Kent Island United Methodist Church “Empowered by His Presence” Capital Campaign

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
July 29, 2012

Chester, MD With anticipation and excitement, Kent Island United Methodist Church kicks off its Empowered by His Presence Capital Campaign. Pastor David Bennett shared God’s vision for Kent Island UMC to over one hundred members and regular attendees. They enjoyed testimonies of Janet Mann and Sydney Pollard, who shared how the church has made a positive impacted in their lives. The events keynote speaker Rev, Gary Moore, District Superintendent gave an uplifting speech that inspired the crowd. The highlight of the event was when the children unveiled the $1,171,680 raised thus far from 35 families and the congregation erupted in cheers. Members were shocked and amazed at how much had been raised. Members could be heard saying they could not believe it. You could feel the excitement in the room, said Mel Kalagian, Campaign Director of James Klote & Associates. Following the inspirational event members were looking for members of the Steering Team and other Volunteers so they could get their personal visits scheduled right away. What an awesome day! This kick-off event marks the beginning of realizing the God-sized dream of eliminating our debt so that we can truly focus on our vision of growing in Christ, transforming families, and changing the world, Said Pastor David Bennett.

Kent Island UMC has been ministering to the area for 50 years; however, Methodism has been on Kent Island for over 200 years. It was 1958, when three churches Trinity Downs. Dominion and Kingsley united to become Kent Island Methodist Church and since that decision, the church has been a pillar of spiritual growth in the community and around the world.

Heather Guieier, Co Chair of the campaign, spoke eloquently of the need to eliminate this debt sooner rather than over 26 years, and be able to do what God is asking them to do. She also expressed to the Kent Island families to welcome a call from fellow families, as they would be reaching out to them over the next eight weeks. I am so excited to be part of our Empowered by his presence campaign. Our kickoff event yesterday was testimony that our congregation is behind the campaign to eliminate our debt in five years. It brings me great peace to know that God has spoken to us and is beside us all the way. If we give with an open heart God will provide. It is because of the blessings God bestows on us that we were able to raise 1,171,680.00 from under 40 families. For those of you who attended the kickoff event I thank you. Please spread the good news that God is doing in our church for those who could not attend, Said Heather Guerieri, Campaign Co-Chair.