Campaign Update

Through our congregation’s generosity, the original Transformed capital campaign goal has been met and actually exceeded by a small margin, fully funding all elements of the campaign except the new Community Youth Center in our Gulfton neighborhood. Inflation and supply chain issues have substantially driven up the cost of constructing this facility.

Fundraising has continued, with St. Luke’s lay leaders and staff team implementing a strategy to go beyond the church congregation to explore new funding sources.  Through commitments from 11 private foundations (one of which is a $2 million challenge grant paid only once the entire gap is closed), one government grant from the Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority, and additional gifts from individuals, the funding gap now stands at $2,643,407. Understanding that this gap must be entirely closed in order to “unlock” the challenge grant – or risk losing it –  there are several additional foundation grants either in process or being explored.  Last mile gifts from individuals wishing to ensure the challenge grant is met, can also help make up the funding difference.

The Bible’s story of God’s love for us begins in a garden but it ends in a city – the City of God. Here at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, all our family of ministries share the same vision – A City Transformed by the Love of Jesus. We believe we are here for a reason: to be sent by Jesus, motivated by his love, to bring about God’s preferred future for the city in which we have been placed, and to invite people to be a part of the City of God. Houston is our primary mission field. God tells the prophet, Jeremiah, to “seek the welfare of the city to which I have sent you.” Houston is our home, and we love this city, and our calling is to be an instrument of its transformation.