Local Methodist congregation seeks community support to repair church roof

POCATELLO — A Methodist congregation within the Gate Metropolis is looking for funds to exchange the roof of their church constructing, which has stood for practically seven many years.

The Pocatello First United Methodist Church at 200 North fifteenth Avenue has began a fundraiser that may final for your entire summer season to boost $360,000. To date, the congregation has raised practically $172,000 to exchange the degrading roof.

“So many people in Pocatello know this building, have been in this building and have had positive experiences in this building,” stated Pastor Mike Conner.

To date, nearly all of the funds have been donated by the congregation itself, however the church took its fundraiser public on April 21 and can proceed it till the tip of the summer season.

The insurer has despatched a letter to the Methodist church saying the congregation must take motion on the roof earlier than Jan. 1, 2025 or else they might discontinue protection. This may cease the congregation from with the ability to meet within the constructing.

Whereas the injury to the roof isn’t apparent on the inside of the constructing, the patches performed to cowl leaks are simple to identify outdoors the church.

Conner stated in the event that they did have to depart the constructing, it wouldn’t destroy them, however it will be a “blow to the congregation.”

“This is the place where the congregation has gathered together and worshipped for decades, and it’s the place where people have been baptized or they’ve been married, where they’ve made major life decisions,” Conner stated. “It would take a heavy toll on membership and morale.”

However Conner additionally identified not simply the congregation, however the neighborhood would really feel the lack of the constructing as effectively.

Some of the instant methods the neighborhood would really feel the results could be Tender Loving Care (TLC) Childcare having to discover a new constructing.

TLC, acknowledged by Southeast Idaho Public Well being and United Manner of Southeast Idaho as a high licensed supplier, operates independently however rents out house within the church’s constructing. The kid care supplier workers thirty individuals to look after 113 kids from 95 households between the ages of 12 months and 11-years-old.

“Some kids down in TLC, their parents went there when they were kids, so there’s generational continuity,” Conner stated.

Conner additionally identified that they host neighborhood occasions within the constructing. Among the occasions the church has hosted simply within the final 12 months are the Ukrainian Cultural Competition, the “Love Grows Here” Interfaith Live performance and the Highland Excessive Faculty Senior Choir Live performance.

“We try to have people in here because we have the resources, and we want to share them,” Conner stated. “I think the wider community would feel the loss of the building.”

Individuals who wish to donate to the church can accomplish that via both via its GoFundMe web page or by sending a test within the mail to its deal with at 200 North fifteenth Avenue in Pocatello.

On June 17, the church is internet hosting free well being providers occasion in partnership with Southeast Idaho Public Well being. The church plans to publicize details about extra neighborhood occasions it’ll provide this summer season.

Conner stated the First United Methodist Church affords itself as a neighborhood asset.

“I feel like a church and the services that we can offer, not just religious but community oriented services, are things for all people, and that we do our best to offer without cost, and I would hate to see that disappear from this block,” Conner stated.