Imagine: Building Capacity for Connection & Belonging

“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine…”

— Ephesians 3:20

As we look toward the future of Brecksville United Methodist Church, we are invited to ask:

How can we continue creating safe spaces to grow with God and one another—not only for those who are already here, but for the people and families God is calling us to reach and serve?

The Imagine campaign is not about raising $1.25 million to save a church. We are investing $1.25 million in creating greater capacity for the church God is already calling us to become.

Below, you’ll find a deep dive into the vision, the heart, and the details guiding this next season of ministry at Brecksville UMC.

Our Vision: Connection & Belonging

What is our vision?

Brecksville UMC is taking on a God-sized vision: to saturate our community with connection and belonging… on the Square and everywhere.

This vision enables us to expand our reach beyond our walls and meet one of humanity’s most fundamental needs: a sense of true belonging. Through this campaign, we aim to multiply our ability to provide care, connection, and healing—offering a place where anyone, including those harmed by the institutional church, can encounter the unconditional love of God.

We believe God is calling us to create spaces where no one has to struggle alone, and where people of all ages find belonging through deep, intergenerational connection. This is about transforming lives and strengthening our entire community.

Where did this vision come from?

We spent an entire year in prayer, listening to the passions and needs of our congregation and community leaders, while examining cultural trends and area demographics. One overwhelming struggle stood out above the rest: loneliness.

Loneliness is no longer just an emotional issue—it has become a public health crisis and a clinical threat to human flourishing:

• As dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (U.S. Surgeon General, 2023).
• Seniors experiencing isolation face a 50% increased risk of dementia.
• 65% of parents (and 77% of single parents) report feeling lonely and unsupported.
• 66% of caregivers in the “sandwich generation” feel socially isolated.
• 73% of Gen Z feels alone, with loneliness increasing suicide risk 16-fold.
• The strongest predictor of long-term health and happiness isn’t wealth or success—it’s supportive relationships (Harvard Study of Adult Development).

Why can BUMC help combat loneliness?

The people of Brecksville UMC have a special gift for helping others not just feel welcome, but truly belong. Grounded in the conviction that all persons are God’s beloved creations, we have a unique opportunity to build spaces of healing and hope.

Why Now?

Aren’t we already doing this?

Yes! This vision isn’t about creating something brand new from scratch. It’s about uncovering the work God is already doing in our midst and stating it clearly, so that together we can intentionally live into who God created us to be.

Why is action needed right now?

We are at a threshold: we are growing! Over the past few years, we’ve seen a steady increase in new faces at worship, service projects, and church gatherings. People are engaging in deeper ways and growing spiritually.

This is wonderful news, but it also means we are becoming too large for our current staff to care for everyone at the level needed. If we don’t expand our capacity, people will fall through the cracks and growth will stall. At the same time, our physical building requires urgent, major repairs to remain safe, functional, accessible, and ready for ministry.

The Plan: People & Places

To live into our vision, we must invest in both the people and the places that make connection possible. By breaking this vision down into manageable, short-term goals, we build a foundation for long-term success.

Investing in People (Staffing)

Our vision calls us to move beyond simply running programs toward building sustainable systems of care, connection, and faith formation across every stage of life.

Role	Primary Purpose & Impact
Care Pastor	Ensures we can walk with people during seasons of illness, grief, aging, or emotional struggle. Adds pastoral presence, assists with worship and funerals, and creates clear pathways from Sunday morning into supportive relationships.
Children & Family Ministries Director	Helps children and families grow in faith while equipping parents as key partners. Focuses on building community through shared experiences so families stay connected and spiritually nurtured.

• Bonus Impact: Adding a Children & Family Director allows our Education Director to focus fully on intergenerational discipleship, expanding adult faith formation and leadership development.
• Funding Plan: Adding staff through a capital campaign is new for BUMC, so we are taking a practical approach. We plan to hire the first role in Q3 2027 and the second in Q3 2028. Over three years, funding will gradually transition from the campaign into the primary church budget (~$315,000 total commitment):
  • Year 1: 100% Campaign Funded
  • Year 2: 66% Campaign / 33% Church Budget
  • Year 3: 33% Campaign / 66% Church Budget
  • Year 4: 100% Integrated into Church Budget

Investing in Places (Building Projects)

Just like a personal home, our church facility needs regular updates to stay functional and safe:

• Roof Replacement: Crucial repairs to stop leaks in the 4th-floor classrooms and Room 301. (Thanks to a seed gift from Gifts & Memorials, this project began on October 5!)
• Boiler Replacement: Our current unit is 20 years past its expected lifespan. Replacing it prevents winter failures, significantly increases energy efficiency, reduces our carbon footprint, and lowers heating bills.
• Full-Size Elevator: Our current elevator size is a barrier to full inclusion. We are partnering with an Architecture & Engineering firm to integrate a full-size, fully accessible elevator.

Financials & Governance

How much will this cost?

We are working within a $1.25M budget over three years. We partnered with The Giving Church—a church consulting firm that has assisted over 350 congregations—to analyze our giving trends and determine that $1.25M is a realistic, achievable target for BUMC.

What if we raise more than $1.25M?

First, we give thanks to God for doing immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine! Additional funds will allow us to jumpstart long-term facility goals, such as:

• Opening up the Parlor to create a spacious gathering area while preserving its beauty.
• Renovating the Parlor kitchenette.
• Installing solar panels to deepen our commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Adding gender-neutral restrooms on every floor.
• Replacing the doors off the Square with fully handicap-accessible entrances.

Will BUMC go into debt?

We do not intend to take on debt. The scope of these projects directly matches our projected giving. If the Vision Team and Leadership Board ever determine that short-term financing is necessary to complete a critical project on time, obtaining debt will require a full church vote with transparent communication beforehand.

Who is leading this process?

• Vision Team: Spearheading the building projects in coordination with The Giving Church.
• Leadership Board: Overseeing the staffing additions and their long-term integration into future church operational budgets.

How You Can Be Part of “Imagine”

Campaign gifts are “above and beyond” regular giving to BUMC’s operational budget. All campaign funds will be held in a dedicated account used exclusively for these Vision/Capital projects.

How to Give:

• Make a pledge:
  • Complete a commitment card for the three year vision campaign
• Make a one time or recurring gift:
  • First-Time Givers: If you’re invested in BUMC or looking to make it your church home, we’d love for you to join us! Head to brecksvilleumc.com/give and choose “vision campaign” as the fund when you set up your contribution.
  • Current Donors: You can set up a recurring automated gift under the “Vision Campaign” option online, or write a check with “Imagine” in the memo line.

Have questions about setting up your gift? Reach out to Anthy Morgan-Imes, our Office Manager, who will gladly assist you.