St. John’s Building Hope Project
A Vision for Sustainability, Accessibility, and Inclusion for the Future
PHASE 2, 2025-26 Program Year
Pastor Aaron Jenkyn:
Dear Friends,
Last year, something beautiful happened.
We dreamed together of a church that reflects who we are and who we are becoming. A church that opens its doors more widely, cares more boldly for God’s creation, and makes space for all to belong.
And you responded. With extraordinary generosity, we raised just over $100,000 to begin the work of transformation. Because of you, our building is more accessible, our signage more visible, and our welcome more expansive. Solar panels now provide a substantial portion of our electricity needs. We’ve already seen the difference it is making, not just in the way we gather, but in the way we live out our call to love, justice and inclusion. Click here to see photos from Phase 1!
Now, we invite you to keep building hope with us.
Phase 2 of our Building Hope Campaign will focus on the three next steps:
$26,000 to create safe, accessible entry to the Tebbetts House, including a front stair repair, ADA-compliant ramp, and pull-through driveway — ensuring all can access and participate in the daily life of our church.
$43,000 to complete the solar panel installation on the Bow Street side of Thaxter Hall, nearly doubling our energy production and fulfilling the sustainable energy goals we set together.
$50,000 to install energy-efficient blinds in Thaxter Hall, providing vital insulation that reduces heat loss in winter and cooling costs in summer — protecting our investment in solar and preparing for future climate needs.
We’re also looking ahead to a future phase: the installation of air conditioning in Thaxter Hall. As climate change brings hotter summers, cooling is becoming less of a luxury and more of a need — especially for programs like Common Table and Breakfast Club, which serve our most vulnerable neighbors. While not part of this current effort, it’s part of the broader vision we’re building together. And when the time comes, we’ll seek sustainable, energy-efficient solutions grounded in care for one another and for creation.
This vision belongs to all of us. It’s shaped by our children and our elders, our newcomers and long- timers, our ministries and our neighbors. It is built, stone by stone, panel by panel, gift by gift on love.
Will you join us again? Every gift large or small helps open a door, power a light, and make space for someone to belong. You may give in whatever way is most meaningful to you: cash, check, online through Realm, or in stock dividend. Click the button below to donate through Realm.
With gratitude and hope,
The Rev. Aaron Jenkyn
The Rev. Rob Stevens
Checks may be made payable to:
St. John’s Episcopal Church
Memo Line: Building Hope
100 Chapel St.,
Portsmouth, NH 03801
