FUMCR has shaped our family’s faith across three generations and continues to ground us in purpose and service. We’re honored to lead this capital campaign as a way to pay forward the spiritual and financial legacy left by those who came before us. We believe this campaign is essential to empowering future leaders, supporting young families, and strengthening the church’s impact in our community. This is our moment to come together, sharing in the sacrifice and the joy, to ensure FUMCR continues to welcome, grow, and serve for generations to come.
“He said to them, ‘Listen to this dream I had.’” -Genesis 37:6
Those words began a story of transformation. We believe God continues to call us into a future beyond what we can see, if we have the faith to dream.
In a world often marked by division, First United Methodist Church Richardson stands with an open door, welcoming all as beloved children of God. Here, faith is deepened, friendships are formed, and lives are transformed.
Our capital campaign is not just about buildings or programs. It’s about strengthening our faith community to have a lasting impact.
Dreaming of Our Future
This campaign is the result of years of prayer, visioning, and listening, guided by our Strategic Vision Committee, Church Council, Exploratory Committee, Building Committee, and voices from across the congregation. Their diligent work led to three clear priorities we must act on now:
Children, Youth & Young Families
Investing in young families is investing in the heart and future of our faith community.
Whether it's through welcoming children’s areas, dynamic youth programs, or spaces where parents can connect and grow, this campaign is our opportunity to say: we see you, and you belong.
We will build welcoming entrances, inspiring spaces, and clear paths for families to grow in faith.
Engagement at Every Age
From Sunday worship to serving in our communities, connection is the heartbeat of FUMCR.
We believe engagement is more than showing up. It’s finding purpose, forming friendships, and deepening our faith.
With refreshed spaces and strategic improvements, we can make those paths clearer and more welcoming for all, enriching how people experience FUMCR at every age and stage of life.
Financial Strength for Mission Impact
FUMCR has always honored fiscal responsibility. Today, our debt represents 14% of our annual operating budget.
Significantly reducing that burden will free us to invest more boldly in ministry, mission, and innovation.
Every dollar lifted from debt is a dollar released to the work God is calling us to do – in our church, our community, and beyond.
These are not only the hopes for our future. They are the needs of our present.
From the Campaign Co-Chairs
“We sit in the spaces envisioned by dreamers before us. Now, it’s our turn to dream boldly, so future generations have spaces that reflect their belonging and their faith.”
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Bob & Kim Caston
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Gary & Barbie Coleman
FUMCR has been central to our family’s life for nearly five decades, shaping our faith and connecting us to a loving community. As Richardson has grown, so has our church’s impact, and now it’s our turn to help secure its future. This capital campaign is a chance to ensure FUMCR remains strong for generations to come, supporting ministries that change lives and grow disciples. We’re honored to give back through our service and gifts, just as others did before us. -
Ross & Rebekah Gilbert
We joined the capital campaign because we’re committed to investing in the next generation and creating spaces where families can deepen their faith. Upgrading our children’s facilities and adding a community pavilion will make FUMCR even more welcoming and vibrant. Refreshing existing areas and paying down debt shows wise stewardship and prepares us for what God has next. It’s a joy to help build something that will bless our church for years to come.
Campaign Priorities
Debt
Reduction
The first $7.5 million will be directed to debt reduction.
Combined with our ongoing principal and interest payments, this will position us to be debt-free by 2028,
freeing up future resources to fuel ministry and mission.
We are committed to a “pay-as-we-go” approach, avoiding additional debt as we invest in renovations and new spaces.
Refresh and Refurbishment
With many of our facilities nearing 20 years old, now is a pivotal time to invest in meaningful updates that will enhance both the beauty and functionality of our spaces.
Bartula Family Life Center Lobby and Café transformation • Chapel renovation •
Accessibility, security, and wayfinding improvements • Technology updates to sanctuary sound system & classroom displays • Revitalization of campus finishes
Reimagining Our Campus
New, welcoming, clearly marked entrances to Children's and Youth Ministry areas will provide clarity for congregation, guests, and community; improve sight-lines, security, and safety; and offer engaging areas to gather and connect.
A community pavilion across Custer will provide a multi-purpose, covered, outdoor recreation area with new restrooms, seating, and concession area.
We believe all this can be accomplished through a successful $20 million campaign — a bold, essential investment in our mission, our community, and our future.
Renderings
Children's Ministry
• Clearly marked entrance facing Custer Road
• Improved security and safety
• Engaging areas for parents and families to gather and connect with each other
• Relocated Children's Ministry offices
$3.4M
Youth Ministry
• Covered outdoor space leading to a new entrance facing Custer Road
• Reconfigured interior spaces within Bartula Family Life Center
• Additional classrooms and gathering spaces
$3.4M
Community Pavilion
• Multi-purpose, covered, outdoor recreation area available for church and community activities
• Concession area
• Restrooms
• Seating
$3.5M
These aren’t cosmetic upgrades. They are physical signs of welcome, purpose, and connection for the people attending today and for those who will join us in the future.
Learn More
All are invited to learn more about the campaign and our plans as we dream boldly about the future.
Sun, Sept 7, 3pm
Tue, Sept 9, 6pm
Sun, Sept 14, 4pm
Wed, Sept 17, 10am
Thur, Sept 18, 6pm
Meetings are in Coleman Family Hall and will last no more than an hour. No registration is needed to attend or for childcare. Virtual meetings are not yet scheduled.
Have questions about campaign meetings or something you've read or heard?
Please reach out to Kristen Ceaser, Director of Strategic Initiatives, at kristen@fumcr.com or 972.235.8385.
Timeline
Campaign Launch
September 7, 2025
Commitment Sunday
September 28, 2025
Refurbishment Begins
Spring 2026
New Construction Begins
Fall 2026
Project Complete
Fall 2027
Projected Debt-Free
2028
Ways to Give
Online or Recurring Giving
Set up a one-time or recurring gift online anytime at fumcr.com/givenow. A simple way to stay consistent in your support.
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
If you are age 70½ or older, you can give directly from your IRA, up to $108,000 per year, without paying income tax on the withdrawal. A QCD can also count toward your required minimum distribution if you're over 73.
Gifts of Appreciated Securities
Donate stocks, bonds, or mutual funds held for over a year and receive a charitable deduction for the full value, while avoiding capital gains taxes. Most securities can be transferred electronically, directed to FUMCR.
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
Contribute to a Donor Advised Fund and recommend grants to FUMCR over time. DAFs offer flexibility and can maximize the impact of your giving in a way that fits your financial planning.
Cash or Checks
Give by placing cash or check in the offering plate on Sundays or mail your gift to the church. If offering a single gift, please note how much should go towards your annual pledge and how much towards the capital campaign.
What It Will Take
A commitment from every household – above and beyond regular giving – fulfilled over three years.
Whether you're a long-time giver or this is your first campaign, your part matters. This is our moment to come together in faith and generosity.
We believe this dream is possible because we believe in this church and its people.
Questions? Please reach out to Kristen Ceaser, Director of Strategic Initiatives, at kristen@fumcr.com or 972.235.8385.
