Cornerstone

Where God and Community Come Together

“Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.
And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus.” – Ephesians 2:20

Prepared by: Cornerstone Project Commitment Team
Last Updated: November 2, 2018

‘Be a part of this vision…’

“Every family, organization, or relationship reaches a point where they just know it is time for that next big thing; that next right step. It was that time in 1990, when Soapstone moved a half mile up the road, broke ground on an entirely new facility and opened its doors to a growing North Raleigh community. It was that time in 2003, when Soapstone expanded its campus, built an entirely new sanctuary and added educational space. It is that time now, when our congregation is growing, our youth need a place to pray and play, and our community needs a place to gather, meet, and make connections with God and with one another.

While it is my privilege to be the pastor of Soapstone at this exciting time, this vision is beyond any one pastor. It is a vision that has been welling up from within the Soapstone community for many years, a vision confirmed and articulated by the Community Connection Team as they met and dreamt together for six months from 2017-2018, and a vision that is sweeping across Soapstone today. It is a God-sized vision that is bigger than any one ministry or any one space, and boldly proclaims that the Spirit is at work in this special place called Soapstone.

I invite you to be a part of this vision – to pray for the work ahead, to offer your gifts and talents, and to trust and celebrate the ways God is calling Soapstone to transform lives for the Kingdom.”

Laura Stern Pastor, Soapstone United Methodist Church

“If there’s one thing I love about Soapstone, it’s this church’s ability to rally behind an idea we believe in. I think we’ve found our next big one — creating space for a growing number of youth, adults and those in the community who need room to do good things. I’ll be working to empower a whole bunch of incredible Soapstone people to secure the contributions we’ll need to make it happen, and have faith that God has brought us to this time and place to see it through.”

Becky Graebe, Commitment Chair

“I just read this recently, “God loves broadly by loving specifically.”  When I think about the most basic thing I want to do as a Christian, it is to reach those around me. I want this project to be about how Soapstone can engage our community by providing a large space to host a mission project or a quiet corner for a much needed conversation. I want the youth to have a dedicated room for their Bible study and an open one for a pizza party. As we have taken these early ideas and started the process of building the teams, I’m just amazed by the talent of the people who call Soapstone home. I will be working with these folks to collect programming needs, then to design the space, and finally build. I’m so excited to support these teams and look forward to watching their ideas come to life.”

Tracey-Eason Riddle, Cornerstone Project Manager

(Building images used here are not actual photo renderings but are used to provide visual examples of what could be possible with the space.)

Reaching into the past, opening our arms to the future

Soapstone has been a worship and gathering place in our community for nearly two centuries. When we opened our doors in 1837, friends and family members were abuzz about the most recent Methodist circuit rider, President Andrew Jackson and the fact that Michigan had just become the 26th state.

We have quite a history, but also believe God is calling us to all new ways of serving.

Today the people of Soapstone are inspired by a new movement that goes well beyond this time and place — reaching into our past for strength, and opening our arms to the future and those in the community around us.

The Cornerstone vision

Cornerstone is a multi-faceted project that will strengthen and expand the ways Soapstone helps people connect with God and connect with one another. Our larger vision is to expand all of our underutilized spaces – from the second floor (our first project and the focus of the 2018-2019 campaign) to the chapel on Old Creedmoor Road, to our outdoor amphitheater located behind the sanctuary. We envision a church campus that is truly a “cornerstone” of our North Raleigh community.

Getting started

In the initial phase of the Cornerstone project, Soapstone’s second floor will be completed to meet occupancy standards, including basic construction, elevator, bathrooms, heating/cooling. This will serve as a foundation to meet not only the growing needs of our congregation, but to create gathering space for those in our community. Once construction is complete, additional fundraising will be initiated to outfit and enhance the space for large and small group gatherings: furnishings such as tables and chairs, work areas, refreshment stations, banquet tables and audio/visual needs to accommodate alternative worship and assembly type events.  

Specific uses

Once finalized, the second floor space will provide a welcoming gathering place for multiple groups and uses, including:

• Youth gatherings.
• Fellowship Hall for receptions, celebrations, etc.
• Alternate worship space.
• Music venue.
• Community groups, such as scouting, AA and grief groups.
• Small group meeting space for Soapstone groups, Sunday School classes.
• Casual places for those whose children or loved ones are involved in activities held at the church to connect with others.

Types of Giving

Donations can be made through:

• Cash
• Credit card
• Pledges extending one to three years
• Gifts of real estate, special collections
• Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds

How to donate or pledge

If you believe as we do that God is calling us to this work, please consider joining us with your gift of support for the Cornerstone project. Link your arms with ours in opening our doors to the future of Soapstone and those in the community around us.

• ONLINE: You may use our online pledge form for future donations, or donate directly now using the “Cornerstone Campaign” line on the online donation form. If you have questions, please contact our Financial Secretary.
• CALL: Call the church office at 919.846.2212 to make your pledge via phone. You will receive written confirmation in the mail.
• EMAIL: Contact the Financial Secretary to make your pledge via email.
• IN PERSON: Pick up a gift/pledge card in the church office.

Checks should be made payable to Soapstone United Methodist Church with “Cornerstone” listed in the memo line.
Gifts and pledges are requested on or before Sunday, March 24, 2019.

The power of prayer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cornerstone project?

Cornerstone is a project that will strengthen and expand the ways Soapstone helps people connect with God and connect with one another. Our vision is to expand all of our underutilized spaces — from the second floor (our first project) to the chapel on Old Creedmoor Road, to our outdoor amphitheater located behind the sanctuary — we envision a church campus that is truly a “cornerstone” of our North Raleigh community.

What does the initial phase of the project include, and what happens after that?

