Text Box: The Messenger Text Box: Page # Text Box: “Awesome is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel; he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!” Text Box: Master Planning Committee Text Box: The MPC is an ad hoc committee called for by the Board of Trustees and including members of three church bodies: The Board of Trustees, the Church Leadership Council and the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. The Committee was chaired by Trustee President Sandy Hobbs and began meeting in May 2005. After several years of discussion by various leadership groups about the need for long-range planning and assessment of capital improvement requirements, this small group was formed to gather information, evaluate the property and buildings and recommend a plan. In July, 2005, the Ernest Harris architectural firm was engaged to work with the committee on a master plan. Mr. Harris’ services included: Prepare computerized drawings of the existing conditions of the Church, upper & lower church parlors and education building Prepare a site plan showing existing buildings and conditions Research the National Register of Historic Places and local historic status all buildings Meet with the MPC to discuss options for construction and renovation Make recommendations for improvements based on the needs of our ministries Prepare pre-schematic drawings of proposed changes to the property and obtain cost estimates from a qualified General Contractor/Construction Mgr.

Assessment of our Resources

 

The major asset of MUMC is the property we own.  Our real estate straddles both commercial and residential zones.  The frontage on the Boston Post Rd. is in a commercial zone and therefore of greater value.  The back part, fronting on Tomkins Ave., mainly occupied by the educational wing (auditorium & classrooms) and playground, is in a residential zone. 

 

Other than the sanctuary restoration of 1994-96, our buildings have had no major renovations and minimal  maintenance, amounting to benign neglect (which is no longer benign!). For example, the roof on the education building is the original one, over 50 years old…how much longer can it serve?  The boiler serving the church house is old and inefficient, and by professional recommendation, should be replaced, as should the oil tank…how much extra are we paying in fuel costs?   The  windows in the parsonage are old and inefficient, some inoperable, and the woodwork is covered in lead paint.  The Trustees are replacing four windows each year, at $320 each.  Thirteen windows are new, with 12 still to be replaced.

 

The Trustees manage another important asset, our Endowment Fund totaling over $650,000.  The interest and dividend income on this fund provides the money, approximately $22,000 annually, that comprises the Trustees budget.  Many of the funds are restricted and are not available for use other than for

what the donor specified.  A good example of such restriction is the $6,300 of endowment income that is annually transferred to the church operating budget and earmarked for specific activities.  It is also the position of the present Board of Trustees that the principal of the Fund should not be reduced.  The Board considers it their fiduciary responsibility to maintain and grow these funds for future generations.

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