Arise and Rebuild Initiative Strengthens Churches

Story by Tamyra Horst

“Our church had weathered over the years,” says Jonathan D’ugo, pastor of the Berwick church. “Paint had chipped and peeled. Wood frames around windows and doors were rotting. Cement eroded, making the church look bad and creating an unsafe structure.”

That changed this past summer when the Berwick church building was repaired (pictured right). The improvements were made possible through the conference’s new Arise and Rebuild initiative, intentionally created to help congregations develop church-specific plans to clean, declutter, paint, repair, remodel and update facilities. Churches can apply for funding grants for one-third of the cost, up to $15,000, for projects that meet specific criteria.

“The purpose of Arise and Rebuild is to engage churches in ‘face-lift’ projects that will make our facilities more inviting,” says Kevin Costello, conference treasurer. “Our church and school facilities reflect God to those around us, and we are committed to providing properties that best facilitate worship and reveal His glory to our communities.”