Initially, the second floor at Soapstone will be completed to meet occupancy standards, including basic construction, elevator, bathrooms, heating/cooling. The space will then be outfitted and enhanced for large and small group gatherings, including casual meeting spaces, conversational break-out spots, tables and chairs, work areas and welcoming decor. Finally, additional customization will be constructed or acquired to allow for alternative worship and assembly space, fellowship hall events with a host of possibilities for outreach and intentional engagement with the community.

Once the second floor is fully functional, we’ll begin to prioritize the chapel, amphitheater and other spaces in light of community and congregational needs.

Can I see the upstairs space before construction begins?

If you’re new to the church or missed the tours held earlier in 2018, join us Sundays in February 2019 from 9:30 to 10:45 am to view the space. If you’re unable to make it during those times, please contact the church office. We’ll be glad to arrange a private showing for you.

Will the upstairs be usable at all during renovations?

To comply with safety regulations, the space will not be open or usable during construction. The Cornerstone project team will provide photos, videos and updates so you can watch the progress virtually. Once the space has passed all required inspections, everyone will be invited to visit the new space.

If I donate to the Cornerstone project, what is my gift paying for?

It will require $700,000 to complete the initial phase of the Cornerstone Project, of which $200,000 is already in hand. This leaves $500,000 as our initial target for the fundraising campaign. The initial $700,000 will be used to cover construction costs and related equipment (HVAC, bathroom fixtures, electrical, plumbing, etc.). In the event that basic construction costs are less than the conservative amount estimated, or if we raise more than anticipated, excess funds will serve as foundational funding for furnishings and outfitting, audio/visual needs, etc.

How did we arrive at an estimated cost of $700,000 to complete basic construction of the second floor space?

Experts in the fields of architectural design and general construction were consulted in estimating costs. Soapstone’s Finance committee and Trustees were also consulted to estimate additional operating costs, insurance, utilities and more as a result of the additional space. A pro forma budget was prepared to detail these estimated expenses and was submitted to Church Council and approved via Charge Conference.

Will I be asked to contribute again once the basic construction needs of the second floor are met?

Much depends on how much we are able too raise in this first capital campaign. As a contributor, you will be kept apprised on a regular basis of where we stand and how those funds are being applied toward prioritized efforts. We will also share any outstanding needs. If you are inspired to contribute again — either financially or with gifts in kind or service, it will be your choice to do so.

How do I make a pledge or donation?

ONLINE: You may use our online pledge form for future donations, or donate directly now using the “Cornerstone Campaign” line on the online donation form. If you have questions, please contact our Financial Secretary.
CALL: Call the church office at 919.846.2212 to make your pledge via phone. You will receive written confirmation in the mail.
EMAIL: Contact the Financial Secretary to make your pledge via email.
IN PERSON: Pick up a gift/pledge card in the church office.

Checks should be made payable to Soapstone United Methodist Church with “Cornerstone” listed in the memo line.
Gifts and pledges are requested on or before Sunday, March 24, 2019.

How much should I donate?

Giving is a personal decision worthy of careful thought and prayer. Here are a few questions to help you in discerning what level of gift is right for you:

• What do I hope to accomplish with my donation?
• Who am serving with my gift?
• How will it be fulfilling to those I want to serve?
• What am I willing to sacrifice to make the kind of gift I imagine?
• How will my gift honor God and those who have gone before me at Soapstone?

Will any of my existing tithe go directly to the Cornerstone project?

No. Tithes, offerings and existing general budget pledges are critically important to the daily operational budget of Soapstone, and no portion of these funds will be directed toward the Cornerstone project. This project will be fully funded by discretionary gifts designated for this effort.

Can I contribute to the Cornerstone project from my IRA?

I would like to host a small gathering to help connect others to this project. What is involved in hosting?

Food, fun and stories will bring us together in casual settings now through February to hear how Soapstone is preparing to touch the lives of people in our church family and community in all new ways. Here are 4 easy steps and a few creative ideas on how to host a small group gathering in support of Cornerstone. Contact the church office if you would like to host a group.

I’m interested in attending a small group gathering to learn more about Cornerstone. Where can I sign up?

Click here to participate in a Gathering or contact the church office for information.

How will the meeting space be reserved?

Operational details are still being discussed, but any group meeting space will likely be reserved through the church office as it is done today. Casual meeting space, which will not require a reservation, will be designated as such and available during regular operating hours (8:30 am-4:30 pm, Mon-Fri, excluding holidays).

What is the target completion date for the renovations?

Our current timeline calls for consecration of the space on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. Congregation members and other contributors will be invited to participate and made aware of details as we approach that special event.

What if I have other questions about the Cornerstone project that are not addressed here?

Please call the church office at 919.846.2212 or share your question via email at office@soapstoneumc.org. We’ll direct it to the right person as quickly as possible.

A thank you to the people behind Cornerstone

Hundreds of people already have a hand and heart in the Cornerstone project, including more than 120 who came together and contributed nearly $600,000 ($200,000 specifically designated to the elevator and second floor) more than 10 years ago. If you were one of those foundational givers, your belief and generosity has provided a firm foundation in completing the project in 2020 and we thank you.

We also want to recognize an important group of people who have committed time, talent and financial contributions to see this renewed initiative through. Reach out to any of them with ideas, questions, concerns or simply to thank them for their involvement. We are grateful for their service!

Mark McMillan
Kim Miller
Adam Organ
Laurie Rose
Mika Scarlett
Julie Scroggs
Jessica Slessman
Laura Stern
Brad Turner
Bryan Tyler
Mike Wenhart
Keith Wheeler
Terry Boylan
Jill Fitzpatrick