In 2011, as Jossie and I stood on a hillside near Horsetooth Reservoir overlooking Northern Colorado, we prayed for God’s Kingdom to come and his will to be done here as in heaven. This prayer has remained central in the heartbeat of Mill City Church ever since. It informs our prayers, the vision, and our mission to be a place where people are encountering Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what Jesus did, so that Northern Colorado looks more like heaven.
In January of 2022, during our annual 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting, Jossie and I sensed that God was stirring something new for the days ahead. In response to that stirring, we launched the SO THAT…Building Initiative in hopes of raising funds for the future permanent home of Mill City. After only one year, we are so excited that God has provided an incredible location for Mill City Church! We are amazed by God’s provision and the generosity of our church family. WOW!
Mill City Church has been a mobile church for over twelve years. We have never seen a building as the end goal, but rather as a vehicle to facilitate and accelerate the vision.
We named our building initiative “SO THAT…” because of what becomes possible as a result of having a building of our own. God has done incredible things in rented spaces through the years, and we can’t wait to see the opportunities that become possible in the years ahead.
As we move forward, please continue to pray and also consider ways to give. We love serving God and Northern Colorado with you!
The best is yet to come!
Aaron Stern
SO THAT...
SO THAT...
Mill City Church is a lighthouse of hope to Northern Colorado.
Colorado is #8 on the list of states with the largest number of people who do not know Jesus… yet.
Since we began, over 1000 people have made a decision to follow Jesus at Mill City Church. Imagine the possibilities of increased capacity to host Alpha, At The Movies, MCYA nights, and holiday gatherings.
SO THAT...
Mill City Church is a place to call home.
As part of the “unchurched belt,” a recent study shows Colorado ranks among the bottom ten states for weekly church attendance.
Approximately 2,500 people call Mill City Church “home.” Typically, when a church moves from portable to permanent, it grows anywhere from 20 – 100%. We are almost at capacity on Sunday mornings and need more space for Connect, kids, students, trainings, and more. Imagine thousands more experiencing authentic, life-giving, Jesus-centered community.
SO THAT...
Mill City Church is a place for the next generation to grow in Jesus.
Nearly half of all Americans who decide to follow Jesus do so before the age of 13, and two out of three make that commitment before their 18th birthday.
We care deeply about young people establishing lasting faith in an increasingly secular culture. Our kids and student ministries are growing rapidly. Imagine if we are only scratching the surface of what is possible for our children.
SO THAT...
Mill City Church is a training ground for spiritual formation and leadership development.
“The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heartbreaking needs, is whether those who, by profession or culture, are identified as ‘Christians’ will become disciples – students, apprentices, practitioners – of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the Kingdom of the Heavens into every corner of human existence.” Dallas Willard
Having our own space will dramatically increase our ability to invest in our greatest resource…our people. Imagine a dedicated space for training our Lift Team and increased opportunities for City Groups and our Apprenticeship program.
SO THAT...
Mill City Church is a launching pad for serving those in need.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” Jesus (Matthew 25:40)
We can become a place where those in need can turn for care and support any day of the week. We want to express generous hospitality in a greater way to the poor and hurting. Imagine a meal served to Lincoln Middle School families in a wedding reception-type environment or a night out for single mothers.
“THE CHURCH IS TO BE A PLACE OF WELCOME AND LAUGHTER, OF HEALING AND HOPE, OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY, AND OF JUSTICE AND NEW LIFE.”
N. T. WRIGHT
Anniversary Sunday
Sunday, April 28
Anniversary Sunday, April 28, is a day set apart for us to celebrate what God has done in the last year since we kicked off the SO THAT… giving initiative. During the gatherings, there will be time set aside to pray into taking the next step toward God’s vision for Mill City Church together. If you haven’t already, consider joining in on this initiative. If you have already been contributing to SO THAT…thank you! Would you pray about increasing of your giving?
It’s going to be a special day as we come around the one-year anniversary of this three-year initiative!
Where are we now?
Mill City Church has purchased 2700 S. Lemay Avenue as our future permanent home.
The new location, built in 1981, spans square feet and has been a church ever since. Features include a large sanctuary, 18 classrooms for Mill City Kids and other gatherings, a playground, ample parking, and space for events and ministries.
We are excited to update and revitalize the property. Keep an eye out for more details to come!
A vibrant, Jesus-centered church is more important than ever. So, let’s partner together to see increased Kingdom activity in Northern Colorado, both now and for future generations.
WE WANT TO PUT DOWN ROOTS, HAVE A PLACE TO CALL HOME, BE AN ACCESSIBLE AND LOVING NEIGHBOR, AND IMPACT NORTHERN COLORADO.
What are our options?
OPTION 1
PURCHASE AND RENOVATE AN EXISTING PROPERTY
This seems like the most ideal and cost-effective option for us. Our hope is to find a central location within Fort Collins that allows us to easily maintain relationships with Lincoln Middle School, our mission partners, and CSU students.
OPTION 2
BUY LAND AND BUILD
Land in Northern Colorado comes at a premium, and the size of land we would need is typically only available on the outskirts of town. This option would provide more freedom when it comes to building design.
Using standard church size guidelines, we are looking for a building no smaller than 50,000 square feet. We are open to whatever option presents itself and how God leads us.
“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”
Habakkuk 3:2
How to get involved:
PRAY FOR GOD TO...
• Unify our hearts.
• Provide abundantly.
• Expand our vision.
• Make Northern Colorado look more like heaven.
GIVE
As we prepare to renovate and relocate, will you consider giving in the following ways?
Increase:
If you are already contributing to So That… THANK YOU!
Would you consider increasing your commitment?
Begin:
• Make a commitment to give a specific amount over time.
• Contribute a one-time gift.
• Donate a non-cash asset (investments, crypto, real estate, personal property, etc.).
This will take all of us, and we hope for 100% participation. We invite you to ask God what He would have you contribute to SO THAT… You can give on Sundays or online.
FAQS
Here are some frequently asked questions about SO THAT...
FAQS
Let's get you up to speed. Here are some FAQs about SO THAT.
All giving to SO THAT… should be above and beyond your normal tithe or regular giving. This will help ensure that we are able to continue to serve our church family and those in need as well throughout the giving initiative.
Commitments can be changed if necessary, allowing you to either increase or decrease your commitment as needed.
Giving can be set up online here.
While we know you may have multiple questions regarding building amenities, we do not have those details yet. And, sadly, no, we won’t have a petting zoo, but there’s lots of room in the parking lot for a game of pickleball!
If you have other questions, please email [email protected].
Give
Ready to make a commitment?
This will take all of us, and no gift is too large or too small. Take time to ask God what he would have you give to SO THAT…
Creative Giving Strategies
Deciding what and how much to give is a choice between you, God, and your family. Everything belongs to God, and he wants us to use wisely what he has given to us. Prayerfully consider what God would have you give. Our hope is that everyone participates in giving to SO THAT…
The following list may generate some creative ideas for giving:
Transfer ownership of stocks, bonds, real estate, automobiles, etc. Giving an asset to the church and allowing the church to sell it eliminates potential capital gains taxes and can increase the after-tax proceeds, providing significant tax savings.
Gift proceeds from the sale of major assets such as a house, car, land, or business.
Donate raises, bonuses, tax refunds, etc.
Contribute extra money made available by canceling subscriptions, skipping frequent trips for coffee, or scaling back on entertainment and dining out.
Give profits from marketable hobbies or skills, garage sales, or items sold on Facebook Marketplace.
Redirect additional revenue as debt is paid off.
Ask employer if they’ll match donations to local non-profits.