What is Called to Freedom? It is the theme of our capital campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to reduce or eliminate our debt as a church. Our goal is to be debt-free so that we can move forward in mission and ministry.
Will Called to Freedom take the place of our annual stewardship campaign? No, Saint Francis will still hold annual stewardship campaigns. Please do not let Called to Freedom affect your regular giving. Your tithe or offering, which provides for our ongoing daily missions and ministry, should not be affected by the Called to Freedom capital campaign. Called to Freedom is an opportunity to give sacrificially above and beyond your regular tithes or offerings.
Why are we in debt? Saint Francis is a relatively young congregation and yet we already own 18 acres of land and our property (buildings and land) was appraised in 2007 for over six million dollars! Our most recent expansion was completed in 1998 and included our 22,978 square foot Sanctuary Building that has a 700–seat sanctuary, 16 classrooms, sacristy, audio-visual equipment room, large utility and storage area, vestry, choir room and work room, offices, gathering space, prayer chapel, restrooms, and elevator in addition to the drop-off circle, prayer gardens, landscaping and additional parking.
Debt has been a part of the faithful steps needed to grow our missions and ministries. Through your faithful giving, we have been able to reduce our mortgage by over $1,000,000 since 2002! Our goal, through our Called to Freedom campaign and your generous gifts, is for Saint Francis UMC to retire our debt and imagine the new opportunities God has in our future for mission and ministry. The sooner we eliminate our $20,750 per month mortgage payment, the sooner that future becomes reality!
Our Original Sanctuary Loan – November 1996
|
$2,892,000 |
| + Former Debt |
93,081 |
| Total |
$2,985,081 |
| Loan Refinanced with Paragon Bank – August 2005 |
$2,657,708 |
| Additional Property Purchased (8.64 acres) |
992,292 |
| Total |
$3,650,000 |
| Our loan balance as of August 2010 |
$2,620,000 |
The loan was recently modified with Paragon Commercial Bank to the lowest available commercial terms. It is a variable rate loan (5.125% base/15-year amortization). Our mortgage payments will continue to be paid out of our operating budget so 100% of the gifts to Called to Freedom are going directly to principal reduction. Twice a month, SFUMC will send Called to Freedom gifts to the bank to reduce our principal. We are able to make early principal payments without penalty.
How much are we trying to raise? We have three goals:
FAITH GOAL
|
$500,000+ |
HOPE GOAL
|
$1,500,000+ |
LOVE GOAL
|
$2,500,000+ |
What happens once we retire the debt? That will be up to God. It is the intent of our United Ministry Council to first complete this campaign and then decide how the Church’s resources can best be used to fulfill God’s will.
How may gifts to the Called to Freedom be paid? It is up to you. Gifts may be given weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly, in cash or with other assets (i.e., stocks, bonds, real estate) or in any other way that is convenient. Gifts may be made now through December 31, 2013. Every gift makes a difference! Please prayerfully consider how you will be able to give more and do more for the Kingdom of God over the next 39 months through Saint Francis United Methodist Church.
Nearly thirty years ago, a small group of people began to pray. Then, our growing corner of Cary was more farmland than people; more undeveloped than developed. Even so, they envisioned a church there and stepped forward in faith. They prayed, they responded, and lives – our lives – were forever changed. The prayers and sacrifices of those faithful believers gave birth to Saint Francis UMC. They heard God’s call to serve the world around them and responded faithfully to that call. God’s call continues today!
Much has been entrusted to us:
- Worship space that uniquely connects us to our Creator, God’s creation, and each other
- A beautiful sanctuary where we gather in the presence of Christ and where God is encountered in word and table
- A diverse family of God who cares for each other and who extends God’s love near and far
- Music that inspires our hearts and lifts our souls
- A place where all are welcome and God’s unconditional love is shared in all we say and do
- A home where the faithful - young and old – are nurtured in small groups, Bible study and worship as we grow as disciples of Christ
- A mission-station from which we go to share the Good News of Christ, in witness and service, for the transformation of the world
- A church that is changing lives as we continue our mission of Discovering Christ and Serving Others!
God’s call continues. Now, as always, from those to whom much is given, much is required. The time has come for Saint Francis UMC to take the next step forward and give as the body of Christ, so that our mission and ministry will no longer be restricted by our debt. God calls us to be free—free from anything that limits the ministry entrusted to us. We cannot know what lies ahead. We can only hear the call of God and respond. This is our opportunity to …
- Make a difference with the resources God has entrusted to us.
- Leave a legacy for our children and future generations.
- Accomplish our mission together.
- Be free to fulfill God’s will!
Lord, what do you want to do through me to fulfill your will for Saint Francis UMC?
To see the Informational Meeting Guide, click here.
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