PHOTO CREDIT: Sue Decker Photography
Flower Mound, Texas – Dec. 16, 2014 – Thanks to generous pledges and the support of the Texas Methodist Foundation, Flower Mound United Methodist Church (UMC) announced that it will build a 15,000-square-foot sanctuary addition projected for completion in December 2015.
In the 19 years since Flower Mound UMC was planted in the Flower Mound living room of Rev. Jim Dean, the church has grown to a current membership of 1073 under the direction of Senior Pastor Holly Gotelli. The current 280-seat worship space near the Flower Mound water tower at Bruton Orand and 1171 opened in 1997, and then expanded in 1999. The church space was enhanced by other expansion projects over the years, including a classroom wing in 2001, which is home to Sonshine Kids Child Development Center. A second classroom wing was added in 2004, then a commercial kitchen and two-story Youth space followed in 2005 and 2010.
“I have always said that our FMUMC church family is welcoming, and doesn’t know a stranger,” said Pastor Gotelli, Dallas native and granddaughter of a UMC pastor. “Our new sanctuary will enable us to open doors to hundreds more of our neighbors who, like us, are seeking answers, peace and direction … and a place to connect with others who need the love and grace of Jesus Christ.”
The Flower Mound UMC sanctuary will rise under the direction of Marathon Commercial Construction of Fort Worth. The design firm that created the original space—RGA Architects in Roanoke—created the new space to include:
- A 575-seat sanctuary
- A large narthex and fellowship area
- A greatly expanded nursery space
- A bride’s room with a private restroom
- A Hill Country finish out with exposed structure, cedar wood ceiling, clerestory and stained glass windows
“With God’s grace, the faithfulness of our building committee members and generous pledges from our church family, we can now break ground on this project that is 10 years in the making,” says Jeff Shirley, building committee member and Flower Mound father of four.
Flower Mound United Methodist Church, at 3950 Bruton Orand Blvd., welcomes visitors to its Sunday morning services at 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. and to participate in its family and youth ministry activities, music programs, long- and short-term Bible studies and mission outreach projects. Christmas Eve services are at 4 p.m. (family service) and 6, 8 and 11 p.m. (candlelight services). Call 972-355-2711 or visit www.fmumc.net.