Potterville United Methodist Church asks for community support to ‘Raise the Roof’

Potterville United Methodist Church (PUMC) has played an integral role in Coty Robertson’s life since she was 12. Aside from her place of worship, PUMC is where she met her husband, where the two were eventually married and where their children were baptized.
The church has been there for some of the most important times in her life and she knows many in the Potterville community can say the same. Now she hopes those same community members will be there for the church in its time of need.
As a member of the congregation, Robertson has stepped forward to lead the charge in raising money to recover the costs associated with the Church’s recent roof replacement. At a cost of $70,000, the project has depleted church funds and a variety of fundraisers — under the project name Praise the Lord! Raise the Roof! — have been planned in the coming months to help cover some of the cost.
“This church is really more of a community building,” Robertson said. “We host Boy Scout meetings, open houses, community meetings … it’s where many in the community hold weddings and funerals. It’s been here for so long for the community that we’re really hoping people will be there for us in our time of need.”
The first fundraiser is planned for Gizzard Fest. The Church will set up a booth along Main Street and sell lemonade distributed in special Praise the Lord, Raise the Roof sports cups. Robertson said there will be several other fundraisers planned in the coming months. People willing to donate may also do so online at YouCaring.com/potterville-united-methodist-church-531543.
Prior to the new roof installed this year, PUMC had gone 45 years with only patchwork being done to make any needed repairs. The Church, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1978 has undergone several expansions to accommodate the growing needs of the congregation and the community. PUMC serves as a free clothing store for the community, hosts regular community dinners, is the local food distribution point for those in need, and is a Red Cross emergency shelter in addition to hosting the annual Trunk or Treat, Vacation Bible School and Back to School backpack giveaway.
Robertson said the $70,000 new roof breaks down to a cost of approximately $15 per shingle. She said all donations are welcome, even those that may want to purchase a shingle for $15.
For more information about Praise the Lord! Raise the Roof!, visit YouCaring.com or find the group on Facebook.