Community First United Methodist Church (CFUMC) is pleased to announce plans for a transformative 7,000-square-foot facility expansion and renovation of its 1950s structure. Located at the corner of Maple Street and Hays Mill Road, the improvements will better serve the growing needs of the community and its congregation.
The project will feature a new multi-use worship and event space with seating for up to 300 people, upgraded and additional spaces for growing children and youth programs, expanded parking facilities, and a thoughtful renovation of the existing historic sanctuary. Recent stakeholder meetings drew more than 200 participants to review conceptual renderings commissioned from local architect Lorraine Cunanan of Locus Design and Consulting.
The campus enhancements are the result of a collaborative visioning process, led by the CFUMC Pathway Exploration Team (PET), and will allow for more community programming. This development aims to create a central hub that transcends Sunday morning services, serving as a dedicated resource for the broader community. Community First currently shares its space with multiple organizations throughout each week in addition to its growing congregation.
“At Community First we are building an intentional community that lives the very meaning of community,” shared Rev. Dr. Robert Brown, senior pastor at CFUMC. “A fellowship that goes beyond a physical space and includes the excluded by dissolving artificial walls, norms, and prejudices (including social, racial, economic, gender identity, or ability) that divide us. In this space, we are building a Christian Community where ALL are invited, welcomed, and accepted.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2027, with an estimated timeline of up to 18 months. During this transition, Community First will partner with Moore’s Chapel, who again will open its campus to host Community First’s ministries, ensuring continuity of service and community programming. CFUMC church leadership expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Landrom and the congregation of Moore’s Chapel for their ongoing support and generosity.
“We are again deeply grateful to Dr. Landrum and the congregation of Moore’s Chapel for their generosity. There is so much more that we are able to achieve and change in our community by working together,” noted CFUMC member and leader Kelly Glanton. “This project has been a highlight of my spiritual path as I’ve witnessed a congregation relentlessly passionate about doing whatever is needed to create a space that truly serves everyone with love. The improved facility will serve as a landmark of hope on the Maple Street corridor in Carrollton.”
Community First UMC is an affirming and rapidly-growing congregation dedicated to “Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors.”
For those wishing to support the creation of this vital community resource, contributions are gratefully accepted through the Community First Building Fund.
Media Contact:
Alyson Nesbitt
770-713-8785
