Dear Church Family and Friends,
When our church was founded in 1887, our forebears had a vision for sharing Christ in Avondale. During its 135 years of existence, God has touched countless lives through worship, baptisms, weddings, funerals, Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible School, and so much more. Many of you have special memories from the church that are indelibly engraved on your heart.
When I walk through the church, I often think about all the people who found God in this hallowed space. It’s a result of so many members through the decades having worked faithfully to maintain the beautiful architecture of our historic building. They wanted all those who would come after them to have a place where they, too, could encounter Christ through worship, study, relationships with others, and service to our community.
We’ve come to a time in the church’s history where some major renovation and restoration projects are needed. Our most pressing needs include a new HVAC system for our sanctuary and life safety updates across our campus. The new HVAC system will replace the boiler steam heat that is no longer operational and the air conditioning system that requires freon that costs a premium because it is no longer being made per EPA standards. As you can imagine, it’s past time for a new HVAC that will help us with climate control for our organ in the sanctuary and energy efficiency overall. The life safety updates will include a new wired fire alarm system and new hardware on all our doors that will make it easier to exit quickly and safely. While we’re adding the new door hardware, our historic doors will be restored to their original beauty.
Although you can’t necessarily see progress with a new HVAC system and life safety updates, these projects have to come first for the integrity of our building. Our goal for this first phase of improvements is to raise $500,000 over a 3-year period. Future phases of capital improvements include (but are not limited to) restoring the sanctuary, renovating the bathrooms, and refinishing our exterior windows.
Those who came before us have passed the baton to you and to me. Thus, my husband and I have made a 3-year pledge toward the $500,000 goal. In addition, the leaders who make up the Church Council have all made pledges. All total, we have $80,000 in pledges so far. Please prayerfully consider what you are able to give above and beyond your normal giving to our general fund. It can be a one-time gift … or it can be a 3-year pledge. You’re also welcome to give generously in honor or memory of a loved one.
Once you’ve determined the amount, please click here to make your pledge. To help us with our planning, please make your pledge by August 31. If you have questions about giving and/or pledging, please feel free to reach out to me … or you can contact the church bookkeeper, Jeanne Baker (jbaker@avonumc.net).
We truly are all in this together. May our generosity and faithfulness leave a wonderful legacy for those who will come after us.
Blessings,
Rev. Malinda Weaver
P.S. Please consider sharing this information with your family or friends who might want to contribute. Or if you want me to reach out to them, send me their info. I’m happy to make connections.
Ways to Give
Did you know we have several ways you can give? We want to make it as convenient as possible to support the church.
- Online … You can make a one-time contribution or set up a recurring payment through our giving page by clicking here. Then, scroll down and check the box that says, “I would like this donation to go to a specific fund.” Then choose “Capital Improvements.”
- Automatic Bank Draft … Set up a monthly recurring gift with our bookkeeper by emailing Jeanne Baker (jbaker@avonumc.net). Click here to download the form to set up automatic bank draft.
- Mail … You can mail a check to the church at 500 40th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222
- Alternative Gifts … the church also accepts gifts of stocks, real estate, life insurance, and other assets. Please email church bookkeeper Jeanne Baker (jbaker@avonumc.net) for more information on how to give in this way.