re:new
Preparing a place for new kingdom impact.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
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Isaiah 43:19
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Let's "new" it again!
Re:New is a two-year generosity initiative that will enable us to carry out our mission as we prepare a place for new kingdom impact. Through this initiative, we have the opportunity to partner with God as we endeavor to renew The Arbor’s facility in ways that will expand our influence in the community and enable us to better reach our neighbors at Spring Arbor University.
To accomplish this, we're seeking to raise $2.2 million in generosity commitments over and above our regular giving, with a goal to be totally funded at the end of our two-year Re:New campaign. We will put $200,000 toward local and global missions.
Note from Pastor Kaye
The Arbor Church was started over 150 years ago as part of a movement of Free Methodist church planting across Michigan, and we have a long history of impact for the kingdom of God through this faith family. Since the 19th century, the church has responded to new visions for new seasons and we’ve received the benefits of their faithfulness and generosity. As we pursue becoming rooted together in Jesus and bringing abundant life in our community, we have been praying and planning about how to best utilize our spaces in order to gather for equipping and go with the hope of Christ to our neighbors.
As we walk through this season of renewal, I ask that you consider how you can be generous with what the Lord has provided. There is no greater investment we can make than preparing a place for the next generation of kingdom impact here in Spring Arbor and around the world.
Thank you for being a faith-filled body of believers -
You are loved!
Pastor Kaye Kolde
FAQ
Why now? Is this really the best time to take on a challenge of this size?
For over a year, the leadership has been considering our needs and challenges, praying and investigating how to steward our facility. We need to begin now with a process that will take 2-3 years.
What is the timeline for Re:New? What are the key dates?
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Our goal is over 2 years, however, we will be preaching and praying through our Re:new Campaign from 10/23 - 11/20. On December 11, we will celebrate the first fruits of the church’s offerings.
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What about debt? Is it possible we might finance any portion of this?
No. We do not intend to take out any loans.
How can I give to Re:New?
There are many creative ways to give. You might choose to give out of your monthly budget, from your savings, or from other resources that you might have. We encourage you to explore the “Creative Ways to Give” portion of the Re:New vision booklet to see many of the ways that you are able to give.
Will my commitment be confidential?
Yes, along with your usual tithes, your re:new commitment will stay confidential.
A Plan for Renewal
Through this initiative, we will address:
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Aging technology. While the Arbor was much earlier to the game than most churches when it came to live-streaming and other technology, that now means that those systems are older than many. As we consider reaching and equipping new generations, we want to be technologically relevant, as well as continue to reach home bound or distant friends with our worship and discipleship.
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The pews and carpet are showing their age and the incredible amount of use we’ve made of them.
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Ways to better welcome and encourage SAU students and young adults. We want to do all we can to rekindle connection with the university students and young adults, and creating spaces where students are at home and comfortable is part of that hospitality.
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The opportunity to add indoor/outdoor gathering space. We want to welcome church, university or community people to gather in a multipurpose event space including a patio and seating. Covid made us very aware of a need for more outdoor areas to host groups that are not on paved areas or competing with our parking/traffic patterns.
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Security concerns have become more pressing as we see more incidences of violence in houses of worship. Changing access into our worship in the auditorium and kids ministry has been advised as we’ve assessed our facility.
