Our capital campaign, A Faithful History, A Hopeful Future, invites us to stand at a sacred intersection of memory and promise. In Isaiah 43, God speaks tenderly: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you… I am about to do a new thing.” These words ground us in trust—reminding us that while we honor where we have been, we are also called to step forward in faith toward what God is doing next here at Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church.
Last week, I shared the joyful news that we have received $5.2 million in pledges. With the addition of the $2 million pledge from our Endowment Committee, today we stand at $7.2 million of our $10 million goal! This is a powerful testimony to the faith, generosity, and deep commitment of this congregation! Each gift reflects a shared belief in the mission of our church and a willingness to invest in its future.
On our April 19 Commitment Sunday, we celebrate how close we are to reaching our goals. This is a moment where we conclude one phase of the campaign while beginning another. Now, we turn our attention toward building the capital necessary, turning pledges into gifts, and beginning construction to bring these hopes to reality.
Even as we celebrate this milestone, we remain mindful of the important projects still before us. These are not simply maintenance concerns; they are opportunities to strengthen our ministry and extend our welcome. We are about the task of building relationships with each other and with people, many of whom we do not know yet.
Key projects yet to be funded at $2.8 million include the following:
• Elevator connector between buildings, OTR Campus.
• HVAC piping on the Hyde Park Campus (1966 building).
• Replacement of the North and East windows on the Hyde Park Campus (1966 building).
• Tuck-pointing the stone at the OTR Campus.
• Installation of a new elevator at the Hyde Park Campus, making the chapel accessible and the preschool more secure.
Isaiah reminds us that God makes a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. This campaign is not ultimately about buildings, but about people—creating spaces where lives are transformed, community is nurtured, and God’s love is made known. With gratitude for our faithful history and hope for God’s future, we move forward together in faith.
Peace,
Pastor Todd