Partnering in Ministry Expansion at Westover Hills UMC

Several years ago, the leadership team at Westover Hills United Methodist Church began planning for a capital improvement plan and associated capital campaign that would allow the congregation to expand ministry with their community. In January 2020, Pastor Donna Holder and her church leaders kicked-off a three-year capital campaign to raise funds to support a $1 million construction project that includes renovation of the 70-year-old facility’s core areas, fellowship hall, entryway, chapel, along with replacement to the HVAC and windows. One unique aspect of the project is the creation of a community kitchen. The project is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2021. The project will create the space needed for the church’s partnership with a community organization, The Next Move Program, and the Tablespoons Bakery. Next Move is a non-profit program that partners with businesses and schools to create internship experiences for young adults with developmental disabilities. Tablespoons will be a permanent learning site, where the students will learn to bake in a professional kitchen at the church, and will use the church parsonage as the center of their retail operations.

According to Pastor Donna, “we know that God has given us this marvelous facility in a wonderful location in order that we use it as a tool to build community and to make life better for all people, especially those who are traditionally marginalized. Building on our history of ministry with individuals of differing abilities, we are excited to offer the love of Christ to these individuals, their families, and all who visit the bakery.” The key to the success of the project was getting the congregation’s buy-in to a vision for the future and raising sufficient pledges to obtain the loan from the Virginia United Methodist Development Company that would fully support the project.

Even during these COVID-19 challenging times, through DevCo’s loan program, churches can still grow, minister, and empower God’s people to make a difference in our communities!

We are truly Methodists Helping Methodists!

Author: Randy Shelton
Contributing Editor: Donna Holder, Westover Hills UMC