WHAT IS FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE?
Foundations for the Future is the capital campaign of Asbury Church that began in April 2024 and will run for three years.
The goal is to raise $2.5 million to improve our campus to ensure we are meeting future needs of our congregation and our community.
UPDATE:
WORK TO BE DONE
PARKING LOT LIGHTING
One of the first projects completed with funding from the Foundations for the Future campaign was the lighting in the parking lot.
Many of you have likely experienced this new benefit that improves both vision and security for the whole campus. Plus, the new lights are LEDs, which means lower costs for electricity than conventional lights and longer life. No longer will a lift rental expense be needed to change light bulbs every year or two.
SAFETY AND SECURITY CAMERAS
As more parts of the church campus are used regularly — such as the worship spaces, children’s rooms, meeting rooms, parking lots, garden, and amphitheater — more visibility is needed to keep the campus safe and secure.
New cameras have been added around the campus to provide vision to see what is going on in one convenient location. The cameras can be viewed in the office and on the phones used by the safety teams on Sundays.
SUMMER 2024 PROJECTS
TESTIMONIES
Testimony from Brenda + Skip Roy
Over 40 years ago God called a group of people to start a church, a place where the Gospel and the Kingdom of God could be advanced in what was then a rural part of Wake County, just north of Raleigh. That church became what we now know as Asbury Church. We were privileged to be a part of that group. We first met in our home, then, as the ministry grew, moved to a school, then to our first building, back to a school when that building was destroyed by a tornado, and then to the start of the facilities we now have. In all of this and through multiple pastor changes God protected and grew the ministry of advancing the Gospel and His kingdom in our growing community.
We believe the Foundations for the Future campaign will position Asbury Church and its facilities to continue that mission of advancing the Gospel and the Kingdom of God in our ever growing and changing community. We have already made our commitment to this 3-year campaign and are trusting God to allow us to increase our commitment to the campaign. We pray that you will join us in being generous and sacrificial givers to this campaign and its goal of equipping us to further advance the Gospel and God’s Kingdom here in North Raleigh.
Testimony from Neil Coker
I am honored to take my place alongside the many faithful Christians who have come before me at Asbury and to participate in sustaining and improving the place where God is moving so powerfully. What a blessing it is to be a new member of this Church where God’s word is preached faithfully, and God’s love is present in every ministry.
We see the ministry of this church affirmed every week as more and more of God’s people find their way to Asbury. I am thankful to have the use of such a beautiful facility and I know that God will continue to bless the ministries here. Let’s be mindful of all our blessings as we give back to God a portion of what he has entrusted us with.
Testimony from Rachel + Jason Ramsey
Asbury has become a meaningful place for our family and one where we have found community and fellowship. As a family with two young boys, we, like many others, want our boys growing up in the church and having a place where they can tap into the Word and grow their faith in God.
Since we started attending Asbury in 2017, we've found a place to connect as a family. Our kids are involved in our wonderful children's ministry and will eventually join in our youth programs. As we look to continue building a firm foundation of faith as a family here at Asbury, we are eager and happy to contribute to the Foundations for the Future campaign. It is our belief that this campaign will help Asbury continue its mission and set the stage for future generations to come.
Testimony from Cindy + Mike Ellis
In 2020, we were looking for a church where we could attend in person. The church we were members of was not open, and we heard that Asbury Church was having in-person services, so Cindy and I decided to attend. From that first visit in September 2020, we immediately felt the presence of God, and we knew that God had called us to become members of Asbury Church.
In the almost 4 years since then, we have been ministered to in so many ways by the pastors, staff, and community of Asbury. Now, it's time for us to be there for Asbury. The campus is thriving, but like any building, there are things that need some maintenance. The Foundations for the Future campaign will help Asbury be able to fill the needs of the community for years to come. Cindy and I are doing our part, and we invite you to join us as together, we position Asbury Church to be able to serve the people of North Raleigh and beyond. Let's see how God will take our donations and increase them 30, 60, even 100 times.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
Jeremiah 29: 11-12
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN INFORMATIONAL MEETING
PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER
WAYS TO GIVE
Please start this process by spending time reflecting and praying on what God wants you to do in this capital campaign. Consider what God might be calling you to give sacrificially over the next three years to help Asbury continue to build Foundation for the Future. The desire is to have everyone give back a portion of the resources that God has given them.
Cash
Cash – The majority of gifts for the Foundation for the Future campaign will likely be given as cash gifts. You may feel God calling you to contribute a specific amount upfront as a lump sum gift or legacy donation. Or you may give periodically as you receive it, such as during each pay period over three years. How is God calling you to give towards buildingFoundations for the Future at Asbury Church?
Donation of stock/property
Donation of stock/property – You may have stocks and/or property that you would like to donate to the Foundations for the Future campaign. If you are over 70-1/2, you can make a distribution of stock from an IRA and not pay income taxes
on the amount donated as a charitable contribution. Thus, you can increase the size of the gift to the church and count it as part of your RMD (Required Minimum Distribution). Asbury uses a bank to cash in all stocks and property gifts. Please contact
Krista Thornton in the church office to answer any questions about this avenue of giving.
