital Campaign.
A Capital Campaign is a focused invitation to give in addition to our regular offerings. Our goal is to raise $100,000 for NBMC Building Improvements in 2026, during our 40th anniversary year.
Over the last few months there has been fantastic synergy between the Capital Campaign team, our NBMC Trustees, and the Accessibility Team as we have planned, gathered quotes, reviewed available resources, and developed our approach. The priority projects funded by $100,000 are HVAC for the sanctuary and fellowship hall and an all-gender wheelchair accessible restroom to the fellowship hall on our main level. We believe these have a very positive impact for the congregation and will contribute to our church’s desire to be a more accessible facility for everyone, and more usable (and rentable!) year-round. We will also make other accessibility improvements like replacing doors and the ramp by seeking funds through grants and other sources separately from the campaign. The work will begin in a phased process, matching available funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Capital Campaign?
A focused invitation to give in addition to our regular offerings, with the goal of raising $100,000 for NBMC Building Improvements in the 2026 calendar year, during our 40th anniversary.
These funds will be used for installing HVAC in the building and creating accessible bathrooms on the main level of the NBMC church building.
Why aren’t we funding building projects from our budget? Why now?
We have several large one-time project costs, whereas the general budget is for regular expected operating expenses.
Due to our growth, the church is at a level of financial stability we have not seen for a long time, perhaps ever. For example, we have been able to pay off a loan for the roof and create an emergency cash reserve fund.
Also because of our growth and identity as an inclusive and welcoming community, these projects are a critical reflection of our values and being a flourishing place.
Who is giving? What is the goal?
The Capital Campaign starts with our congregation but will include many other people too. We will invite family, previous attenders, friends of the congregation, other churches, regular building users and renters, etc. to take part in this opportunity.
A goal is to have 100% participation from our regular attenders, from youth on up, giving in whatever way that is possible for you/your household.
What is the timeline?
The campaign will run over four months, with the money raised by December 2026 (or pledged for first quarter 2027). A time to celebrate generosity and flourishing, and to welcome friends and previous attenders in a ‘homecoming’ will be held in Spring 2027.
How can I give?
Campaign giving is different from regular church giving but can be done with the same platform by using the drop-down menu and choosing “capital campaign” here. You can write a check or give cash, noting it is for the capital campaign.
Why were these projects prioritized? What about other things that need to happen at church?
Trustees, Accessibility Committee, and Church Council discussed many projects after listening to the congregation. An HVAC system for cooling and accessible bathrooms on the main level of the church are big-ticket and big-impact projects that will affect everyone who uses the building. These feel urgent, and correspond to the $100k goal.
There are many projects we care about! Exterior ramps, accessible entrances, and kitchen improvements; ongoing maintenance of our wood windows, roof, and plaster repair. Additional grant applications, budgeted trustee funds, and other financial sources will support these projects in the months and years to come.
When will funded projects start?
Using a “phase” approach, the planned work will begin once certain “thresholds” are reached. High Velocity Controlled Air (HVAC/air conditioning) in the Sanctuary is the first phase, beginning once we raise $35,000. Accessible bathrooms, then HVAC in the fellowship hall will follow.
These thresholds were created using professional quotes. These quotes are good for several months, and we want to start the work as soon as possible!
What if we don’t raise the full amount of funds?
We are confident we can reach the goal of this Campaign! If we don’t raise the full amount, or if there are significant unexpected costs or issues, using the phased approach described above ensures that projects(s) can be completed prior to moving on to the next phase.
What if we raise more than the amount of funds?
If our generosity meets and exceeds the current projects planned, the Trustees will identify several possibilities to present to Church Council/the congregation to consider.
What difference will this make for us? What impact will it have on the building itself?
For the congregation: having HVAC will remove the limitations to our church life and programing we currently experience through the summer months. We are mindful of the many people who are currently unable to participate fully because of the effects of the heat. Having a new accessible bathroom (self-contained stalls, gender-neutral, family-friendly) on the main level triples the amount of available bathrooms and enhances the usability and functionality of the building.
For guests and potential renters: These projects make our building more hospitable, and create spaces that are comfortable, accessible, and increase a sense of belonging. These projects make our building more rentable/usable for events, community groups, and as a weekly and year-round space of welcome.
How will progress be communicated? Who is tracking the funds and leading the campaign?
We will update progress toward our goal regularly on this page. Monthly updates will be shared with Church Council for the church records and will be sent in our “NBMC Community Update” emails.
The Campaign leadership team includes Kendra Heatwole Shank, Pastor Arthur Stewart, Jeff Leard (Trustee), Kent Clemens (Treasurer) and a representative from the Stewardship committee.
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