At its heart, this campaign is dedicated to ensuring that Bethesda-by-the-Sea fulfills its vision to serve as a spiritual oasis and beacon of hope for the next 100 years. As we celebrate our church’s centennial, we are launching the Lighting the Way campaign to revitalize our facilities and strengthen our historic campus. These upgrades will allow us to invest more deeply in transformative ministries that support the spiritual growth of our parishioners, foster community, and create a welcoming environment for new families moving to Palm Beach County. By contributing, you will help preserve the beauty and legacy of Bethesda, enabling us to shine even brighter and extend the reach of the Gospel to more people.

The Lighting the Way Campaign is a significant initiative to secure Bethesda-by-the-Sea’s future. This campaign is about more than bricks and mortar.

Immediate Capital Projects – $10 million Revitalizing the Parish Hall, Rectory, Columbarium, and Campus Gardens to ensure our sacred home reflects the vitality of our ministry.

Endowment – $20 million Growing our endowment to sustain worship, music, outreach, and clergy and staff support, while meeting urgent needs today and securing the vitality of our ministry for tomorrow.

Bethesda Center for Spirituality – $10 million Launching the Bethesda Center for Spirituality: retreats and pilgrimages, nationally recognized speakers, inspiring new worship, and faith-formation opportunities for parishioners and the wider community.

Every gift to the Lighting the Way Campaign directly supports the transformation of Bethesda-by-the-Sea—both now and for generations to come. Your contribution will be invested in immediate capital projects, growing our endowment, and funding the Bethesda Center for Spirituality.

Yes. All gifts and pledges to the Lighting the Way Campaign are treated with the utmost confidentiality. Bethesda-by-the-Sea respects each donor’s privacy and will not share gift details publicly without your consent. Recognition will only be included in the campaign materials if you choose to be acknowledged.

Yes. Bethesda is committed to full transparency. Regular updates will keep parishioners informed on campaign progress through financial reporting. The Finance Committee will ensure accountability for how every dollar is used.

Interest generated from campaign gifts will not be counted toward the campaign goal. However, any interest earned will be applied to support campaign-related expenses and projects, ensuring that your contribution continues to benefit Bethesda-by-the-Sea.

The Vestry Treasurer has moved campaign funds into investments similar to those held by the Bethesda Endowment. A portion of the funds is kept liquid to cover recurring and near-term expenses. Northern Trust is currently serving as custodian for campaign funds, ensuring both responsible investment and prudent cash management.

Annual giving and capital campaign gifts serve different but equally vital purposes:

Annual Giving - Your annual stewardship supports Bethesda’s daily operations, including worship, clergy and staff salaries, music, outreach, and programs that make our parish life vibrant. Annual gifts are essential every year.

Campaign Giving - The Lighting the Way campaign is a centennial campaign – a once in a lifetime opportunity to provide transformational funding for long-term investments such as capital improvements, the Bethesda Center for Spirituality, and endowment growth.

Both are vital. The Lighting the Way campaign strengthens Bethesda’s future but cannot replace the ongoing annual support that sustains parish life today.

Make a pledge or donation - Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference.

Spread the word - Share the campaign with others who may be interested in supporting Bethesda-by-the-Sea’s future.

Yes. Pledges may be fulfilled over five years, giving you flexibility to contribute in the way that best fits your financial situation. Gifts may be made through cash, stock, or planned giving.

Legacy gifts are a meaningful way to extend your impact and ensure that Bethesda’s mission continues to thrive for generations to come. Planned gifts—such as bequests, charitable trusts, or beneficiary designations—help strengthen the endowment and sustain future ministries. The campaign will reach its fullest potential when legacy gifts are paired with current pledges or cash contributions, allowing Bethesda to meet today’s needs while securing tomorrow’s promise.

Yes. All donations to the church are tax-deductible, as Bethesda-by-the-Sea is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Please consult with a financial advisor for specific questions regarding tax benefits.

Campaign updates will be shared through campaign emails and parish announcements, a dedicated page on our website (coming soon), and informational events and discussions.

The campaign will run for five years, with pledges fulfilled during this period. We anticipate realizing the full impact of Lighting the Way by the conclusion of the pledge period.

Please contact Carole Ann Myers, 561.928.0337, myers@bbts.org.