Tomorrow First: Building for Tomorrow

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 began February 23, 2026 and is expected to conclude by mid-July 2026. The crew from P1 Service, LLC works Monday through Thursday each week across four phases. 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 set up an easy process for stock transfers — learn more about donating stock here. For other non-cash gifts or to discuss options confidentially, contact Pastor Andrew or Karen Snyder.

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 track financing and campaign progress each month. We share regular updates in worship and by email, and construction progress is posted to this page. You can see how we're doing on reaching our goal through our giving software, Planning Center.