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“The plans of the diligent surely lead to abundance, but those who are hasty will not be sustained.” 

-Proverbs 21:5

A Shared Vision

The Parish of the Good Shepherd has long been a place of beauty, welcome, and witness in the heart of Waban. Through worship, service, and community, we continue to reflect God’s abundance and care for the world. Today, we are called to sustain that mission—by strengthening the foundations of our buildings, protecting the earth, and ensuring the church’s long-term financial and environmental health. The Sustain Campaign seeks to raise $325,000 to make essential improvements to our church and rectory, making our facilities more efficient, sustainable, and faithful. 

Where we Began

At the 2025 Annual Meeting, the Vestry discussed the recent increase in fixed costs as a share of our overall budget. Throughout the year, the Vestry has explored ways to reduce expenses where possible, prioritize funding for ministry, and pursue opportunities that strengthen the church’s long-term financial sustainability.

The Sustain Campaign

Our church building is a gift we’ve received—and a responsibility we share. By investing in solar panels, more efficient HVAC, improved windows, and improved insulation, we can lower ongoing utility costs, increase comfort for worship and ministry, and reduce our environmental impact. This is practical stewardship: caring well for what God has entrusted to us so more of our resources can go toward mission, both now and for years to come. Your gift helps us build a healthier, more sustainable home for our congregation and our community.

“Powering Good Shepherd for Generations to Come”

Goals of the Campaign

• Financial Sustainability: Lower energy and maintenance costs, freeing resources for ministry. Get ahead of ever-increasing energy costs by eliminating and reducing them.

• Environmental Sustainability: By adding solar power and high-efficiency equipment, we reduce our reliance on grid electricity, gas, and heating oil, helping ensure more of the energy we use is clean and sustainable.

• Future Sustainability: Being proactive and intentional as we prepare for the future: By acting now, we can create a thoughtful solution instead of reacting in future years. 

• Good Stewardship: With an estimated seven- to ten-year payback period and an expected service life of 25+ years, this plan is both financially prudent and forward-looking—and it also addresses several building upgrades we will need to undertake in the normal course of maintaining our facilities.
 

Why Now

Federal solar incentives for non-profit corporations (churches and houses of worship) expire July 4, 2026, making this the moment to act.  Energy costs have risen sharply—18% in 2024 and 10% in 2025.  Improvements will have an immediate impact on the parish budget.  Many churches report receiving credits and payments for the excess energy they create, making for quick return on investment.
 

 

How You Can Participate

• Pledge your support over 1–3 years, beginning in December, 2025.
• Pray for the campaign.
• Give because of the fundamentals that inspire you.
• Host a Sustain information session.
 

“For the Right Use of God’s Gifts”

Almighty God, whose loving hand hath given us all that we possess: Grant us grace that we may honor thee with our substance, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of thy bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  -Book of Common Prayer, 827
 

Support the Sustain Campaign

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In addition to your generous support of our operations through Stewardship, prayerfully consider your support of Sustain: Preserving Our Church, Renewing Our Future.

Click here to make your pledge via e-mail.
 

Contacts:

The Rev. Jay Weldon, Rector

Email: rector@goodshepherdnewton.org
 

Christopher J. Sole, Jr. Warden

Email: jrwarden@goodshepherdnewton.org
 

Sustain Campaign Advisory Committee

The Rector and Junior Warden, ex officio
Jennifer Manthei            
Jennifer Pachus
Tara Karyanis                  
Lewis Cantor

Vestry Members

Coventry Edwards-Pitt, Sr. Warden
Gail Murphy, Treasurer     
Eugene Wayne, Clerk
Barbara Bower                    
Brad Peloquin
Callie Emery                        
Greg Manthei
Maritza Ebling                    
Kenneth Rothwell
Nick Nesgos                        
Allison Baker
Lewis Cantor                      
Matthew Groves

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