Our Visioning

Beginning in 2008, First Church has been going through an extensive visioning process involving the entire congregation and professional consultants. We want to know the best way for our facility and our programs to carry out God's plan for us in the next decades. The process has resulted in a detailed study by SFS Architects and a plan from the Leadership Council for carrying out our vision.

THE VISION FOR FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Our Mission Statement:

First Church is a loving community of faith,

centered in Christ, making God's love known.

Our Vision Statement:

First United Methodist Church of Topeka is called to be a community of faith

where people are connected to the wonder of God's presence,

where worship is inspired, and where discipleship is enriched

so that we may serve the world for Jesus Christ.

Strategies to Achieve Our Vision:

1) First United Methodist Church will be an important partner and a visible participant in our community.

2) First United Methodist Church provides diverse worship services designed to fulfill the spiritual needs of a neighborhood and regional congregation.

3) First United Methodist Church provides nurturing, educational and service opportunities that appeal to and meet the needs of all age levels.

4) First United Methodist Church provides support for missions with an emphsis on spiritual giving and local needs.

To read the details of these strategies, download the .pdf file here.

Read the June, 2009, letter from Jim Maag, chair of the Leadership Council, to the congregation.

Read the architects' building study.

On November 1, 2009, a Called Church Conference was held to hear and vote on the Study Committee's recommendations for beginning the Master Plan. Phase 1a and 1b were approved by the members in attendance. These phases involve replacing the heating and air conditioning in the sanctuary and Mulvane Building, installing a sprinkler system in the Mulvane Building, minor renovations to the Mulvane Building which would allow the groups currently meeting in the Sweet Building to move out, and the demolition of the Sweet Building when the Trustees feel it is appropriate. A capital campaign will be started soon; no contract will be signed for any portion of these 2 phases until at least 90% of the funding is in hand. To see the cost estimates for these phases, please click here.

Also approved was moving forward with drawing up plans for a Family Life Center to eventually be constructed west of the Mulvane Building. To see the proposed plans for this Center, please click here.