Redwood UMC
Authors: Randy Shelton and Tommy Herndon
On February 20, 2019, Randy Shelton and Tommy Herndon traveled to Redwood United Methodist Church to meet with members of its building committee. At the time, an incomplete addition beside their existing building was just a shell. The contractor for the new structure had died and the church was left with a debt and a building they could not occupy or use. The construction project was initiated to build a Gym/Fellowship Hall and a whole floor of Sunday School rooms. During our visit, we observed that parts of the A/C and heating systems were only partially installed. There was only a space where an elevator should be. The church could not find a contractor to come in and finish the project nor could they pay for it if they found someone.
On a later visit to the church, the DevCo team invited Mike Kadillac, an engineer who serves on the Board of Affordable Housing, to meet with the building committee. Mike suggested a plan of action. He knew a company that would do the work, and within weeks an estimate was obtained. DevCo’s Board of Managers approved a loan to complete the bottom floor of the building, contingent upon the church paying off its existing loan. In July 2019, Revs. Clayton and Sarah Payne were assigned to Redwood. Under their leadership and guidance, the existing loan was paid off and paper work was completed for the new DevCo loan. Contracts were signed and the construction project resumed.
Today the work is almost finished and the bottom floor of this building has offices, a youth room, classrooms and bathrooms plus a welcome center as people enter the building. The church members are diligently working to paint the rooms and get the flooring down. The top floor will be completed when the church raises additional funds. The elevator and bathrooms are finished and the parking lot has been recently paved. It is a joy to see the church working together to complete this dream they have had for a long time. The Revs. Clayton and Sarah have done a wonderful job of leading the church and the members of Redwood UMC have done a marvelous job of finishing the rooms and getting this new facility ready for occupancy. A grand opening is planned for the early Fall.
In his own words, Clayton gave a recap of their experiences partnering with DevCo:
“On March 6th, Redwood United Methodist Church will begin moving in the ROC, the Redwood Outreach Center. When my wife and co-pastor, Sarah, and I came to Redwood in 2019, the ROC was an impressive sight to behold. It was not until we went into the building that we realized that what looked complete on the outside was far from finished. The inside was nothing more than the building’s bare bones, only framed walls and concrete flooring. Since our arrival, the Virginia United Methodist Foundation has been a part of filling out and finishing Phase 1 of the ROC.
From the beginning, the Virginia United Methodist Development Company supported and encouraged Redwood’s vision for the ROC – for the ROC to be a hub of outreach and mission. Their consistent and caring presence in this process has far exceeded that of a typical loan company, their investment in Redwood far beyond the financial backing. DevCo, specifically Tommy Herndon and Randy Shelton, have lived into our Methodist distinctive of connectionalism at its best. From answering questions, helping with goal setting, being patient with pastoral transitions and building timelines, to regularly showing up in person to speak with church leaders and see the building’s progress, DevCo has journeyed with our church into seeing God’s dream become a reality. The people of Redwood, Sarah, and I are so thankful for God’s work through the Virginia United Methodist Development Company.”
It has been a joy for those of us at the Virginia United Methodist Development Company to help Redwood achieve their dream. We will continue to work with Redwood into the future as they move in the direction of completing the entire building. If we can assist you and your local church, please give us a call at (804) 521-1150.
