Trinity  United Methodist Church	Charlotte, North Carolina

In 1995, the Administrative Board appointed a Family Life Center Study Committee to make a study on the needs of such a building. This study was completed and written surveys secured from the church membership. The results of the studies were presented to the Administrative Board and the Committee was given permission to secure Mr. Fred Williams, architect, to do a proposed drawing for a building to meet our needs. The committee visited other churches that Mr. Williams had drawn plans for and this gave us a better understanding as to what we needed to include in our plans.

On August 11, 1996 at a Special Call Charge Conference, Mr. Williams presented his plans and answered questions. At the end of the presentation, a motion was made "... that we accept the preliminary drawing and recommendations from the Family Life Center Study Committee as the beginning point for a Family Life Center." This motion was seconded and approved. From this Point, we moved forward securing pledges and planning fundraising events.

On June 21, 1997, the PaceSetters Dinner was held for officers. At this time, all officers were given an opportunity to pledge to the Family Life Center Fund. Twenty-one pledges were received which totaled $61,930. On Sunday, June 22, 1997 the entire church membership was invited to attend a covered dish dinner following the worship service and given an opportunity to make a pledge to the building fund. An additional 26 pledges were received which totaled $43,953; total pledges through June 22, 1997 amounted to $105,883. As of October 1, 1998, we have received approximately $143,000.

The estimated cost of our proposed building is $750,000. The Committee has proposed that we raise at least $350,000 before groundbreaking. Our goal is to raise this amount or more and have groundbreaking in the year 2000, the year in which we will celebrate our 185th anniversary. What a great challenge and opportunity to show our love for God and to say, "thank you" for the many blessings we receive each day.

This is a substantial amount of money and we, as a congregation must increase our giving for the next two years if we are to reach our goal. We realize that every member’s financial resources vary, so we must ask that you prayerfully consider your sacrificial commitment to the Family Life Center Fund which would be over and above your financial support to the Church Budget.

The Family Life Center committee has set up The Founders Club for those who give $5,000 or more before groundbreaking. A special recognition in the new Family Life Center will denote these people. The Brick Club is for those who give between $500 and $4,999.99 before groundbreaking. These persons will be recognized with a special brick in the Family Life Center that has their name on it. The Finishers Club will be for those who give $5,000 after groundbreaking and special recognition will be placed in the completed Family Life Center.

Each of us must prayerfully consider what God has given us, and then make a commitment.