Created by Kendra Crabtree Cover image by Brik Cash
Images by Julianne Tripp
Recently, as my family prepared to host friends in our home, we suddenly saw each room in a new light – the cobwebs in the corners, the door that doesn’t quite shut, the sink that only works if you turn the faucet just right. My family had gotten used to all these things, but now that friends were coming over, we couldn’t help but notice them. After all, when we invite people into our space, we want them to feel welcome, safe, and cared for.
At FPC, we have an exciting opportunity to update our church home in such a way that all who come here feel a sense of hospitality and belonging. We do this because extravagant welcome is a primary attribute of our God. As we say each Sunday in worship, “ we are different because YOU are here, and for that we give God thanks.” And each time we celebrate communion, we emphasize, “This is not FPC’s table, this is God’s table, where all are welcome and Christ himself is our gracious host.”
The Transforming Spaces, Empowering Lives campaign is an invitation to invest in updating and renovating our building to demonstrate God’s welcome and grace through:
A parking lot and entrance that are beautiful and bright and easy to navigate; as well as a separate, dedicated Preschool entrance with enhanced safety features; A full, energy-efficient update to aging systems and infrastructure, including HVAC, windows, and the installation of a sprinkler system throughout the building; An expanded Fellowship Hall for gathering in times of celebration or grief;
A reconfigured layout that brings all church spaces to the first floor, including the music rehearsal hall, church offices, and multi-purpose spaces which can host programs for outreach and community partners in addition to the church; Securely allocating the majority of preschool classrooms to the second floor; Improved accessibility from the parking near the Lock Lane entrance for those with limited mobility; and
A beautiful indoor/outdoor gathering space incorporating the inner courtyard.
This ambitious project will clearly communicate to everyone who comes through our doors our mission to inspire, nurture, and serve God’s people and the world God so loves while seeking to be grounded, growing, and generous disciples of Jesus.
The leadership of FPC is humbled and excited by this transformative opportunity to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our building so that all who come here will go forth from this place empowered to share the gospel: good news of great joy for all people.
In faith, hope, and love, Amy
OurStory
Every day, the First Presbyterian Church campus provides a vibrant backdrop for our church family to gather for worship, fellowship, circles, youth education, music, a robust preschool and playground, PW events, faith formation, and planning. Our building is in continual use as a place to reflect on our values, nourish our minds and spirits, and prepare us to go into the world and do the work we are called to do.
FirstPresbyterianisthriving.
As a flourishing Presbyterian church, we must plan for a vibrant future as we seek to stay relevant and provide Christ-centered leadership in a hurting world. Our building is where we fulfill our mission to inspire and nurture disciples of Jesus, so that we can go and serve God’s people beyond our walls. Our community is known for its gracious hospitality, heartily welcoming everyone to join in any activity and be transformed through relationships – with God, with one another, with the greater community. As we learn in the gospel of Luke, we are called to share God’s good news of great joy for all people (Luke 2:10), which means that at First Presbyterian, everyone has a seat at the Lord’s table.
FirstPresbyterianiswelcoming
Atpresent
Our building layout, entrances, and gathering spaces do not best reflect our gracious hospitality. Our current building layout, design, flow, and function can – and should -- better serve the many ministries in which we are now engaged, including the preschool It is challenging for visitors -- and often our own church members -- to know where to go upon arrival at the entrance off the parking lot. Indeed, for those with mobility challenges and families with small children, navigating the stairs can serve as a barrier to attending services, meetings, and other gatherings There is not adequate space for us to gather after worship, making the hallways our spontaneous greeting place which is not ideal for welcoming visitors or providing long-time members with opportunities for deeper connection. We lack signage and wayfinding for those coming for meetings, circles, and other gatherings.
FirstPresbyterianismindful.
For the past three years, multiple groups have been in prayerful discernment as they have set about the task of assessing and planning how to address the challenges that the building’s current design and layout present. After extensive study, they have put forth their recommendations and initiated the conversation about how to proceed. Essential renovations to our building would better position us to carry forth these core values and challenge us to care for our space the way we care for one another and the greater community. Even as many churches face difficult issues navigating today’s world, this congregation has good reason to be confident about its future.
