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More Than Maintenace: Investing in Mission Through Hospitality & Stewardship

Zion UMC recently celebrated their 200th anniversary.

A couple of months ago, I had the privilege of visiting Zion United Methodist Church in Seaford, Virginia, and spending time with their pastor, Rev. David Magruder. The moment I walked onto the campus, I could see and feel what this church believes: Stewardship is ministry. Hospitality is witness. Space matters.

Zion UMC has made a series of intentional decisions, not to preserve the past, but to serve people in the present and prepare for the future. From reimagining their entrance to welcoming neighbors into their worship space, the church is asking: How can we use what God has given us to extend grace to others?

Strategic Investments with a Missional Heart

With Rev. Magruder’s leadership and, just as importantly, with the active involvement of Zion’s lay leaders, the church is making meaningful improvements to its facilities. These aren’t just projects happening behind the scenes. They’re the result of faithful people working together, shoulder to shoulder, to make the church more welcoming, accessible and ready for the future.

The improvement work includes:

  • Making ADA-accessible upgrades to ensure everyone feels welcome
  • Resurfacing and improving the parking lot for safety and accessibility
  • Enhancing technology throughout the building to support worship and connection
  • Improving the entrance and fellowship hall to make the church feel more like home
Part of the renovations included a new floor for the chancel.

These aren’t just infrastructure projects. They are expressions of care, acts of hospitality, and long-term investments in Zion UMC’s ability to be a faithful presence in Seaford.

“It is such a blessing to have been called to Zion UMC and to the communities we live in and minister to. The leadership at the church is eager to grow through loving support and ministry to all. We have a very proud history that we must retain, but we want to build on that history to be the disciples that Christ calls us to be today. We need to constantly seek direction from the Holy Spirit so that we can remain active and vital in all of our ministries, while maintaining our campus and seeking new opportunities to grow and to serve.”
– Rev. David Magruder

Knowing the Community, Loving the Community

Pastor Magruder doesn’t just serve a church. He serves a neighborhood. During our time together, he welcomed a UPS driver into the building, offering him a restroom and a bottle of water. It wasn’t a special occasion. It’s just what he does because Zion UMC is the kind of church that notices people.

The Zion UMC team goes all out for the annual Vacation Bible School (VBS), transforming their yard into a water park.

David also took me on a short tour of the community, including the nearby Seaford scallop docks, a reminder that real ministry happens both inside and outside the sanctuary walls.

The Foundation’s Role: Not Just a Bank

At the Foundation, we often say that we’re not just the church’s bank, we’re ministry partners. When churches like Zion UMC step forward in faith to improve their space and serve their neighbors more fully, we want to be there to support, advise and walk alongside.

Whether through loan support, endowment planning, or legacy gift conversations, we exist to help churches fulfill their mission in sustainable and strategic ways. And when that work is grounded in hospitality, shared leadership and Spirit-led discernment like it is at Zion UMC, we’re honored to be part of the story.

The DevCo team can help your church identify and then secure funding to update your facilities to support ministries. Reach out to us at 804.521.1121 or devco@vaumc.org.

 

By the Rev. Chris Allen
VP of Investments & Lending

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Zion UMC

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