The mission of the Building Fund Committee (BFC) is to provide a sustainable pool of financial assets and resources to support the capital development and maintenance of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church.
Major Activities and Events
The committee raises funds for the Capital Improvement Project and encourages stewardship through special events, campaigns, and giving initiatives. Activities include:
- Fair Trade Coffee, Tea & More Program: The BFC has been selling fair-trade coffees, chocolates, Haitian metal art, and other goods since 2014. The program benefits the church and helps small farmers and artisans worldwide, many in the African diaspora.
- Stewardship Sunday: Developed by the BFC and observed on the fourth Sunday in October, Stewardship Sunday has grown into a monthlong celebration and is a major fundraiser for the Capital Improvement Project.
- Fair Trade Christmas Bazaar & Bake Sale: This annual event features fair trade items, baked goods, local vendors, and Christmas joy.
- Jubilee Sunday & Marketplace: In February, the BFC helps present Jubilee Sunday, a Black History Month celebration that features a special worship service, African drumming and foods, local vendors, and fair trade goods.
- 90-Day Giving Challenge: To raise funds for HVAC improvements and encourage regular giving to the Capital Improvement Project, the BFC introduced the 90-Day Giving Challenge at the end of 2020.
History of the Building Fund Committee
A building fund for capital improvements was established by the Board of Trustees in the fall of 2013 to reduce reliance on special fundraisers and capital campaigns. The Building Fund Committee was organized in 2014 to carry out the work of the fund, now named the Capital Improvement Project. The first initiative, “Project Raise the Roof,” raised funds for major roof work and produced several of the BFC’s permanent programs and initiatives.
Volunteer Opportunities
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
The Building Fund Committee is guided by those words and welcomes all who aspire to live them. Volunteers brew and sell coffees, develop fundraisers, create social media content, dialogue with church members about stewardship, prepare spreadsheets and financial reports, and more.
Contact Information
Deacon Donza Poole, Building Fund Committee chair