VALDOSTA — Preparing First United Methodist Church for a Miracle Sunday to raise money for mission work and renovating a new downtown worship center, the Rev. Bob Moon isn’t deterred by the harsh economic climate.

“Some people may think a fund-raiser of this magnitude is counter-intuitive considering the economic timing,” Moon says. But he believes in a concept he once read.

“They did the best of things in the worst of times,” Moon says. “Isn’t that like God. Christ’s death on the cross was the worst of times. Yet, from that act, God brings salvation and light to the world.”

Still, Moon acknowledges this weekend’s mission is a matter of faith. Between a Friday evening concert featuring local bands and the Miracle Sunday services, First United Methodist Church has set a goal of raising more than $500,000.

The church needs a half-a-million dollars to convert Downtown Valdosta’s Paine Building into a new contemporary worship center for First UMC’s Samaritan’s Purse program.

Each Sunday, the church offers traditional worship services at 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. Also, at 11 a.m., the church offers a contemporary worship service. Associate Pastor Shannon Clark Patterson leads the contemporary service.

In the contemporary service, worship songs and guitars replace hymns and organ music. The contemporary service is a more relaxed setting, the dress more casual, than in a traditional church service.

Reflecting on the diversity of the traditional and contemporary services, Moon says, “We see ourselves as one church with many doors.”

The contemporary service is growing. Currently, the contemporary congregation meets amidst the tables and chairs of the fellowship hall.

A contemporary worship center will give the service’s congregation space for more seating, a stage for musicians, and a place for gathering. The center has been designed by Valdosta’s IPG Architects.

Friday’s concert demonstrates the congregation’s dedication to the center. Area musicians include Justin Crenshaw, Lindsey Radcliff, Kalvinova, and Full House. The concert is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. Friday, First United Methodist Church’s fellowship hall.

The center is a chief aim of this weekend’s benefits, but not the only planned beneficiary.

Moon says the church is behind on its giving to mission work. Twenty percent of all money raised will be given to the Methodist global missions.

“We’re embracing the ‘both and’ concept not the ‘either or,’” Moon says. “We believe we can accomplish both one goal and the other.”