How does Blackstone serve its community?
For over 100 years Blackstone has been a cornerstone of the VA United Methodist Conference and an icon of Southside Virginia communities. Many community families, non-profits, and educational groups use the campus and classrooms daily for community events, swimming and scuba classes, health fairs, youth and scouting groups, and teacher training. In addition, the Blackstone Chamber holds Business Expos and Seminars for local businesses. Ft. Pickett uses the building and grounds for educational and Ranger training.
What Programs and Services does Blackstone provide?
The Assembly Center is dedicated to “Let Every Soul Be Jesus’ Guest”:
• Our dedicated staff provide personal stewardship to guests not available at commercial sites.
• Our campus, meeting facilities, and accommodations provide the ideal setting for fellowship and personal growth.
• Multiple meeting and dining room options, a 500 seat auditorium, and a 68 acre campus all ensure that groups and activities of all sizes can be served.
• Our excellent food services meet group and individual needs including special diets.
• We enable economic growth and job opportunities in Blackstone and surrounding counties.
• Our security and recycling programs support groups seeking to keep their stay safe and green.
How many individuals are currently served?
The Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center currently serves more than 20,000 men, women, youth, and children each year. For many years large groups have been turned away due to lack of meeting space or bedrooms. Last year nearly 4,000 potential guests were turned away.
How does Blackstone provide for spiritual growth of those we serve?
Blackstone has a long tradition of providing a setting where relationships are nurtured, disciples are born, leaders are trained and refreshed, and lives are transformed.
What is the Growing Faith Campaign Vision?
The Growing Faith Campaign directly responds to the mandate of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church and many community users to renovate Blackstone’s historic facilities, improve the services and options available to user groups, and expand available accommodations for larger groups and overnight stays.
How will the campaign ensure that Blackstone can sustain its operation?
Improving and expanding Blackstone’s meeting and overnight accommodations will enable the Assembly Center to serve larger groups and keep operating costs and fees affordable for church and community users. Extensive improvements to energy systems and building integrity will substantially reduce energy costs. Opening the Assembly Center to larger groups will increase year-round use and revenues.
What policies guide use of gifts?
The United Methodist Assembly Center is a 501c3 organization governed by an independent Board of Directors. Board members oversee the use of all gift funds. An Annual Fund supports operations and services to user groups, meeting both faith-based and community needs. Growing Faith Campaign and Endowment funds are maintained in separate accounts and managed as directed by the donors.
May campaign gifts be pledged over a period of years?
Yes, gifts may be pledged over a period of three years or more as determined by discussion with the donor. Donors are encouraged to elect a schedule of annual pledge payments to complete their pledge. Planned gifts such as trusts, annuities, insurance or life estate gifts will be recognized as part of the campaign objectives to increase permanent and endowment funds for the continued ministry of Blackstone.
Are naming opportunities available to donors?
Yes, there are many naming opportunities for gifts to honor individuals, families, and organizations. These gifts are an ongoing testimony to the spirit of hospitality and ministry of service at Blackstone. Campaign volunteers welcome the opportunity to visit with you about naming opportunities.
