RENEW Generosity Initiative
Renewing our building unto renewing our mission.
What is RENEW?
A message from Pastor Marshall Brown
RENEW is a generosity initiative (beginning in April 2024 and spanning three tax years) with a goal of renewing our building unto renewing our mission. We have a beautiful building in an unbeatable location. We believe now is the time to expand, renovate, and update our building so folks of all ages and abilities can experience Jesus around the North Shore, in Chicago, and beyond.
After several revisions, we received an approval from the Village Board of Winnetka in June 2025. Accounting for everything, the cost as of August 2026 is $9.072 million.
We are asking you to join with us in faith to further make known Jesus’ kingdom and presence in our church, on the North Shore, and beyond.
Here’s how
RENEW Welcome
Make our building accessible to all, no matter their physical ability. Offer dedicated and secure spaces for children and youth. Provide better circulation, way-finding, and spaces for casual gatherings.
RENEW Growth
Increase ministry space by 65% to enable increased discipleship and fellowship opportunities for children, youth, and adults to grow in Christ.
RENEW Service
Multiply our opportunities to gather, teach, and equip so that more disciples are sent out to serve God in our community and world.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”Psalm 127:1
Become a sustaining supporter
Reaching our goal of completing the RENEW project will require the ongoing support of our community. We ask you to prayerfully consider giving to the RENEW Generosity Initiative at Grace Presbyterian — gifts can be submitted online at any time.
What your commitment means to our church
Your gift will help us usher in the next chapter in Grace Presbyterian Church’s rich history. Since four families gathered in a living room in 2001, God has allowed us to grow in almost every way imaginable.
- 2005 — We helped to start a ministry to undergraduate students at Northwestern University (RUF).
- 2012 — We seized a generational opportunity to buy our building at 440 Ridge Avenue, in the heart of the North Shore.
- 2017 — We helped to launch a ministry to international graduate students at Northwestern University (RUF-I). We also installed our first class of elders (local lay leadership).
- 2019 — We began a mid-week discipleship program for children (GraceKids Wednesdays).
- 2023 — We baptized six adults and seventeen children, numbers we hope to continue to grow. We also purchased a home mere steps from Northwestern University as a long-term space for ministry and outreach.
Progress
Construction is under way. We moved out of 440 Ridge Avenue in April and expect to return next spring. Until then we worship at North Shore Country Day, 310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka. See our latest progress here.
Questions?
Why now, what the project includes, what it costs, how to give, and how we’re praying through it — it’s all in the FAQ.