On Commitment Sunday, November 15, we will turn in two commitment cards:

• The 2027 Annual Giving Commitment Card is for one year, representing your commitment to Collegiate/Wesley’s annual operating budget for 2027.
• The Making Way Commitment Card is for the three-year campaign in support of our Making Way projects, over and above your annual giving. You will indicate the installments you plan to make during that three-year period, 2027–2029.

We are confident that our stakeholders, members, and other constituents will raise $1.5 million and more toward the Making Way projects. If at the end of the campaign we are below that level, our leaders will be tasked with deciding how to move forward with the amounts and resources available.

Any estimate of costs is only that—an estimate—and will always be subject to change with inflation, economic conditions, and other circumstances. We will do the work of reassessing and adjusting as needed as these realities unfold.

Like any construction project, we’ll have times when we’ll need members and guests to “pardon our progress.” These projects should not disrupt our ability to worship and gather as usual, and we’ll communicate any necessary work-arounds as needed.

At the close of the Making Way campaign, our leaders will consider timing and sequence of design and preparation work toward the projects, based on amounts already received and the expected flow of ongoing gifts. With a three-year timeline for commitments to be fulfilled, construction and installation will likely happen over a 3-4 year period.

The new multipurpose room will replace the two offices currently at the west end of the office/music hallway. We have already identified options for relocation of Rev. Jena and the campus intern who currently use those offices. To make room for the new exterior door and entry area, we will relocate the two current restrooms into the adjacent space that is currently a meeting room (Room 123). The hallway to the current west door and stairwell to the basement will remain as is, as will the Fireside Room and its kitchen, and the Farr Board Room.

The projects we’re pursuing as part of our Making Way campaign are independent of any possible sale of Collegiate/Wesley properties.

Last fall a Collegiate/Wesley church conference approved a proposal to explore selling some (or all) of our Western Properties (the parking lots west of our main building, along with the Annex and Lighthouse buildings). Accordingly, Collegiate/Wesley has engaged a broker and the property has been listed for sale. It is impossible to project a timeline for receipt of an offer and ensuing negotiations.

Any potential sale will be the subject of further decision processes and another church conference. The proceeds of any such sale could be directed toward additional interior work and an expanded south entrance with stairs and an elevator, as discussed in 2025 as a potential future Phase 3. None of these decisions have been made.

Except for removing a few parking spaces to enhance the Hayward Avenue entrance, the proposed Making Way projects are not expected to have a significant impact on our parking capacity.

The church retained BBS Architects | Engineers for our 2025 site analysis. BBS has developed cost estimates for the Making Way projects and conceptual drawings for the parking lot, south door, and related interior changes. When we’re ready to move forward, Collegiate/Wesley will select firms for design and construction to further develop and implement these projects.

Through Making Way we’re working with the building we have in order to improve accessibility and wayfinding for long-time members and new arrivals. The new south entrance has a ramp. The improved south parking lot will be smoother, safer, and easier to traverse. New signage aids accessibility by improving navigational efficiency.

Our guests—including students—approach the building from every direction. Our clearest entrances are on the north. Even there, our commitment to improve signage will help students find the spaces they seek, including the Student Lounge and Wesley Hall.

The projects we fund through this Making Way campaign are important and necessary. But they’re only a piece of the work to which God is calling us. At the same time we’re eliminating obstacles, we will be strengthening our ministry muscles that practice outreach, connection, relationship, and spiritual formation. The projects clear the way for us to reach the people God is calling here. We can’t wait to see the fruit of these unified efforts.