The Vine
We would like to introduce THE VINE and invite you into the
unfolding of this exciting project. The Vine is a unique Christian performing
arts ministry, venue and school. The venue will be located in downtown Fort Worth while the ministry will operate out of the Panhandle of Texas.
Quite unexpectedly, in August of 2010, what
had been a dream for seven years suddenly became a manifest opportunity. We are
currently working directly with the Frost brothers, owners of the Fort Worth Public Market
building, to develop a renovation plan for this historical icon to fit the
needs of our vision. In addition, we are constructing a funding transaction package
that will transfer ownership of the facility to our non-profit
organization, The Vine. We would love for you to be a part of this incredible
endeavor in any way possible, but above all we ask for your prayer support!
The information on this page outlines the project, our goals and some of our current
needs. Respecting the value of your time, we've written summaries followed by links to more detailed information. The vision for the Panhandle area ministry is outlined in the summaries below. For a quick understanding of the future vision of The Vine - Fort Worth , watch the 4 minute video below. (Please note that the images contained in the video are not final and therefore some contain watermarks. We will be replacing these with final images soon).
More Information regarding Transfer of Ownership
More information on The Fort Worth Venue
More information on the development plan in the Panhandle Region
MORE INFORMATION...
More on the Transfer of Ownership:
We are in the beginning stages of administering this funding package. Currently we are seeking a tax attorney. Upon completion of this package, we will then begin accepting donations from major donors. Donations for the Fort Worth Renovation and Development project will be appropriated to the Fort Worth project. The monies will be deposited and held in escrow until our financial goal is met. If our goal is not met or, for any reason, the project does not come to fruition, all appropriated donations will be returned to the donor. We will update you on the details of the Fort Worth funding package as soon as details are available.
Tax Attorney Compensation - Fort Worth
Plans & Proposals Compensation - Fort Worth
Short Term Administrative Expenses - Fort Worth
Long Term Administrative Expenses - Panhandle Region
Artist Accommodations and Compensation - Panhandle Region
Promotional Expenses - Panhandle Region
Why the Panhandle? We would like to explain the connection between the Fort Worth venue and the Panhandle of Texas. The first connection is quite simple. We grew up here and in 2009 returned to the area from Los Angeles. We cherish the people of the Panhandle and our way of life here. We believe in this region’s rich creativity. Growing up here, we have been exposed to some of the most genuinely exceptional, yet undiscovered and in many cases, dormant talent. We believe this talent lies undiscovered and dormant due to lack of purpose and platform. We are bringing the right purpose and the right platform to the Panhandle. The purpose: to bless others through our God-given gifts and spread the message of hope to those around us. The Platform: The Vine.
It is our ambition to eventually send productions from our Fort Worth venue to rural cities all around the state of Texas. Likewise, rural area talent will perform and study at our Fort Worth facility. During 2010, with the support of our home church, Grace Thru Faith, we began the development of this vision under the roof of the church’s coffee house, Java Casa, located in Dumas, Texas. We brought in a variety of musical acts, theatrical shows, and visual artists. Beginning in the first quarter of 2011, we plan to expand our platform by scheduling our productions on one week tours, through 8-10 regional rural cities. At every stop, it is our passion to ignite and encourage local talent. It is our plan to bring in top-notch performing arts instructors and offer additional afternoon workshops during the tours.
In an effort to honor and help support the cause of treasured town square buildings, performances presented by The Vine will be held, whenever possible, in select vacant town square facilities. At other times, we will present in local churches, little theaters and community centers. Promotions will be handled through various internet sites, church bulletins, local radio, billboards, print and online newspapers and magazines.
In the coming months you will find us surveying audiences and congregations asking, “How many of you were or are currently in band, choir, drama, speech, creative writing, or art class? Of those, how many of you are using those gifts to honor the Lord and spread His message of hope, joy, peace, love, mercy and grace? Would you like to be a part of vision that offers a much needed alternative to modern day entertainment?” We believe it is time that people of faith examine their God-given gifts and become willing to use them to honor Him and bring glory to His plan of salvation. We don’t stop with typical performing arts. We go on to fan the flames of other creative gifts such as culinary arts, fashion design, interior and exterior design and even mathematics – any form of creative expression is ignited through our “Call to Surrender the Gifts”.
Secondly, as we stated in the summary, we have a passion for outreach to the refugees now residing in the Panhandle region. Over the past three years, JBS Swift & Company, a meat packing plant located 20 miles north of Dumas in Cactus, Texas, began hiring legal immigrant refugees from around the world. Currently, there are 24 languages and dialects being translated and taught in our public schools in Moore County. We maintain a strong conviction and recognition that our mission field is our own native corroding pop-cultured society here in America. But additionally, we want to step up to fulfill, whenever possible, the mandate that we as Americans accept in the words within Emma Lazarus’ sonnet “…Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Project Lead - Panhandle Region
Jill Welch
626-253-5170
email: Jill@RealMinistries.org
DONATIONS:
THE VINE is a 501c3 non profit organization and department of Artists In Christian Testimony International.
All donations are tax deductible.
TO DONATE BY MAIL:
Make checks payable to THE VINE and mail to:
403 Cherry Ave
Dumas, TX 79029
TO DONATE ONLINE
Click here: A.C.T. Donation Portal
***Be sure to select THE VINE/Welch under Donation Category (see sample below)
(Back To Summaries)