Fundraisers announce a new bathroom and $50,000 grant to get it started

Chris Kramer, Aimée Formo and Steve Polston worked together to obtain a $50,000 matching grant called “Accessible St. Timothy’s.” We are grateful to Sacred Places Indiana and the Eli Lilly Endowment for awarding this grant to St. Timothy’s because our church is both physically accessible and known for being a radically welcoming congregation.

To build on these strengths, the grant will help fund an ADA-compliant, gender-neutral, family restroom with a universal changing station for people who cannot use a toilet. Located in the Godly Play classroom near the kitchen, it will help us welcome people of all mobility levels into our building and worship life.

Jesus often ministered to people with disabilities, and He calls us to follow His example. Imagine the difference it makes to worship and share fellowship in person rather than remain at home watching on a screen.

The restroom will also serve those who prefer a gender-neutral space and families with young children, with room for a baby-changing table and toddler safety seat.

Construction will begin soon. Grant funds have already been used to line our 67-year-old cast iron sewage pipes, preventing the sewer back-ups that have caused significant problems over the past year.

Aimee, Steve, and I will share monthly updates on construction, stories of impact, and progress toward our fundraising goal. Although we have received $50,000 grant, St. Timothy’s must match that amount. We already have support from the sale of the property west of the church and from member pledges. If God calls you to support this ministry of accessibility and radical welcome, please consider making a pledge during our annual giving campaign this fall. Gifts may be spread over three years, and every contribution will be used and appreciated.

Jesus feeds our congregation with His love, and we are called to feed others by sharing that love. By providing a new ADA-compliant, gender-neutral, family restroom, St. Timothy’s can better welcome all people, including those with additional challenges.

These are the people Jesus prioritized in His ministry. Dear Lord, help us at St. Timothy’s follow in Your footsteps.

Feel free to talk with Aimée, Steve, or Chris about any questions you may have about the “Accessible St. Timothy’s” grant. Thank you for your prayers and support!