They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.

*

They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. *

— Jeremiah 17:8

What is the Grounded & Growing Initiative About?

  • BEING ROOTED IN REMEMBRANCE AND CONNECTION

    We are renewing our Memorial Garden and adding a labyrinth to create sacred space for remembrance, prayer, and renewal. Like deep roots drawing strength from the soil, these spaces invite all who come—whether members or seekers—to encounter the holy, remember those who have gone before us, find peace, and be restored in spirit. In nurturing these spaces, we strengthen the spiritual ground from which our life of faith grows, nurturing wholeness and grounding our community in God’s love.

  • BECOMING RESILIENT IN WELCOME AND MINISTRY

    We are investing in accessibility and critical facility needs so that our church remains strong, open, and welcoming to all. For generations, our church has served as a center of connection and care: hosting recovery groups, welcoming Latino neighbors, serving as the center for flood relief, and providing shelter and aid in times of need. By ensuring that every person can enter and participate fully, we strengthen the ties that bind our congregation and embody the spirit of connection that defines our community.

  • FLOURISHING IN SERVICE AND MISSION

    Because growth always reaches outward, we are giving 15% of this campaign to vital ministries in our diocese and strengthening our own outreach ministries here at home, like Wellspring, the Shepherd Center, and the Lewisburg Food Locker. As new branches extend from deep roots, so too does our care extend beyond our walls. As we have been blessed, we bless others, sharing the fruits of our faith so that God’s abundance may flourish in our wider community.

Primary Goal: 100% Participation

The legacy our church was founded on, and that has propelled us to this very moment, has been a sacrificial unity to do whatever is needed together as the body of Christ. In this Grounded and Growing initiative, we want every person who calls St. James’ Parish their church home to participate in this Grounded and Growing initiative so we can continue our heritage of doing this together.

Secondary Goal: $500,000

We are trusting God to move through us to invest $500,000 over these next three years to accomplish the vision God has given us.

  • Memorial Garden and Labyrinth - $150,000

  • Accessibility and Deferred Maintenance - $275,000

  • Mission Beyond our Walls - 15% of campaign giving

Important Dates

February 22

Grounded & Growing Sermon Series Begins

March 11

Advance Commitment Night

March 22

Commitment Sunday

April 5

Celebration Sunday, Easter

April 19

First Fruits Sunday

April 2026

Targeted Project Start Date

Grounded & Growing Brochure

Resources

Grounded & Growing Commitment Card

Grounded & Growing Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Grounded and Growing campaign has three priority pillars:

    • Renovating and expanding our Memorial Garden and adding a labyrinth to create a sacred space for remembrance, prayer, and renewal. This enriches the spiritual ground from which our life of faith grows, nurtures wholeness, and grounds our community in God’s love.

    • Ensuring that every person can enter our church facilities and participate fully by addressing accessibility projects (ramps, walkways, elevator) and maintenance projects (roof replacement, windows in the office and rectory, bathroom upgrades, church generator, and the possibility of solar on our rooftop). This will strengthen the ties that bind our congregation and embodies the spirit of connection that defines our community.

    • Setting aside 15% to extend our reach outward by supporting local outreach ministries and the vital work of Bishop Cowden and our diocese in West Virginia.

  • We are in a healthy and hopeful season as a congregation – well-positioned in mindset and spirit to come together and accomplish this work. We are undertaking this campaign now because the needs before us are pressing and cannot be delayed. Our parish has not undertaken a significant capital campaign in 30 years, making this a timely and necessary step to sustain our mission. 

    There is also a federal program for solar that ends in July 2026. If we begin the project before then, we may have up to 40% of the full project costs (roof, generator, and solar) reimbursed by government programs, approximately $50,000. 

  • The list of priority issues began to develop several years ago after an expressed need to expand the Memorial Wall and address its deteriorating condition. This led to further discussion and the development of a strategic plan in 2025 to identify the full scope of issues for St. James’ moving forward.

  • We are trusting God to move through us to invest $500,000 over these next three years to accomplish the vision he has given us.

    - Memorial Wall and Labyrinth: $150,000
    - Accessibility & Deferred Maintenance: $275,000
    - Outreach: 15% of Campaign Giving


  • No, we do not expect to incur new debt. The only exception may be the need to secure a bridge loan of 1-2 years to cover project expenses as campaign pledges are received.

  • If we raise more than our intended goal, excess funds will be put in the Ruth Gibson Building Maintenance Fund. If we raise less than our intended goal, the vestry will identify project priorities to determine the best use of expenditures.

  • The Grounded and Growing campaign is a commitment above and separate from St. James’ regular annual stewardship campaign dedicated solely to the identified projects. The annual stewardship campaign supports our general operating budget. 

  • 2026 projected tithes and offerings will be used to cover the cost of St. James’ annual operating budget. Additional financial commitments above and beyond annual tithing are necessary to support the Grounded & Growing Campaign projects.

  • Pray: Pray for open hearts, wise counsel, and a faithful readiness to respond to the opportunities God is placing before our parish community.

    Give: Our hope is for 100% participation, each according to their means. Through prayerful discernment, consider how you are being invited to support our Grounded and Growing initiative, offering a gift that reflects gratitude for God’s generosity and trust in God’s provision.

    Support: This work belongs to all of us. Support the vision by encouraging one another, sharing the story of this season, and helping to foster a spirit of unity and hope within our parish.

    Celebrate: We trust that God is already at work among us. As this season unfolds, take time to notice, name, and give thanks for the many ways God’s grace is made visible in our life together.

  • Grounded & Growing is a three-year campaign. Gifts can be fulfilled once, annually, or monthly.

  • Yes, your giving can be fulfilled from appreciated assets, an IRA, or through estate planning such as wills, insurance beneficiary, etc.


  • Many of us experience seasons of financial uncertainty, and St. James’ has long been home to parishioners walking through such challenges. First and foremost, please know that our clergy are available to meet with you for prayer, support, and counsel. You are not alone, and we recognize the stress and anxiety these situations can bring. We invite you to prayerfully consider how you might participate in the Grounded & Growing Campaign, including through giving as an act of faith and commitment, even if your circumstances do not change. Giving is a spiritual practice—not simply a financial transaction—and participation can take many forms. Remember, this is a three year campaign.

  • The launch of the campaign is February 7, 2026, with Commitment Sunday on March 22. Campaign giving extends for three years.

  • For additional information, please reach out to any of our three clergy or members of the Grounded & Growing Campaign Committee: 

    • Laura Lee Haddad, Senior Warden and Grounded & Growing Campaign Project Chair

    • Sally Bray, Events Lead 

    • Emily Chittenden-Laird, Communications Lead

    • Heidi Schweizer, Discipleship Advisor  

This is our season to grow—to sink our roots deep in faith, to strengthen the church that sustains us, and to reach outward in love. We can do this, but we can only do this together.