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Join us as we launch our Preparing the Way capital campaign this fall, and continue to check back for more updates along the way
For more than 100 years, generations before us have faithfully cared for this church. They invested not only in a building, but in the ministry that building made possible. Because of their faithfulness, Peace has become a place where children grow in faith, neighbors find community, recovery groups gather, and people experience God's love in meaningful ways
The building isn’t the mission. But it makes the mission possible
The reason is Peace
The ministry that begins here ripples far beyond these walls, strengthening families, restoring hope, and reflecting God's love throughout our community
One member recently described Peace as "the living room of the community." We love that image because it captures something many of us have experienced. Peace is more than a church building. It's a place where people are welcomed, where relationships are formed, and where our community comes together in times of celebration, challenge, and hope
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Preparing the Way” mean?
The theme captures our belief that every generation has the responsibility to prepare the way for the next. Those who came before us invested in Peace so we could worship, serve, and grow here today. Now it’s our turn.
What is the capital campaign goal?
Our campaign goal is a range of $917,000 - $1,030,000, which was set by our Coordinating Council based on our building needs, giving capacity estimates, and advice from our campaign consultants.
What is the capital campaign for?
1. Priority Goal: Building-wide HVAC upgrades. This will include replacing our aging boilers with high efficiency models, adding air source heat pumps, and more system upgrades to properly heat, cool, and ventilate our building. This will bring our building up to code to facilitate future building projects, should we want or need those in the future. Once complete, this will reduce our gas and electric costs by roughly 40%.
Estimated $917,000 after rebates
2. Stretch Goal: Repaying our loan from the Spring 2026 Office and Narthex HVAC replacement. This loan through the UCC Cornerstone Fund was approved by congregational vote to replace our failing office/narthex rooftop HVAC unit with a highly energy efficient model, and was in need of replacement before this capital campaign was launched. Interest payments are currently factored into our annual budget.
Roughly $81,000 remaining
3. Stretch Goal: LED lighting upgrades. This will include replacing inefficient light fixtures throughout a portion of the Sanctuary and the rest of the building. It has a calculated payback term of 6 years by reducing our monthly electricity usage substantially, and furthers our commitment to environmental sustainability.
Estimated $32,000 after rebates
What’s the difference between the annual stewardship campaign and the capital campaign?
The stewardship campaign is conducted annually and supports the day-to-day ministry and operations of Peace. The capital campaign consists of projects that are beyond what our annual budget can reasonably support and gifts are typically made over three years. These two separate opportunities allow us to invest in long-term facility needs that aren’t part of the budget, while continuing to fund the ministries and programs that happen every day.
The congregation will be asked to support both campaigns this year.
How was the decision reached for the campaign priorities?
Facility assessments, recommendations from the Property Team, professional evaluations, and ongoing planning by church leadership. Congregational forums, surveys, conversations, and prayer have also shaped the direction of the campaign.
As shown from congregational feedback, energy efficiency is a high priority for Peace to sustain future generations, and our Coordinating Council took this into consideration when selecting the final campaign project priorities. There were many projects to consider, so other funding sources, such as the annual budget and our reserve funds, for smaller needs will be evaluated in the future.
What are the benefits of updating the HVAC system?
Much of our current heating and cooling system has reached the end of its useful life. The boilers are 30+ years old and operating far below modern efficiency standards, along with supplemental, inefficient electric heat. Replacing them now will avoid catastrophic mid-winter failures and will dramatically reduce our heating budget by 40%.
An updated system will provide reliable heat and air conditioning to the entire building, and install proper ventilation to supply fresh, clean outside air to the lower level. The system will include filters and dampers to limit impacts to indoor air quality when outdoor air quality is poor.
Replacing it now allows us to address aging infrastructure before it becomes an emergency. Making these improvements will bring our HVAC system up to code, allowing us to do other construction projects in the future. It also will ensure that our church remains a comfortable, welcoming, and sustainable place for worship, ministry, and community for generations to come. Delaying these improvements increases the risk of equipment failures, higher repair costs, and disruptions to worship, ministry, and to the many community groups that rely on our building every day.
When will the project start?
The building-wide HVAC upgrade is our most urgent and highest priority project. Our Property Team is actively working with Minify Energy as our construction manager to design a new system that could be ready to install in summer 2027, pending financing decisions. Current loan repayment is the next priority and pledged donations will go towards the loan principal once the new HVAC project is fulfilled. We would love to finish this campaign with LED lighting upgrades to further reduce our energy consumption once the first two priorities are met.
What if we exceed or fall short of our campaign goal?
If the campaign exceeds its goal, we’ve identified many other high priority projects that we would love to complete. Additional funds may be held in our reserve fund while our Coordinating Council evaluates priorities.
If fundraising falls short, leadership will evaluate available options including financing, reducing project scope, and continuing to repay our loan interest through the annual budget. Our hope, however, is to fully fund the approved projects through the generosity of the congregation.
The congregation will be updated on the status of pledges and project planning along the way and at the annual January congregational meeting.
How will it be financed?
The Finance Committee and Coordinating Council are diligently considering and comparing loan financing options in order to start the new HVAC project in summer 2027. Projects of this size are beyond what our annual operating budget and savings can reasonably support, and campaign pledge donations will come in over a three year period, while our boilers can’t wait that long.
An added benefit of installing energy efficiency upgrades is access to low-interest loans, grants, and rebates. A loan recommendation will be ready to present for congregational vote at the annual January congregational meeting based on pledges received this fall.
How can I participate financially?
You’ll be invited to make a gift above and beyond your giving to the annual stewardship campaign. Every gift matters. Capital campaigns succeed because many people participate according to their own circumstances. Faithful participation—not equal gifts—is what makes a campaign successful. All contributions to the campaign are considered charitable gifts and are tax-deductible. Gifts to the capital campaign are typically made over three years, allowing households to make a meaningful gift in a manageable way. You’ll receive more information about contributions and payment options.
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