Smooth Spaces
Connecting at Leeds First United Methodist Church makes a life-changing difference. Our church is blessed with facilities used for multiple ministries to people of all ages, and when we utilize these spaces to guide more people to know and grow like Jesus, their eternal destinies are transformed!
You are invited to join us in our goal to fully fund the Smooth Spaces renovation project so that our spaces are more effectively utilized in multiple ministries and by hundreds of people.
Grand re-Opening of Family Life Center
The Family Life Center grand re-opening was on September 18th, 2022. Over 100 folks worshipped and praised God for all he has done! Phase 1 of our project enhanced worship with a new stage with upgraded lighting, video, and sound for Modern Worship. It also benefited recreation use of the gym by installing a divider and basketball goal to allow easier and greater recreation use for Youth & Kids.
Because of faithful giving in previous years, we were able to start and pay for the first $60,000 from church reserves. This shows the impact your regular support has on growing the church and its mission!
Total gifts for the Smooth Spaces project passed $25,000 in September 2022! That’s over 40% of the goal of an additional $60,000 we set to reach by May 2023. You’re invited to give a one-time or monthly towards fully funding the project to more effectively use our spaces to reach hundreds with the Good News of Jesus!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How can I give to this campaign?
During a Sunday worship service: Give with cash or check and note “Smooth Spaces” on the envelope or check.
Online with a credit card, debit card, or ACH bank withdrawal. Enter the amount and select “Smooth Spaces Renovations” next to the amount. You can select a recurring or one-time donation.
Mail a check to the church office
Leeds FUMC, Attn: Smooth Spaces Renovations, 1189 6th Street, Leeds, AL 35094
Question 2: Who may I contact with questions about this campaign?
Chris Stallings, Pastor
Ross Freind, Chair of Leadership Council
Matt Basquill, Chair of Finance Committee
Colvin Morrow, Chair of Board of Trustees
Frank Dowdey, Trustee and Project Coordinator
Question 3: What is included in the Smooth Spaces renovation project scope?
Sanctuary Proposal
1. Accessible restroom on first floor
2. Shorten 6 pews for accessible seating
3. Re-layout stage and/or seating to add ramp to pulpit and choir first row
Family Life Center/Gym Proposal — COMPETED September 2022; God is good!!
1. New stage against far (north) wall
2. Install divider to raise/lower to protect stage equipment
3. Install retractable basketball goal in front of new stage and divider
Question 4: How did the Smooth Spaces renovation project start?
In the Fall of 2021, the Leeds FUMC Leadership Council initiated the study of renovation ideas. The concept was affectionately entitled Smooth Spaces, as its goals included smoothing out the spaces for multiple uses and by hundreds of individuals. The study began to address these circumstances:
Family Life Center/Gym – Worship space is functional but not optimal for recreation—difficult transition from full worship to full recreation and back, and stressful with worship equipment with limited protection in recreation space.
Goal (Gym) – Transition from Worship to Recreation with only a few people and minimum time (e.g. 3 people in 30 mins). This will enhance our ability to have a multi-functional gym/auditorium in the Family Life Center.
Sanctuary – Access to restrooms, seating, and stage/choir is difficult for anyone with limited mobility or in a wheelchair.
Goal (Sanctuary) – Honor members and attenders when mobility is or becomes limited with access to restrooms, congregational seating, and stage/choir.
The Leadership Council asked the Trustees to study the Smooth Spaces renovation project and bring a recommendation with cost estimates.
Question 5: Is the Smooth Spaces renovation project approved or just an idea?
In the April 2022 Leadership meeting, the Leeds FUMC Board of Trustees proposed the project scope and shared initial cost estimates with the Leadership Council. There was discussion with much support because it will benefit ministry to all ages—from kids to senior adults. The Leadership Council approved moving ahead with the Smooth Spaces project.
Question 6: What is the Smooth Spaces renovation project timeline?
In the coming weeks, the Leadership Council, Trustees, and Finance teams will define scope of work, hire contractors, and plan completion of the work. Ministries directly affected will be consulted to accomplish the renovation and ministry project goals. Periodic updates will be provided through church newsletters and announcements.
Question 7: How much will the Smooth Spaces project cost?
Detailed plans are being made, but estimates range between $120,000 to $150,000 for the work renovations proposed in both the Family Life Center and Sanctuary buildings.
Question 8: How will the Smooth Spaces project be funded?
The Leeds FUMC Leadership council approved starting the project at its April 2022 meeting. The project will be funded from reserves on-hand and new donations from members and attenders.
Through faithful giving of members, attenders, and stakeholders the past two years, approximately half of the Smooth Spaces renovation project will come from financial reserves on-hand. The other half will be raised by inviting you, if you share a passion for Leeds FUMC, to give additionally to Smooth Spaces. You may be able to give a modest increase each month over the next 12 months. Maybe give up a meal out each week and use that amount to give to Smooth Spaces.
Monthly amounts may range from $20, $50, $150, $250, or $500. You may have the financial blessing to give a one-time gift, even a sizable one, to fast-track this project’s success! Amounts may range from $1,000; $2,500; $5,000; $10,000; or $20,000.
Question 9: Why, and why now?
Let’s run fast toward our mission to guide more folks on the paths to know and grow like Jesus. How we leverage our facilities makes a difference. A smooth transition from worship to recreation is a vital aspect to ministry such as Mega Sports Camp and Youth fellowship each Sunday evening.
Making our facilities more accessible honors and enables continued participation for those who experience limited mobility. This will assist us as we invite more and more of our community to connect with us each Sunday—and this summer!
Question 10: What if the church raises more funds than are needed?
Any amount given to Smooth Spaces that goes beyond what is needed to complete the renovations will be utilized in the regular ministry of Leeds FUMC.