Hi there – Pastor Joey here!
Don’t you know that time flies? It’s crazy to think about, but I’ve been a part of this community for a few years now already. I have loved getting to know new people, learn more about the local history, and of course check out the local food fare.
Since arriving, It has been amazing to hear stories from the interactions I’ve had and through the relationships I’ve developed. So many reports of struggle and endurance. So many accounts that turned from tragedy into triumph. So many stories about personal investments based on faith and belief that this place was worthwhile that have developed into lasting legacies. When I stop to think about it, it can be overwhelming to consider the investments others have made that we collectively enjoy just by calling ourselves citizens of Anderson and the surrounding area.
I recently read up on a piece of history on my local church. From The Herald, an article was published in 1998 and recounted a risky but meaningful vision that Anderson First Church invested in in the 1980s. Mired by the highest unemployment anywhere in the nation, the church was determined to take their next step in growth and invest in the community by defying all odds to develop more space for its mission in historic downtown. Many were shocked (and a few critical) that the investment would not be worth the return. Yet, in retrospect, the article shared that the venture would, in fact, pay off and the church did come to more than double its reach in terms of people it worked with. I believe that this act of faith was the precursor and launching point for what would eventually become the most ambitious for the ministry to date – The Community Center @ AFC.
Since opening in 2022, The Community Center @ AFC has been a living testament to the investment our people are willing to make to have positive impact for our city. In the past 48 months, we have welcomed at least 15,000 people through our doors in some form or capacity. The stories of life change have been staggering and we know we are only getting started.
Last year, we introduced a fun community engagement called the Chili Cook-Off that was meant to draw people in for connection and benefit new initiatives for the Community Center. Last year, through the support of our sponsors and participants, we were able to raise a significant amount of money for the completion of the Community Center Student Center. Since then, that investment went towards the development of after-school tutoring initiatives, regular programming for at-risk youth, as well as other offerings.
We knew we wanted to expand from last year’s success, and we have done just that! This year, we are calling our event Anderson Community Day, which will feature another great chili cook-off and so much more. We hope to host many of our partner organizations and businesses to raise awareness over just how great Anderson is. We’ve also invited some special friends to join in on the fun and truly make this a fun day for the whole family – many of which we will announce soon. Most of all, we want to keep the momentum going because there is still so much more to be done.
The Community Center @ AFC is determined to take our next steps in growth and invest more into the place we call home. Your consideration through support, whether it be through sponsorship or donation, would be greatly appreciated. There are a great many projects in development that the proceeds will go directly towards. For fun, we’ve included some of our favorite dreams:
· ESL classes at no cost to participants who qualify
· Brand-new softball field with
· Tennis/pickleball courts to develop and host community/county-wide leagues
· Community programming like art classes, ASL courses
· Anderson Community Youth Theatre (launching Fall 2024)
· Outdoor team building spaces
· And so much more…
Your investment, no matter how big, can assist us in making these dreams reality. If you have additional questions regarding these projects, or to learn more about how you can get involved, please reach out and start a conversation with me. I’d love to share all the amazing things that are going on!
Sponsorship is an incredibly helpful way to get involved and partner with us in a way that also exposes your business/organization.
For those who choose to go this route, recognization on print and web materials will be offered. Every sponsor will receive a decal to put on their storefront to show the community of their support.
Donations of any amount are welcomed and for your convenience, we suggest these price points: $500, $250, & $100.
To view sponsorship opportunities, please click here.
Our silent auction is a tremendous way to get involved in the day’s activities. Every dollar raised makes a difference in our efforts to develop more for the community to enjoy.
You can also donate to the activities of the day, including supplies or your services. There is a variety of needs to make this day a success. Your donation can help defray the costs we incur and maximize the impact of the funds raised.
To learn more about how you can donate, email youth@andersonfirstchurch.org.
Anderson Community Day can only be a success when its citizens particpate! We all have our own circle of influence and connections. You may consider helping us spread the word about the activities of the day by posting a flyer in your business or sharing our event on social media. Perhaps you know of somebody who would like to get involved with sponsorship or donation. You can help us raise awareness for what we are trying to accomplish!
To help spread awareness about this event, email youth@andersonfirstchurch.org
