Skip to content
Growing Together Logo

For 175 years, BUMC has been a pillar in the community, making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world spanning generations. And as a multi-generational church, for many that discipleship journey begins in our preschools and Children's Ministry. 

 

We’ve watched children grow into adults who now bring their own children on Sunday mornings and throughout the week. We have students who have become teachers, and parents who are now grandparents. A legacy that will continue for generations to come.

 

As we work to renew our children's spaces, we invite you to play an important role in furnishing and equipping our Children's Wing with the essentials needed to nurture the hearts and minds of our youngest disciples, including first-time guests who will meet Jesus for the very first time in our new space.  
P3 Foorplans Blank-04

Our new space will include an addition of 5 new classrooms, as well as state-of-the-art therapy, music, and play rooms. The expanded space will allow us to welcome many new students, allowing us to reach and serve even more families and share God’s love in our community.  

Explore the many ways you can make an impact on the spiritual and educational formation of our children and students. These gifts will be used on Sunday mornings and throughout the week by our preschool students.

P3 Foorplans Blank-03

"The ELC didn't only help me thrive academically, but really socially. It was really formative in helping me learn how to make friends and learn how to form those connections really early on."

Alexandria Hooks, ELC Graduate and Purdue University Freshman

"So many of the kids that got National Merit came from the ELC. That was really cool for us to see. I think at least 4 or 5 kids from her little group of preschoolers ended up becoming National Merit Scholars."

Tobi Amosun, Former ELC Parent

"Academically, I noticed that there were a lot of skills that I had at the time that really prepared me for going into Kindergarten and Elementary School. Things like knowing all your shapes, knowing all the colors, knowing all the numbers. And also fine motor skills — knowing how to cut things, knowing how to write your own name, knowing how to hold a pencil, knowing how to unpack your lunch. I noticed theses were things I already knew how to do and that teachers were impressed with me knowing how to as a little kid."

Seyi Amosun, ELC Graduate and Harvard University Freshman

Ways to Support the Initiative

Every gift, no matter the size, designated or general, allows us to impact the lives of the children and students in our community.

Thank you for partnering with us!

Pray Over the New Space

This space is going to change lives, and we can't wait to see the many ways God shows up in this next season of ministry! We ask that you join us in prayer for all the little ones, families, volunteers, and staff who will be impacted by this new space and encounter God here.

 

 

 

Purchase an Item to Equip the New Space

We want to give the opportunity to pick out a needed item that speaks to you! Visit the table in the Children's Breezeway each Sunday in March to learn more about the campaign, ask questions, browse items for donation, or donate via check or card.

Browse Needed Items

Make a General Donation

General donations will go toward the greatest need in furnishing and equipping the new and renewed Children's Wing. Make sure to select "FFE - Growing Together" as the fund!

Donate

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How are gifts given to the Growing Together Initiative different than gifts given to our Called Together Campaign?

    Our Growing Together Initiative is designed to outfit our updated ELC and Children’s Ministry spaces with the essential items needed to foster the spiritual and educational growth of our youngest disciples. These are one time gifts are specifically used to fund furnishings.

    Called Together pledges ensure the long-term funding of our building renovation. 

    Gifts given to the Growing Together Initiative are considered “above and beyond” gifts, and will not be attributed to any preexisting pledges.  

  • Can I give to both the Growing Together Initiative and the Called Together Capital Campaign?

    Yes! Both initiatives are important for the life of our church and we’re extremely grateful for donations to each. New gifts to the Called Together campaign are always welcomed, regardless of whether or not you were involved at the beginning of the campaign.  

  • I'm surprised by some item costs, what does the cost cover?

    The cost is inclusive of the item, as well as its assembly, delivery, and warranty. As a 501c3 non-profit organization, we are not charged tax on any items. 

    Knowing that these items will be well loved by students for years and years, we are investing in items that will stand the test of time rather than the least expensive options so we can be good stewards of your gifts. 

  • Why are there different payment processing platforms for designated versus general donations?

    We’re providing opportunities to give generally to the initiative as well as give specific items that speak to you personally.  

    PushPay, the online giving platform we use on a regular basis, allows us to track gifts given to our various ministry funds, does not allow us to track gifts used to “purchase” or “fund” individual items. That is why we're only using PushPay to process general donations. 

    Square is the credit/debit card processing system that we use for most of our in-person events and allows us keeps track of particular items funded, keeping our finance team updated in real time. 

    Checks can be used either for general or designated gifts. In the memo, "Growing Together - item name" should be listed. If an item is not listed, or the item listed has already been purchased at the time of your check processing, your gift will be directed to the greatest need. 

  • Can I give by check instead?

    Yes! Checks can be made payable to Brentwood UMC, with "Growing Together" listed in the memo line, along with the specific item you’d like to fund. If an item is not listed, or the item listed has already been purchased at the time of your check processing, your gift will be directed to the greatest need. 

  • How does this renovation impact the Day School?

    For many years the ELC has needed to borrow the Day School's Therapy and Music spaces as they've not had their own. This renovation is adding Therapy and Music Rooms to the ELC so that each school has their own dedicated space for these vital programs, allowing us to better serve the students of both of our preschools. Additionally, the new Play Rooms will be utilized by both schools, a valued and exciting addition to both programs!