Partners
One of the great gifts of our space is our generosity with our partners in the community who, otherwise, may not have a space for meetings, celebrations, and programs For instance, RISC, Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities, often uses our space for planning meetings and large gatherings.
We welcome every opportunity for our space to be part of our support with organizations like the Armstrong Leadership Program (ALP). Just in the last three years, we have partnered with ALP to provide space for
An end-of-year ceremony celebrating that year ' s graduating class in our Sanctuary.
A Senior Shower for those students headed off to college in our Fellowship Hall, setting them up with all the necessities to success.
A concert of the American Spiritual Ensemble with donations going directly to ALP.
A community forum on suicid
Left: ALP graduates at the Senior Shower hosted by PW Circle groups; Top Right: Youth Service week; Bottom Right: Elder LaMont Noble at MLK Middle School.
Beyond our primary outreach partners, our property is used by the community at large:
The playground is used by our immediate neighbors and is a wonderful way we connect and give back to our neighborhood.
The First Presbyterian Preschool, our longest-running outreach program, supports our community, with 90% of families from outside the church benefiting from this ministry
Livestream capabilities extend our reach beyond the walls to folks who would otherwise be unable to participate in worship.
We provide low-cost space for groups in the community, such as the Civil War Round Table and the Women’s Flower League.
These are just some of the ways our space supports organizations making a generational impact in the Richmond community. This capital campaign will improve the accessibility, technology, and hospitality within the building and throughout the property, extending the possibilities of support for our partners and the greater Richmond community.
Left: Cafeteria workers at Henry Marsh receiving gifts of gratitude; Right: FPC provide for and set up an apartment for Ukrainian Refugees.
We have designed our plans around an overall vision for renovations and projects totaling $12 million As approved by Session, these plans address the most immediate needs that have emerged through the comprehensive masterplanning process.
Since First Presbyterian Church was established on this site more than seven decades ago, its leaders have continually been mindful of adapting the facility to meet the church’s evolving needs. While the Sanctuary was renovated in 1996, it has been more than 20 years since we made any significant renovations to the building. During that time, our ministries have continued to evolve and grow.
We look back with gratitude for the leadership and generosity that have brought us this far. We are a community with deep roots and generational commitment to this place. Now we are called to make our own lasting contributions and leave an equally enduring legacy for those who will come after us.
Reimagine our exterior spaces to allow for better and more frequent use, including: the rear entrance off the parking lot the large playground and safe walkways throughout the parking lot the courtyard by the Sanctuary an accessible entrance off Lock Lane near the handicapped parking
a Galilee porch to provide additional and unique gathering space while also increasing the size of the Fellowship Hall
Infrastructure
$4,000,000
Along with HVAC, technology and electrical systems, ensure that we address all aging equipment and systems
Ensure all spaces are ADA accessible
Preschool
$2,000,000
Hospitality& IndoorLayout
$2,000,000
As one of the primary ministries of the church, ensure a safe, dedicated entrance for children and families
Improve building security when children are in the building
Increase accessibility for all users
Improve wayfinding and signage throughout the building
Provide multi-functional areas for gathering
Renovate Fellowship Hall to accommodate larger gatherings of our community
Covered entry way with ramp.
N e w E n t r a n c e s a n d C o v e r e d D r i v e
E n t r a n c e
L o t
P a r k i n g
I n t e r i o r
o r C o u r t y a r d G r a n d C o r r i d o r
SeniorLeadershipTeam
Rev.AmyStarrRedwine Pastor and Head of Staff
KendraCrabtree Senior Director of Administration
Session
Classof2025
Heather Cooper
Elizabeth Darling
Clark Lewis
Ann Nickels
Jim Purser
Susan McNulty
Rev.JoshAndrzejewski Pastor for Spiritual Development
Rev.StephanieHamilton Minister of Congregational Life
Gifts of every size are important to the success of a proposed capital campaign. The following chart demonstrates the sizes and numbers of gifts we would need to raise $12 million.
Pledges payable over three years. Please prayerfully consider your role in our capital campaign. Every gift matters. 10
Use this QR code to submit your pledge.
EssentialGiftsChart
Gifts of every size are important to the success of a proposed capital campaign. The following chart demonstrates the sizes and numbers of gifts we would need to raise $12 million.
