One year ago, we began our Cornerstone Campaign at First Presbyterian Church. This campaign was established with two main goals: first, to update our existing church facilities; and second, to renovate and expand the Mary Jay Patten Activity Center (MJPC) next door. After much prayer and effort, we are pleased to report that both goals have nearly been accomplished and we are making great strides to finish our campaign.
Regarding the first goal, we have repainted walls and replaced carpet in the original building, including the sanctuary, parlor, library, and downstairs and upstairs classrooms. An upstairs bathroom has been added, offices have been moved into the MJPC, and vacated rooms will be spruced up for general use. Soon we will update appliances in the main kitchen and lighting in the main hallway to create a brighter church entrance.
The biggest changes we have made relate to the second goal. We have constructed a new two-story addition to the MJPC, featuring a new pastor’s office, youth room, conference room, classroom, bathrooms, elevator, and handicap-accessible ramp. We also added drywall, paint, and lighting to the original MJPC rooms. Due to this, our Session, classes, staff, and other groups have comfortable rooms in which to meet, work, and serve.
We rejoice in this progress we have made, all by the grace of God! And we give thanks to you, for without your prayers, feedback, and financial contributions, we would not be where we are today. To celebrate this progress, we will be holding a “Bless the Building” ceremony on Sunday, October 6th following worship to tour the new MJPC and ask God’s blessing over the new ministry spaces. We hope you will join us.
Will you help us meet our remaining financial need? You can do so in one of three ways:
Return a check to FPC (memo: “Cornerstone Campaign”), using the enclosed envelope.
Turn your gifts into a pledge using the enclosed pledge card so we can budget for our loan payments.
Donate online by visiting www.sylvapres.org/cornerstone and following the directions to submit your one-time or recurring donation.
Your support is crucial for helping us finish our campaign and continue our mission to make disciples who love Jesus Christ, the church, and their neighbors as themselves.
With much gratitude,
The Cornerstone Task Force
“So now you are no longer strangers and aliens. Rather, you are fellow citizens with God’s people, and you belong to God’s household. As God’s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. The whole building is joined together in him, and it grows up into a temple that is dedicated to the Lord. Christ is building you into a place where God lives through the Spirit.”
— Ephesians 2:19-22