City of God Church: Lafayette, IN

Finish the Foundation

City of God Family (and supporters),

Over the past two years we have absolutely been blown away by God’s grace at City of God Church.

 In the fall of 2009 we moved to Lafayette, IN with the dream of planting a church that would reach the city and Purdue University with the gospel. We started with two college students, little money, and the confidence that if this dream was from God he would build His church.

 We will celebrate our second birthday in January. By God’s grace we’re healthy and growing. It’s been incredible to see what’s happened in the past twenty-four months.

• As of December 4^th twenty people have been baptized at City of God.
• Our weekly average attendence has grown from thirty to over two-hundred people.
• Over forty people are currently working through our membership process.
• Eight to ten men have stepped up for one to two years of intensive leadership and theological training.

We have seen so much fruit at City of God. However, having a church predominately made up of college students comes with its own unique challenges. I still remember checking our first offering and discovering we had received three dollars and a dining hall coupon! Thankfully many who attend City of God have started to give sacrifically, but because many of them are students they are limited in their ability to give.

Over the next few months we are beginning a renewed fund-raising effort to “Finish the Foundation” of City of God. City of God started without denominational ties, and without the help of a mother church. Most of our existence we have lived month to month financially, and we feel that God is calling us to secure a financial foundation that will allow us to move forward with our ministry efforts. There are thousands in Lafayette and on Purdue’s campus that need to hear the life changing message of the Gospel.

Our current goal is to raise $25,000 by January 31, 2012. Would you consider partnering with us in this effort? With a secure financial foundation City of God will be freed up to aggressively pursue God’s call for this church.

The Purpose of This Fund

 The main goal of this fund is to secure a financial foundation for City of God that will carry the church through 2012. Also, City of God is in the process of transitioning to two services and we need to make upgrades to our: hospitality supplies, audio/visual tools, children’s ministry, and upgrading our current meeting location.

 Finish the Foundation Overview

• The “first-fruits” of this fund will go directly to support church planting. We will give 10% of this offering to the Acts 29 Network and Converge Mid-America.
• 40% of this fund will be used in the early months of 2012 to upgrade all of our existing ministries. City of God has seen a 100% increase in attendance over the past calendar year, and we need help to keep the church growing and thriving.
• The remaining 50% will provide a financial foundation for City of God that has not been available before. Moving City of God to a place where it is no longer living month to month in regard to finances will free up the staff to be more directly involved in the ministry taking place in Lafayette.

 How Can This Happen?

 This is a GOD-SIZED goal that can only be accomplished through 100% participation of those at City of God, and the help of outside churches and individuals. This is approximately nine times more than we have ever raised in a one-time offering, and twenty-five times our average weekly offering. WE are expecting God to bless this special offering.

• 3 churches or individuals at $5,000
• 5 churches or individuals at $1,000
• 10 churches or individuals at $500

If you’re interested in giving I would love to sit down with you and share more about what God is doing at City of God.

Eric Roseberry
Lead Pastor
City of God Church
E-mail: eric@cogchurch.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Why a Special Offering?

As part of God’s plan to grow the faith of the people in His church, He calls us to sacrificial giving from time to time. This special offering is an opportunity for us to grow in our faith and to prepare us for what God wants to do through our church in 2012.

How Much Should I Give?

Since the goal is $25,000 this offering will involve those inside the church and outside. Please prayerfully consider a sacrifical gift that will stretch your faith. If you are a college student consider joining with a group of students and finding a way to raise money to contribute. Some in our church may be able to make a large gift, but others will only be able to contribute $100-$500. The issue is not equal giving, but equal sacrifice. What amount can you give that will stretch your faith?

Can We Achieve A Goal This Large?

The goal for the “Finish the Foundation” fund at City of God is our largest goal ever. Since the beginning of City of God Church in 2010, we have been a church that has dared to dream big dreams for God. The ministry opportunities targeted by this offering are BIG and Big Dreams require big faith and big funding. The accomplishment of these big dreams will be determined by your gifts to this fund.

How Can I Give?

There are two main ways you can give to the “Finish the Foundation” fund.

• Giving during a Sunday morning service and marking your gift “Finish the Foundation.”
• Giving online at www.cogchurch.org/give, or by mailing your gift to: City of God Church, 106 Berwick Drive, Lafayette, IN 47909.

Can I Give in Stocks or Bonds?

Of course! Since City of God is a 501(c)3 organization through Converge Mid-America there can be tremendous tax-benefits for you by giving in-kind gifts. For information on this type of giving, simply contact Eric Roseberry at eric@cogchurch.org or (765) 413-9770.

Are My Gifts Tax-Deductible?

All gifts to City of God are completely tax-deductible. Your gift will be deductible in the tax year given (i.e. gifts given in 2011 will be deductible on your 2011 taxes). Please be sure to include your name and address when you give so that a receipt can be sent to you for your tax preparations.

Have Additional Questions?

Please contact Eric Rosebery: eric@cogchurch.org or (765) 413-9770.