All Saints will launch a $125,000 capital campaign for debt-reduction and increasing accessibility.

One of my dad’s favorite books is The Little Engine That Could. Living in Pennsylvania, he doesn’t get many chances to read to his granddaughter, Susannah. So he send her one of those recordable books, with him reading: “Chug, chug, chug. Puff, puff, puff…”

What do you think Susannah will learn from her grandpa and that little blue engine? What mountains are in her future?

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On Sunday, September 14, All Saints voted to launch a capital campaign this fall. The goal? $100,000 to reduce mortgage debt and an additional stretch goal of $25,000 to make building improvements focused on increasing accessibility.

The first $100,000 would help free All Saints from debt incurred to build a wonderful sanctuary (completed in 2000). Refinancing that loan could save more than $10,000 a year.

The second $25,000 would help All Saints be who we are and claim to be: a congregation of people passionate about all kinds of saints, including saints with special needs.

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If these large numbers make you nervous, good. You’re awake. Now, let’s pray.

Pray, first of all, that the Holy Spirit would renew this congregation’s vision for ministry. The New Vision Team is more than three years old and still working. With the council, it strives to keep All Saints centered in Jesus and focused on God’s purpose:

“Igniting passion for Jesus, boldly transforming our neighborhoods with hope and love.”

Recently, it suggested to the council this list to describe the ministries at the core All Saints’ identity

• worship
• the Food Pantry
• ministry with people with special needs
• Listen Strong campaigns
• training disciples for Christian ministry

Even now, the council is making plans based on this list: how to strengthen All Saints’ core.

A $125,000 capital campaign is one major way.

Pray that God protect this congregation and its leaders, so All Saints people put the mission of God before the money. Living without money is one thing. But the bible says, without a vision, the people die. 

Jesus also said: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Let God’s vision be at the center of your prayers.

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The Little Engine That Could is about climbing a mountain. Jesus had something to say about mountains too. Jesus said, faith the size of a mustard seed is enough to move mountains.

One All Saints’ person said he is not worried about this capital campaign. “This church has mustard seed sized faith, and that faith will move a mountain of money.”

What do you think All Saints’ children might learn this fall? What do they have to teach adults about faith?

Thanks be to God.