Liquidation of Personal Assets
Liquidation of Personal Assets – You may have personal items of value collected or stored for years that could be sold and the proceeds given to the campaign. These items could include: cars, trucks, campers, recreational or sport vehicles, sporting equipment, artwork paintings and sculptures, furniture, antiques, stamp or coin collections, baseball cards, glassware, guns, tools, watches, old jewelry, evening gowns, etc. The church is not able to accept these gifts directly, but the money from their sale could be part of the source of your contribution to this campaign.
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Ideas to give sacrificially
Creative saving involves being intentional about redirecting your times and resources that you would normally spend elsewhere. Then what you save can be part of your sacrifical giving to the Foundations for the Future Campaign.
Some examples of creative ways to save include:
- Eat out one time fewer per week and/or replace costly beverages with water
- Eat homemade rather than pre-made desserts
- Trade skills or services with friends
- Wash your car by hand instead of using a car wash
- Eliminate cable TV or reduce your monthly package
- Reduce the number of paid sports outings
- Take your vacation closer to home and donate the travel savings
- Reduce the "mad-money" you spend on treats
- Wear last year's clothes instead of buying new
- Ask friends and family to give you cash for Christmas and your birthday to go towards the campaign
- Donate money saved from something you give up for Lent
- Clip coupons
- Give up or reduce a costly habit (coffee, soda, sweets, alcohol, etc.)
- Pledge your income tax refunds for the next three years based on the average of past returns
- Turn over an expected raise amount in wages to the campaign
- Wait got movies to come out for free instead of going ot the theater
- Pledge the funds for a discretionary home improvement project that can wait 3 years
- After a bill is paid off, continue to pay that same amount of money to the campaign
- Pledge to give a dollar more each week than the last week
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have questions? We have the answers!
What is Foundations for the Future?
Foundations for the Future is the capital campaign at Asbury Church that begins in April and runs for three years.
What is the goal of this campaign?
The goal of this campaign is to build on our past faithfulness through renovating and improving our current campus to ensure we are meeting the future needs of our congregation and our community.
What funds are needed to achieve this goal?
Asbury’s financial goal is to raise $2.5 million over a three-year period to cover the costs that will help lay a great foundation for the future of God’s work at Asbury.
What will the campaign funds go towards?
The funds collected by Foundations for the Future will focus expenditures on three main areas of need:
1. Property Infrastructure Updates - New HVAC heating and cooling units in the South Building, and repaving the parking lot and driveways with new asphalt.
2. Audio/Visual Updates - New Worship Center lighting, projection systems, mics, acoustic treatment, and video capability in the Sanctuary.
3. Interior/Exterior Updates – New flooring, painting, roofing, security system, lighting, sidewalk/step repair, storage, landscaping, and new Sanctuary chairs.
Who will be asked to participate in Foundations for the Future?
Everyone who considers Asbury their spiritual home is asked to prayerfully consider making a three-year financial pledge to this campaign above their annual giving. Anyone who has been blessed by Asbury in the past and would like to help facilitate future ministry at Asbury Church should consider giving to this great cause.
What is Asbury's current financial health?
We are currently debt free. We operate monthly within a growing budget and adequate financial reserves.
What is the difference between a capital campaign gift and my annual pledge?
Your annual pledge is your tithe and/or offerings to help fund the work of God’s Kingdom through our operating budget. Your annual pledge helps to support our staff, programs, missions, utilities, and other everyday operating expenses. The Foundations for the Future campaign is a separate commitment above your regular annual giving for infrastructure to help facilitate ministries at Asbury for years to come.
Why a three-year pledge?
Foundations for the Future emphasizes multi-year pledging because it allows individuals and families the opportunity to consider larger commitments that they might not be able to consider through a one-time gift.
How much am I expected to give?
You and God alone determine the amount of your gift. Through prayerful consideration, please consult the Giving Guide, and remember, we need the participation of all members. The goal is for everyone connected to Asbury to give sacrificially to help Asbury facilitate ministry in the future. Your sacrificial gift is a truly generous gift regardless of its size.
Why is each donor asked to complete a pledge form?
Pledge forms are important so that the gift may be appropriately recorded and acknowledged by the church office. Donors are asked to sign the pledge form as a good faith commitment that helps planning to go forward. The pledge is non-binding but is a commitment between each individual, God, and Asbury.
Are gifts to the campaign tax deductible?
Yes, gifts to the campaign are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Please refer to the Giving Guide.
What if my situation changes during the three-year giving phase?
We know that life is unpredictable. Sometimes situations arise that would require a reduction in your pledge, and sometimes your situation may change where you could increase your pledge. Please contact the church office for any adjustments to your Foundations for the Future pledge.
Where can I find out more information or can I speak with someone about the Foundations for the Future campaign?
We realize that you might have additional questions you would like to discuss. There will be informational sessions as listed in the Schedule of Events. Additionally, we would love to sit down and talk with you. Please contact the church office to schedule an appointment with a pastor, staff, trustee, or our Business Administrator.
When can we expect to see improvements to our church?
Changes will be implemented during the three-year campaign as Asbury receives the sacrificial gifts that we offer to God.