August, 2026
Dear Members and Friends of the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church,
Our church stands as a beacon of faith, hope, and community, where we worship together, celebrate joyful milestones, find comfort in difficult times, and strengthen our faith. As its stewards, we have the responsibility to preserve it for future generations.
Now we embark on an important project: repainting the exterior of our church. The church has not been painted in over 50 years, and it is now time to restore and protect the building that has faithfully served our congregation and community for so many decades.The total cost of this project will be $45,000.
We are blessed to begin this campaign with extraordinary generosity. Lynne Eaton Jackson, daughter of the late former members Mary Lou and Hal Eaton, has made a gift of $25,000, providing more than half of the funding needed to complete the project. We are deeply grateful for her commitment to preserving our church.
Also, we have received an exciting challenge from a generous anonymous donor, who has pledged to match every dollar contributed by our congregation, up to $10,000. Therefore, our goal is to raise $10,000 from the congregation by the end of September, allowing us to fully fund this restoration project.
No gift is too small. Whether you are able to contribute $25, $100, $500, or more, every donation brings us closer to our goal and our shared commitment to preserve our church for generations to come.
Please prayerfully consider making a gift to this "Painting Our Future" Campaign. Together, we will renew the beauty of our church, protect it from the weather, and ensure it continues to welcome worshipers and visitors for the years ahead. The kickoff start will be Welcome Sunday, September 13, 2026. If you wish to donate by Venmo or Vanco please visit our website pvillepresby.org/donate or send a check to Pleasantville Presbyterian Church with "Paint Project" in the memo.
Thank you for your faithful support, generosity, and love for our church, and may God bless you for your continued commitment to this special place.
With gratitude and hope,
The PPC Capital "Painting Our Future" Campaign Committee
Chris Alvis, Scott Mosenthal, Melanie Tripp, Kevin Lewis
Alice DuBon, Ken Martin, Katrina Zezza, Kat Nemec
FAQs
Why are we doing this? Aren't there other comparable projects which are more important?
The church was last painted more than 50 years ago and it shows. The exterior of a church makes a statement about the congregation’s ability to care for its house of worship, and since we have made bringing in potential new members a focus, a newly-painted church can only help us in that endeavor. Other projects–and there always other projects–can wait.
What was the process to determine who the painter would be? Who is the painter?
The Property Committee interviewed two companies. The first offer was for $54,000, the second was for $48,500, and the third was a rebid from the first for $45,000.
Lenny Capuano, the owner of LENCO, an Irvington construction company, has been in the business for over 15 years. He’s worked on the Irvington Presbyterian Church and their Historical Society; their references were impeccable. He lowers his fees for non-profits.
What happens if we don't reach the $10,000 needed to complete the project?
We may have to do the project in two stages–paint the front and right side in the fall, raise what’s needed, and then paint the left side and back in the spring.
What's included in the project besides the painting?
From the invoice:
Covering of all areas that need to be protected; power washing of all areas to be painted – all stucco area caulking of cracks where necessary;: application of wood filler where necessary;; minor carpentry repairs or touch ups; scraping of all of the old and loose paint; application of primer in areas where necessary on the stucco; application of primer on all wood trim; painting of the entire church exterior; repairs of the woodpecker holes on the CE building; spot painting where necessary; purchase of high quality Benjamin Moore exterior paint.
Can my donation be considered part of my stewardship pledge?
No. The two are completely separate. The capital campaign is a one-time request for a special project. The Stewardship Pledge is the annual appeal for the funding which supports every aspect of the church–salaries, mission, building repairs, etc.
What is the timeline for the painting, assuming we raise the needed funding?
Start: end of September/beginning of October and roughly a month to complete.
Who will oversee the project?
The members of the Property Committee.
What do we know about Lynn Eaton Jackson, who has generously donated $25,000?
From her letter accompanying her donation: “Our family was so very fortunate to call the PPC our church home for many years. My dad and I taught 5th grade Sunday school and my mom loved the choir. I believe my dad was in charge of landscaping for a number of years, in addition to both of their elder and deacon service.
“When I saw the request online to raise funds to paint the church, I wanted to help and give back something to the church for so much that I have received from it. I’m so very grateful to God and know that the church is in good hands. I wish you all the best in your ministry and may God bless you and the church family.”