October 5, 2021
2021 Finance Campaign
Dear UUMC Congregation and Friends:
No matter what the world hands out, “I am keeping the faith.” I believe that what I do makes an appropriate impact on the world from the minute moments of our lives to the life changing decisions on the world stage. The influence of the faithful reaches all persons in significant ways. We each demonstrate our faithfulness in accordance with the gifts we’ve been given.
One of the blessings and responsibilities we enjoy here at University United Methodist Church is the base facility from which we conduct our ministry. All of the church’s real estate assets are useful to its ministry. Our beautiful church building with its spacious sanctuary and rooms is well used by many groups for many reasons. The building houses not only our congregation but other groups and congregations that meet regularly, including the Korean Presbyterian Church, the Spirit of Peace Church of the Brethren, the Lansing Area Folksong Society, the Steiner Chorale, Alcoholics Anonymous, the East Lansing Peace Education Center and the MSU Wesley Foundation. The entire church campus is included for activities when renting spaces in the parking lot to students or football game day parking. Though these and other activities ceased for over a year during the COVID lockdown, our church offices remained open.
In 2015 the church finalized its ownership of the entire building complex when it purchased the Wesley Foundation property and entered into a new loan. This new loan included the previous loan balance payoff, the purchase of the remaining church property, and some building renovation expenses. The principal amount of the loan was $1,225,349 which, as of August 14, 2021 has been reduced to $564,308. Monthly payments against this current mortgage are $9,633.42. We are up-to-date with our payments and applied additional principal amounts to the balance. This has lowered the payoff amount. Last year we were able to reduce the interest rate to 4.375%. With your continued support, we expect to honor the mortgage due date of April 2030.
The church now begins emerging from COVID as a butterfly would carefully unfold from its cocoon. We’ve been held to our homes, adjusting to the requirements of safety for many difficult months. During that time the church has adapted, continuing to fulfill its mission. Christian mission and ministry has not ceased for 2000 years. Nor will it cease in East Lansing during COVID. Through these difficult times our church has kept the faith. We have changed our way of living, crafted new ways of worshiping, and serving. Our faith is certain and enduring.
Very truly yours,
Pam Baker, Treasurer
At University United Methodist Church, we affirm that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are an open and inclusive congregation and welcome all persons into full participation regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic situation, age, ability, education, background and whether single or partnered.