SIDNEY — Sidney First United Methodist Church is kicking off a capital fund raising campaign, called “6:20 Campaign” and will use funds given to the Community Foundation’s Match Day, for repairs and restorative work to stained glass, exterior and interior finishes. The local congregation has placed some of its own foundation money with the Community Foundation, making it eligible for participation in the special giving event.
The 6:20 Campaign derives its named from 1 Timothy 6:20 in the Bible where Paul, nearing the end of his earthly life, told his young student “Guard what is entrusted to your care.” Although funds are needed specifically to ensure the church building is still in good shape and functioning many years from now, the campaign is not all about bricks and mortar.
“There is a time and place for everything. Now is the time for us at Sidney First to step up and guard what was entrusted to us,” said the Rev. Dr. David Chivington, Senior Pastor. “We are so pleased to be a part of the Community Foundation of Shelby County’s Match Day! It could not have come at a better time.”
The church facility is a home for the congregation to gather, support, love and care for one another. Members also consider it a place where the church can be equipped to grow and launch ministries that go outside church walls.
The church facility is filled daily with activities that touch many lives including Bible studies, youth groups, choir practice, weddings and funerals. It houses a preschool, is host to weekend retreats and has been used on sub-zero nights to house the homeless. Tar Hollow youth camp formulates at the church meeting areas; meals are prepared and shared; clothing is gathered and shared; apple dumplings are made and luncheons and dinners are held for church missions.
“Our church building does not change lives, but what happens inside it does,” said Chivington. “It is our goal to enhance and prepare our church facility to last well into the future – just as our fore fathers did for us these past 150+ years – so that those who follow can use their resources to build God’s kingdom, without debt or worry about a physical home.”
Gifts should be made payable to the Community Foundation of Shelby County with: Match/Sidney First UM noted on the memo or in an accompanying note or form. Details and forms are available at the Community Foundation website at www.commfoun.com or at the church. Gifts must be received on or before Nov. 28 to be eligible for up to $5,000 in matching money.
