First United Methodist Church

We are Pocatello United Methodist Church and Tender Loving Care Child Care (TLC), long-time members of the Pocatello community, and we are raising $360,000 to put a new roof on the iconic peak-roofed building that we share at the corner of 15th & Clark.

Since 1956, the First UMC congregation has gathered at this location to worship God and love our neighbors. Over the years and under our roof we have responded to the Word of God and gathered around the Table; baptized, confirmed, married, and buried; learned and served and belonged. Under our roof, Feeding the 5,000 Families was conceived and the Community Breakfast met the needs of the least. Today, as a new Reconciling Congregation in Southeast Idaho, affirming God's love for all people, we are laying a foundation for a vital future.

Tender Loving Care Child Care (TLC) is a separate nonreligious 501(c)(3) daycare center that began offering its services in the bottom floor of our building in 1977. Nearly 50 years later, they continue to provide licensed, quality services. They occupy the whole downstairs, and their 30 employees serve 113 children (of 95 families) between the ages of 12 months and 11 years, five days a week. Bannock County has an approximate childcare gap of 1,900 spots, which means TLC - and the church's facilities - are meeting a critical community need. Working parents and daycare providers shoulder great economic pressures. They need local support to keep reputable, safe, and licensed centers like TLC open.

Beyond the congregation and the daycare, our building is truly a community asset. In the past 18 months alone, we have hosted a wide variety of community events, groups, and services, including:

If you have ever been a part of our faith community; if you or your children or your grandchildren have ever benefited from the services that TLC provides; if you have ever come through our doors and been positively impacted by a community event -- then we are calling on you to help us raise A Roof for All.

Our Goal

Our goal is to raise $360,000 by mid-July. That amount will cover the cost of a complete roof replacement, some re-decking, extra weather guard on all north-facing slopes, complete gutter replacement, 6% in unforeseen cost, and fundraising materials. As of early May, the church community alone has already raised around $80,000 to put toward this goal. But we need your help.

Our building has 25,600 square feet of roof. Dividing our fundraising goal by that square footage comes out to $14.00 per square foot. So, for $14.00, you can put a square foot of new roof on our building. Whether you can give 1 square foot or 1,000, you will help us raise a Roof for All.

The work will be done in early fall by CCX Roofing, a contractor based locally in Pocatello. CCX is certified by Malarkey Roofing Products as a Premium Contractor, meaning we will be covered by the best product, workmanship, algae, and wind warranties on the market. Without a doubt, you will be making a worthwhile investment when you give.

Anything raised above $360,000 will be put toward our next capital project, invested directly in the futures of all who share our building. All funds will stay local.