“Enduring Hope:” A New Campaign Begins at Westminster
by Joan Dayton and Pete Cochrane, Campaign Co-chairs
Compelled by God’s call, Westminster’s enduring hope is for a sustainable future for our church, and justice in our city and beyond. That is the bold vision behind a new capital campaign that has begun at Westminster—Enduring Hope. In January Session approved the start of a new campaign and in February we were named Co-Chairs with Alice Mortenson and Jim and Carmen Campbell named Honorary Co-Chairs. For the past six months, many lay leaders have volunteered their time and talents during the planning and quiet phases of the campaign by holding listening sessions, creating communications, and reaching out to potential donors. We are all committed to a successful second campaign to complete the work started 10 years ago with the building expansion project.
At that time, the congregation committed itself to raising most of the building expansion project’s costs upfront through the Open Doors Open Futures campaign – which was done through extraordinary generosity – and the balance in a second campaign. The initial cost included land acquisition, construction, and $8 million for a mission component supporting affordable housing, local and global partners, and young adult leadership development.
With the physical space complete, it is time to focus on securing our financial future. The goal of the Enduring Hope campaign is $30 million, the majority of which will retire the debt. Paying off the debt will enable Westminster to grow and continue to thrive for the next 100 years. Ten percent, or $3 million, of what is raised will go toward mission, and $500,000 will fund renovations to the chapel.
Enduring Hope will pave the way for Westminster’s vibrant future and empower the congregation to continue being a telling presence in the city for generations to come. Please consider making a financial commitment to support the campaign today by pledging online through Realm.
Enduring Hope Campaign Details
Debt and Interest: Being debt free will allow Westminster to live into the future unencumbered and able to respond to emerging needs and opportunities. This campaign will secure a sustainable financial future for the church to grow and continue to thrive for the next 100 years.
Mission Component: A 10% biblical tithe of the campaign is designated for a mission component. A team of lay leaders is actively discerning options for distributing $3 million and at the October meeting Session endorsed the vision statement guiding the team’s discernment, “Because we hope for a just community, Westminster will invest to advance racial and social justice.”
Chapel Improvements: Updating the antiquated electrical system will reduce the chapel’s energy use and be in alignment with Westminster’s commitment to be a sustainable church. Livestream capacity will be installed. The walls will be returned to their original design to restore the beauty of the chapel and enhance the sound quality of the chapel organ, as it was originally intended.
