The Need

THE NEED

This campaign grew out of a thoughtful and comprehensive discernment process where we as a community identified our priorities, hopes, and dreams for our future. Acting as good stewards of the resources entrusted to us by previous generations, we want St. John’s to continue to be a welcoming beacon in our community offering worship and gracious hospitality to all those who enter our doors. And we aspire to do this in a way that minimizes our carbon footprint and reduces our impact on the environment. The goal of our Create the Future campaign is to raise at least $2.2 million with a challenge goal of $2.7 million toward the total project costs of $3.2 million. Fully funding the campaign will leave our annual giving free to support the worship, mission, fellowship, and education activities of St. John’s.

STEWARDSHIP

As our traditional HVAC system reaches the end of its reliable usage, we have an opportunity to take a positive step toward reducing our carbon footprint by replacing the old system with a more ecologically sound and economic geothermal system. By replacing our existing single pane windows, we can significantly reduce energy loss and further reduce St. John’s negative impact on the environment. In addition, other improvements to the building along with the driveway and parking lot will make St. John’s more welcoming and more accessible to all.

OUTDOOR WORSHIP

We are blessed with twelve beautiful acres within an increasingly densely populated community. We want to take full advantage of our grounds by expanding the existing memorial garden to become an alternative worship space by adding an outdoor altar and seating. This woodland chapel will also provide for columbarium niches as resting places for the ashes of loved ones, past and future. The additional landscaping will create a sanctuary and offer an aura of reverence for the community and our parishioners. The landscaping will also create pathways to and from the main entrance, the woodland chapel, and the parking lot.

WELCOME

One of the missions of St. John’s is hospitality as we welcome all visitors. Yet, our front entrance is difficult to access whether coming through Shears Hall and up the interior stairway or walking up from the parking lot. In short, our front door is not welcoming. Improving the front entrance and narthex will create a more welcoming narthex and portico. The plans would allow us to retain the intimate charm of the Matthews Library. In addition, the front circle would be regraded and given a water-permeable surface which will lower maintenance expenses and be more attractive.

Q&A