Article
Shine Forth Update
by David Humphreys
Dear SJD Family,
I am pleased to provide an update on the progress of our Shine Forth campaign and construction project.
First, there’s wonderful news regarding our Challenge Match. As previously communicated, three anonymous donors generously agreed to match all new and increased capital campaign pledges made between May 1 and June 15, up to $1.5 million, provided that 100 parishioners participated with a new or increased commitment.
Our parish family not only met this challenge but exceeded it. A total of 142 parishioners made new or increased pledges, generating $1.7 million in commitments and fully unlocking the $1.5 million match. Your generosity continues to inspire and amaze us. On behalf of the entire Shine Forth leadership team, thank you for your faithful support and commitment to the future of St. John the Divine.
Beyond the Challenge Match, our overall fundraising efforts continue to make strong progress. We are deeply grateful for the many parishioners who have already made commitments to Shine Forth, and we look forward to celebrating all that God has accomplished through your generosity as we bring the campaign to a close. If all goes according to plan, we hope to gather as a parish family on Rally Day, August 23, to celebrate this important milestone together.
If you have not yet made a pledge, or if you are prayerfully considering increasing your existing commitment, there is still time to participate. Every gift brings us closer to realizing this transformational vision for our church and its future ministry. We invite you to join us in helping Shine Forth become a reality.
We have also recently reached two significant milestones in the construction process. On April 14, we submitted our construction documents to the City of Houston for permitting. Then, on June 12, our general contractor, Tellepsen, issued the final bid solicitation package to subcontractors for pricing across all major components of the project. Assuming the process proceeds as expected, we anticipate receiving final pricing and establishing a firm project budget by early August 2026.
As we await permitting and a final budget, our commitment remains unchanged: to be faithful stewards of the gifts entrusted to us and to deliver a project that strengthens the ministry, mission, and future of St. John the Divine for generations to come.
We are deeply humbled by the extraordinary generosity that has brought us to this point and by the continued prayers, encouragement, and support of our parish family. As additional pricing information becomes available, we will continue to communicate openly and transparently.
Thank you for your faith, trust, and commitment to the future of St. John the Divine.
David Humphreys
Director of Master Campus Project
Give a Gift to the Next Generation
The Shine Forth capital is supported by parishioners like you, who are committed to ensuring St. John the Divine continues to be A Light for the City for generations to come. You can still make a pledge or gift to help write a new chapter in the story of St. John the Divine. This is your chance to help strengthen the foundations of our community and leave a lasting legacy.