October 2026
Dear Members and Friends of the Pleasantville Presbyterian Church,
With grateful hearts, we offer our sincere thanks to everyone who donated to “Painting Our Future,” our capital campaign to paint the church for the first time in 50 years, and we would like you to please join us on November 8 in the Social Hall for a celebration after the service.
This project has been about far more than fresh paint. It has been a visible expression of love, faith, and shared commitment to our church home. Through your generosity, you have helped preserve and beautify the place where we worship, gather, celebrate, mourn, serve, and grow together.
Just as importantly, “Painting Our Future” brought our spiritual community closer. It gave us an opportunity to work toward a common goal, strengthen our bonds, and renew our sense of pride in our church. Every gift, large or small, was meaningful. Each contribution reflected a deep appreciation for the ministry and mission of this congregation.
Because of you, our church now looks refreshed and renewed, serving as a welcoming and beautiful house of worship for generations to come. May these newly painted walls remind us of the many people whose faith, generosity, and dedication have helped sustain this church over the past 50 years—and of the bright future we are building together.
With heartfelt appreciation and blessings,
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.”