Capital Campaign

A Message From Our Pastor

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians: “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.” (3:20-21)

This is the foundation for our Capital Appeal based on God’s word which assures us that God’s work within us enables us to accomplish even more than we ask or think. As we launch this appeal, we are also celebrating the 150th Anniversary of St. Paul’s. Our history is a testimony to the faith of our founders who built our beautiful Sanctuary in the face of overwhelming obstacles. In spite of the interruptions of a civil war, an epidemic of Yellow Fever, and economic hardship, they continued to trust that God would help them complete the work they had begun. As Ephesians 2:21 says, “to him be glory in the church and in Jesus Christ to all generations.” We are among the generations who have received a great inheritance from those who have gone before us in faith.

“Founded in Faith, Forging the Future” is an appropriate theme for our Capital Appeal in this year of our 150th Anniversary. This is about our vision for the future and the legacy we will leave for generations yet to come. I believe this is our time to step out in the “faith of our fathers” and trust as they did that “God’s power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.”

Even in the preliminary stage of the Capital Appeal, I have seen God’s power at work within our congregation. Many members have already said that they were planning to make generous contributions, with several five and six figure gifts already pledged. I am encouraged and challenged by such commitment and generosity. While everyone is not able to make a gift of this size, all of us are capable of similar sacrifices.

Our vision for this appeal is more than a building, it is about building disciples for Christ and his kingdom for many years to come. It is about your commitment to the work God will do through us as we pray, worship, serve, and give. We need more than your money. We need YOU.

This letter is your invitation to participate fully in the ministry of our Lord Jesus here at St. Paul’s. The invitation comes with the promise of God’s word that you will experience his power at work within us, enabling us to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. God has called us to this time and to this place and to this ministry. The materials before you will provide detailed information about the opportunity you have now to participate in the extraordinary thing God will do in our time.

God is an abundant giver. Trust that God will help you to generously support this effort of expand our congregation’s ability to reach out with the love of Jesus in this community for the next 150 years.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor John