Keep It Cool at Incarnation
A landmark church with a living faith, always seeking to serve our community
As you may have read in our mission statement, Incarnation prides itself on providing a “warm and open Christian welcome in the heart of New York City.” We do this in big and small ways: from creativity in worship, to the ministries of our Usher Corps and Hospitality Committee, to user-friendly church bulletins and welcome bags for visitors, to the Pride flag hanging outside our doors. It all goes to support a culture of belonging and the “big tent” ethos of the Episcopal Church, which prizes inclusivity, community, and unity over uniformity.
Our church building plays a large part in our mission as well. The beauty of our sacred space alone is an invitation that draws us in for spiritual rest and renewal. Functional considerations are also important. While we want to be “warm and open” we don’t want to be hot and sweaty!
Last spring, we discovered that our 70-year-old air conditioning system is no longer functional
Over the summer, we used industrial fans during worship while a mechanical engineering firm drew up plans for a new system, which will cost approximately $500,000.
A new air-conditioning system will help ensure that Incarnation remains a welcoming and comfortable place for our congregation to worship and for others to enjoy during open church hours, concerts, and special events. In addition, the new system will be a significant improvement in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
That’s why we hope you will contribute to the Keep It Cool Campaign for a new air conditioning system in the church. We’ve already raised $155,000 in campaign pledges and gifts and aim to reach our goal of $175,000 before work begins in the spring of 2027. Pledges can be fulfilled in 2027 or 2028.
Thank you for helping make Incarnation a true sanctuary of connection and Christlike welcome
Let’s keep our church cool and our welcome warm!