Tomorrow First Capital Campaign
New to Tomorrow First?
We Did It Together!
We exceeded our goal—our largest capital campaign ever.
What began with prayer and discernment has grown into something remarkable. Together, our congregation has exceeded our $1.75 million goal and created a foundation for decades of ministry at McPherson First. This isn't just about heating and cooling—it's about ensuring every person who walks through our doors experiences the warmth of God's welcome and the comfort of Christian community.
Thank you to everyone who prayed, committed, gave First Fruits offerings, and shared in this journey. Your generosity makes tomorrow's ministry possible today.
On November 23, 2025, our congregation voted 72-1 to authorize the Tomorrow First HVAC project. The overwhelming approval during our special church conference demonstrates our shared commitment to faithful stewardship and ensures McPherson First remains a vibrant home for ministry for generations to come.
The campaign continues through October 2028, and we welcome anyone who wants to be part of building tomorrow's ministry. Make a Commitment
Our Path Forward
Campaign Success
Our congregation exceeded the $1.75 million goal, making this our largest capital campaign in recent history.
November 23, 2025 — Approved! Our congregation voted 72-1 to authorize the Tomorrow First project during a special church conference. Eighty-four members gathered following an all-church potluck, with 73 professing members casting ballots.
Construction: February–July 2026
Upon congregational approval, P1 Service will install our new HVAC system. Worship services continue as scheduled throughout construction.
Campaign Period: Through October 2028
Three-year commitments come in over time, paying down our bridge loan and strengthening our ministry foundation.
Building Tomorrow's Hospitality Today
Transforming Our 60-Year-Old System for the Next Generation of Welcome
After six decades of faithful service, our heating and cooling system is ready for retirement. Through the Tomorrow First campaign, we're investing in a state-of-the-art HVAC system that will enhance our ability to welcome and serve our congregation and community for the next 20+ years.
This upgrade removes barriers to hospitality—no more apologizing for uncomfortable rooms, rescheduling events due to temperature issues, or limiting activities by season. With individual room control and year-round reliability, every space from the Chapel to the Serve Center becomes a place where people want to gather, learn, and grow in faith.
Designed specifically for our building by P1 Service engineers, this energy-efficient system demonstrates faithful stewardship while expanding our capacity for radical hospitality. Together, we're creating spaces where every person feels welcomed, every ministry thrives, and our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world comes alive in new ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
On November 23, 2025, our congregation voted 72-1 to authorize the Tomorrow First project. We received 110 three-year commitments totaling $1,844,486—significantly exceeding our $1.75 million goal. This tremendous response demonstrates our shared commitment to ensuring McPherson First remains a vibrant home for ministry for generations to come.
Yes! The Tomorrow First campaign continues through October 2028. We're still receiving three-year commitments, and every additional gift reduces the amount we need to borrow and frees up more resources for ministry. You can submit your commitment online at mcphersonfirst.org/tomorrowfirst or return a card to the church office.
Construction begins February 2026 and concludes by July 2026. During the system switchover, we'll be without climate control for approximately two weeks (including two Sundays), scheduled between seasons for comfort. Worship services continue as scheduled throughout construction, though some areas may rotate temporary closures with alternative spaces identified for affected programs.
The new HVAC system delivers individual room temperature control, year-round reliability without seasonal changeovers, energy-efficient operation that significantly reduces utility costs, and comfortable spaces for all ministries. Every space—from the Chapel to the Serve Center—becomes welcoming and comfortable, removing barriers to hospitality and expanding our capacity for ministry.
We'll use First Fruits offerings first. Then, if needed, we're authorized to use up to $1.0 million from unrestricted invested funds—estate gifts from faithful members. Finally, we can draw on a bridge loan for up to $1.7 million from Wesleyan Impact Partners and Kansas Methodist Foundation, secured by church property, with a three-year term and interest-only monthly payments. We'll only draw on the loan as needed when P1 bills us monthly from December through July.
We'll make monthly interest payments throughout the loan term. As campaign commitments, First Fruits offerings, potential energy efficiency grants, and other available funds come in, we'll strategically use these to pay down the loan principal over the three-year period. When we have enough capital campaign funds to cover the next three interest payments, we'll use some of those funds to pay down principal—reducing our overall interest expense. Strong campaign results mean we borrow less initially and can pay off the loan more quickly. We're also working to increase annual giving and manage expenses carefully, with a goal of reducing our reliance on invested funds for operations.
Yes! Consider tax advantages of giving appreciated stocks, real estate, or IRA charitable distributions (age 70½+). We've partnered with the Kansas Methodist Foundation to make stock transfers simple - learn more about donating stock here. For other non-cash gifts or to discuss options confidentially, contact Pastor Andrew or Sandy Hunter.
Absolutely! If your circumstances change or you feel called to increase your commitment, we welcome additional gifts at any time during the campaign period through October 2028. Increased commitments help us pay down debt faster and free up more resources for ministry. Contact the church office or submit an updated commitment card online at mcphersonfirst.org/tomorrowfirst.
The Tomorrow First project is possible because faithful members who came before us included the church in their estate plans. Their generosity allows us to invest in tomorrow's ministry today. We have the opportunity to pay that gift forward by making our own plans to support the church's future. Whether through your will, trust, or beneficiary designations, legacy giving ensures McPherson First continues welcoming and serving generations yet to come. For confidential conversations about how you can be part of the church's future, contact Pastor Andrew or Sandy Hunter.
Our Treasurer and Leadership Board will track financing and campaign progress each month. We'll share regular updates in worship and by email. After the first of the year, you'll be able to see how we're doing on reaching our goal through our new giving software, Planning Center.