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McPherson First United Methodist Church took a decisive step toward renewing critical infrastructure on November 23, 2025, when the congregation voted 72-1 to authorize the Tomorrow First HVAC project. The overwhelming approval came during a special church conference following an all-church potluck in Hess Hall.

District Superintendent Karen Rice-Ratzlaff presided over the conference as 84 congregation members gathered and 73 professing members cast ballots on the authorization resolution. The vote authorizes the $2.7 million HVAC replacement project, funded through campaign commitments, church investments, and a bridge loan secured through denominational lending partners.

The Tomorrow First capital campaign surpassed its $1.75 million goal, with 110 households committing $1,844,486 toward the project. Combined with church investment funds and financing through Wesleyan Impact Partners and Kansas Methodist Foundation, the congregation will replace heating and cooling systems that serve the entire church facility.

Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2026 and conclude by July 2026. The project addresses systems originally installed when the current facility opened, many of which have reached or exceeded their expected lifespan. The new infrastructure will provide reliable climate control for worship, children's programming, youth activities, community partnerships, and mission work for decades to come.

Pastor Andrew presented the authorization resolution on behalf of the Leadership Board, which had approved the measure on November 19 with a recommendation for congregational approval. Following the presentation, members asked questions about financing terms, timeline, and operational details before casting written ballots.

The vote concluded months of congregational engagement, through planning phase, Tomorrow First capital campaign, First Fruits offerings, and communication about project scope and funding mechanisms. Information sessions and published materials allowed members to review proposals and frequently asked questions before the conference.

The thorough process and strong vote reflect the congregation's shared commitment to faithful stewardship and the facility's future. Members who attended the conference received complimentary church shirts as they departed, marking the occasion as a milestone in the congregation's history. The Tomorrow First campaign continues through First Fruits offerings and ongoing commitments as the church prepares for construction in early 2026.

You can read more about Tomorrow First and keep up-to-date on progress at https://www.mcphersonfirst.org/pages/tomorrow-first. For questions, contact Pastor Andrew Conard at andrew.conard@mcphersonfirst.org or 620-241-3626.