Building on a Firm Foundation: A Vision

Our Mission:

The Mission of Pilmoor Memorial United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We fulfill this mission this by nurturing the Christian faith through worship that centers on the Word of God and the celebration of the sacraments; by representing Christ to our community, sharing the love of God in a congregation of faith recognizing that all people are children of God; by reaching out in service, love, and support to alleviate human suffering and need; and by providing ongoing opportunities for personal Christian spiritual growth. In all these things we seek to be open to the creative leadership of God’s spirit that we may respond to new opportunities for ministry.

Our History:

Joseph Pilmoor was one of the first two English Methodist Preachers sent to the American Colonies by John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement. Following his mandate to “Offer them Christ,” Pilmoor traveled south into North Carolina in 1772, stopping first to preach near the old Currituck Courthouse. In 1928, the Methodist congregation at Baxter’s Grove relocated to the courthouse community and built the first brick church in the county as a memorial to Joseph Pilmoor and his historic visit.
Over 76 years, the congregation of Pilmoor Memorial has remained true to the bold, innovative witness of its namesake through consistent outreach and openness to new ministry opportunities as they arise. A vital life of worship, fellowship, study and prayer provides the foundation for all our ministries.

Our Challenge:

Our area has seen extraordinary growth over the last decade. We have been able to meet the demands of this growth only by creative use of our existing facilities, sharing space, and often exceeding intended capacities. These efforts have allowed us to maximize our current space, but they cannot meet future demands. Over 500 sites for new homes have been approved or are under construction within 5 miles of the church. In the past year alone, our worship and Sunday School attendance has increased by over 15. Participation in the youth group has more than doubled. Our scout troop has expanded significantly. Growing numbers of families with small children highlight our need for appropriate toddler/crib nursery space. Even our food pantry ministry is hampered because of space limitations.

Our Vision:

We have established a phased approach to meeting our expanding facilities and ministry needs. The current project is “Phase I” and will nearly double our existing church plant. It will include:

• A new Social Hall with adequate kitchen;
• A new Ministry Center, including:
  --First floor Food Pantry Space;
  --An office suitable for counseling;
• New, larger, handicap accessible restrooms;
• Renovations of existing space to include four classrooms, including a dedicated nursery and relocation of our preschool.

This proposed Phase I expansion will enhance already existing ministries, such as the food pantry, youth, preschool and Sunday School. At the same time, it will open up new possibilities for ministries to be developed, including a third worship service in the new Social Hall, and the addition of a pastoral counseling ministry. The design and construction budget for Phase I is approximately $865,700.  Furnishings, equipment and other expenses are expected to bring the total cost to approximately $910,000

Future phases will include expanded worship space, additional Sunday School rooms, office space and a proposed Day Care Center.

Our plan for this capital funding program is to raise approximately $350,000 over 3 years for Phase I. An additional $200,000 will be raised through grants from the Duke Endowment and existing building funds leaving a minimal indebtedness to be paid before beginning additional phases.