The General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church will move from New York City to a new home in Atlanta – Grace United Methodist Church on Ponce de Leon Avenue. The move includes the relocation of 150 employees, construction of a new Center for Mission Innovation and a new training facility.
A groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. on the campus of Grace UMC, 458 Ponce de Leon Ave.
“Groundbreaking ceremonies typically memorialize new building construction,” said Thomas Kemper, general secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries. “For Global Ministries, groundbreaking means breaking open new spaces for innovation and collaboration, deepening relationships with churches in Atlanta, and embarking on new partnerships with our neighbors and local communities.”
The North building, where office and meeting space will be located, is currently registered with the U.S. Green Building Council and is designated for LEED Gold certification. LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. Building upgrades will include a significantly more energy efficient building with high-performance glass, added fresh-air systems, water-efficient plumbing fixtures, and a photovoltaic solar array. In addition to the energy features, the project will include recycled and low-emitting materials to improve indoor air quality.
The William I.H. and Lula E. Pitts Foundation has awarded Global Ministries a $500,000 grant in support of GBGM’s establishment of its new home in Atlanta.
Located in New York City for almost 200 years, the move of the GBGM is being called a pivotal moment in the life of Global Ministries and the people with whom it serves.
