St. James Catholic Church

 In July 2002 I became Pastoral Administrator of St. James Parish in Midtown Kansas City. Shortly after that I received in the mail information about FOSS. After reading about the mission of FOSS, I thought, “This is an organization that our almost-100-year-old parish needs to be a member of.” FOSS has been an inspiration and of significant help in renovation of our facilities. In particular the personal interest shown and the many hours invested by several of their volunteers.

                                                           Deacon, Ross Beaudoin, Pastoral Administrator

Calvary Temple Baptist Church

 Although it is an architectural gem, the building had been neglected over the years. Inadequate resources and neighborhood vandalism had been the major culprits. Our small congregation relied heavily on FOSS as we planned for the purchase and restoration of this historic landmark. The technical support and guidance through architects and other FOSS advisors saved our congregation thousands of dollars. As obesity and lack of regular exercise opportunities have been identified as major causes of disease, our congregation expressed our desire to extend our current services to include a wellness center to assist the surrounding community. FOSS gladly helped. A cadre of volunteers assisted us as we purchased property and planned for its renovation. From site planning to assistance with the capital campaign, FOSS has been there. Their technical expertise and willingness to help has been priceless.

                                                                                Rev. Eric Williams, Pastor

 Christ Temple Church

 For more than thirty years we at Christ Temple had battled serious water damage from leaks around the domes area of the building. Thanks to the persistent efforts of the people from FOSS the sources were located and sealed.  FOSS also organized a fundraising effort that raised over $125,000. Much of this support came from the Jewish community since this was originally the Beth Shalom Synagogue.

                                                                          Bishop Mark C. Tolbert Sr. Pastor

Heartland Central District United Methodist Church

 The Board of Missions of the Heartland Central District of the United Methodist Church has been a contributor to FOSS for several years. We are pleased to report that fifteen of our forty-three churches have received services from the FOSS Technical Service Team.

                                                         Rev. Steve Campbell, District Superintendent

 Johnson County Community College

 Thanks again for the excellent job you do in conducting these FOSS tours of some of the lovely historic churches in the Greater Kansas City area. Both the tour you did for us last October and the one you conducted a couple of weeks ago brought rave reviews on the evaluation surveys we pass out at the conclusion of these trips. Your knowledge of the vast history of so many churches on the route, not just the five included in our tours, is wonderful.

                                                                          Karen Conklin, Brown & Gold Club

The Hope Center

 FOSS provides an important service to our city. By renovating church structures located in the forgotten neighborhoods of our city, FOSS helps organizations like ours provide a place for the vulnerable to receive much needed spiritual and physical care. In a day and age when new buildings continually spring up in the prospering parts of our city, I am thankful for a group that facilitates new birth in forgotten communities.

                                                                    Chris Jehle, Executive Director

Camino Verdad y Vida United Methodist Church

 As a new, mostly immigrant, congregation in an old building with many problems it has been extremely helpful to be able to call the FOSS Technical Service Team when we need assistance with building and equipment problems. They were able to advise us on practical solutions and to refer us to reliable sources for materials and work for projects.

                                                            Rev. Gustavo Morales, Pastor