Sidney United Methodist Church Capital Campaign

Our 76 year-old church building has provided a sanctuary for our congregation to do God’s work for multiple generations, as well as provide facilities for our community for numerous years.

There are two key categories for current Capital needs – immediate repairs and renovations, and longer term vital improvement to the church structure.  You may view and print a two-page Capital Campaign brochure here.

Download a pledge form to enable automatic payments through your bank account or credit card.

Pledge online for the Sidney United Methodist Church Capital Campaign

  • Choose Capital Campaign from the drop-down menu under “Purpose”.  Check the “Recurring” button.   Indicate your payment interval (weekly or monthly), number of payments, and amount.


Urgent and Immediate Needs

1. Exterior Restoration Phase I:

This project is the first of two work phases to stabilize and restore the exterior of the church building.  This phase is centered on the Bell Tower.  Work includes removal of the existing flat roof, tearing down the walls to the level of the bell floor then rebuilding the walls and roof back to the original height.  Replace the capstones with new ones to secure the brickwork from weather.  The erection of the scaffolding is part of this phase and has already been completed.  We anticipate the actual construction work to begin in the fall of 2010.  The total cost of Phase I is $169,200.00.

2. Exterior Restoration Phase II:

Phase II of the restoration project will be to stabilize and restore the front facade, peak cross and the various buttresses on the sanctuary part of the church building.  This work will also include repairs to roof flashing and other brick repairs as needed.  We anticipate that this phase would begin late summer of 2010 pending financing.  The cost of Phase II is $85,590.

Total estimate of the immediate repairs and renovations is $254,710.00

Long Term Vital Improvements

1. Organ Replacement:

Over a year ago, the congregation agreed to mount a fundraising campaign to replace the organ.  We did in fact start this fundraising and do have some money in the organ fund.  With the discovery of the church’s structural problems this was put on hold.  As part of the Capital Campaign we want to complete the funding required to replace the organ.  The cost of the new organ is $71,615.

2. Repair Pneumatic Thermostat System of the Church:

The thermostat system in the church is a old pneumatic system that is becoming more difficult to repair but remains serviceable.  Replace 12 thermostats and 12 control valves and add new heat zone in the scout room.   Estimated repair cost $9,000*.  Replacement of the entire system with a new computer controlled system will be considered if funding is available.  New system cost estimated at $46,465.00**.

3. Interior Upgrades:

Need to repair the damaged interior areas throughout the church resulting from leaks to the roof.  The craft room needs electrical work and floor refinishing.  Upgrade lighting and electrical service in the church to bring to current code. Restructure the pastor’s office space to allow space for consultation and meetings. The figure below can be reduced with volunteer labor, where appropriate, to do work such as painting.  The cost of these projects is estimated to be $40,000

4. Handicap Accessibility to all Levels:

Replace the current chairlift with a new system that could provide access to all levels of the church building.  Estimated cost is $ 16,870

5. Handicap Bathroom on Main Level of the Church:

The estimated cost is $8,000.00

6. Technology Needs:

In an effort to reach out to people in our community, we would like the ability to broadcast our Sunday morning worship services to other rooms within the church building.  We are estimating $8,300.00 for this work.

Total – Vital Longer Term Projects

  • with thermostat Option #1: $153,785*
  • with thermostat Option #2 – $191,250**

Capital Campaign Leadership

The Sidney United Methodist Capital Campaign is being lead by numerous members of the congregation.  You may review the list of committee members here.

Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later

Ecclesiastes 11:1

How Much Should I Give?

This is between you and God.  Arriving at this decision will involve careful and prayerful thought.  Every gift is significant for our congregation….for our community….and for our future.

When Should I Give?

Pledges for the Capital Campaign are for three years, beginning in August of 2010 and continuing until July of 2013.

You may contribute weekly, monthly, or yearly.  Non-cash gifts such as stock or other assets are also welcome.  The earlier the pledges are received, the lower our interest expense will be.

So that you may learn more about the current capital needs of  Sidney United Methodist Church, the following resources are available for download and printing, and are available in the church office: