By Phil Haslanger
Collaboration Project Story Team

Rev. Karla Garcia, pastor of S.S. Morris Community AME Church in Madison, was stunned in February when a contact with Rev. Marcio Sierra, Jr. of Lighthouse Church led to an unexpected financial gift to her congregation. (See Feb. 21 story here.)

Now, almost three months later, she continues to be stunned by the generosity of several other congregations whose gifts have accelerated a campaign to meet some of the urgent physical needs of the far east side congregation located at 3511 Milwaukee Street.

That, in turn, has energized the small congregation to kick-start its own capital campaign.

“They are motivated,” Garcia said. “Their faith has been activated. There is a lot of hope that God will provide.”

In the process, members of a half dozen congregations now have new connections as they each in their own way seek to make God’s grace a reality in the life of this community.

The initial $35,000 gift from Lighthouse Church enabled S.S. Morris to move ahead with desperately needed repairs to its roof. Sierra challenged other congregations to donate so that S.S. Morris would not have to take out a loan. They did and the roof repairs are scheduled to start later this month.

Garcia noted $13,500 in contributions came from City Church, Blackhawk Church and Christ Church Madison. At High Point Church, where several congregations collaborated for the Good Friday service, the offering that day brought in $11,257 dollars for S.S. Morris.

The leadership at S.S. Morris has begun to itemize the projects that need to be done. Next up is the parking lot, which should be covered by the contributions already in hand. But there are many renovations needed inside the church building, from appliances to an elevator. 

That last item – an elevator – may be especially important in a congregation with many members who are senior citizens. Of the 60 or so people who are part of S.S. Morris, many of them are older. But many of them also have a long history with the congregation, which was founded in the late 1980s by Darlene and Allen Hancock among others. The Hancock’s son, Jerome, and his family, are still members there.

Garcia said that the congregation is planning a “pledge party” in the church parking lot on Sunday, May 16, as they try to build up funds for the capital campaign that would allow them to move forward on the many renovations the church needs. 

“If we believe and pray, God will make a way,” Garcia said. The donations the church has received from other congregations have “lifted our spirits” and made the people at S.S. Morris believe that “anything is possible. 

Individuals and congregations interested in contributing can reach Garcia at revkarlagarcia@gmail.com