The Stacking Stones Initiative

The stones we stack will tell a story.

“Take twelve stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood, carry them over with you, and lay them down in the place where you camp tonight.”

- Joshua 4:2

Welcome to the Stacking Stones Capital Campaign

Greg Cook Capital Campaign Chairman and Pastor Ross Chellis

The story of Summerville Methodist Church is a witness to the steadfast faithfulness of God.

While our logo has “Est. 2024” on it, our story reaches further back still. Our family of faith is an expression of the Wesleyan way of salvation lived out in Summerville, SC since 1857. Even more important, our heritage is grounded in the foundational teachings of the Apostolic church.

Ours is a story worthy of preserving, because ours is a powerful testimony to the grace of God made known through Jesus Christ!

In November of 2025, I delivered a series of sermons on the moment the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. These messages, which share their transition from wilderness to promise, were grounded in the Book of Joshua. Our congregation responded to these teachings. Something within their story resonated with us. Something within their story spoke to how we see ourselves today.

“After the Israelites crossed over the Jordan River on dry ground, God instructed the Israelites to “Take twelve stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood, carry them over with you, and lay them down in the place where you camp tonight.” (Joshua 4:2)

Twelve stones were gathered, carried, and stacked at the place where they resided. These twelve stones would be a memorial for future generations of what God had done for the Israelites, how God had brought them out of the wilderness and delivered them to the land of promise.

Only a year removed from gathering for worship in the Seventh Day Adventist church, our family of faith was presented with a piece of land at Luden Drive and King Charles Circle.

The stones we stack will tell a story.

When our grandchildren and their grandchildren come to this place and ask what this place means, they will hear the story of God’s faithfulness to us and, therefore, to them! The story of SMC will be carried forth so that, to borrow the words from Joshua, “all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty and so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”

Thank you for sharing our excitement and for giving praise to God for the faithfulness God has shown us!

Blessings,

E. Rossiter Chellis

Senior Pastor

Vision

Summerville Methodist Church believes we are called not simply to exist in this community, but to help shape its spiritual future. That means creating a church where children can grow in faith, parents can be equipped to lead their families, and older generations can continue to invest, mentor, and remain deeply connected to the life of the church.

Our church was founded out of a deep desire to remain faithful to Scripture and our Methodist heritage. That decision required courage and conviction, and it continues to define who we are today—a church grounded in truth, committed to discipleship, and focused on raising up the next generation while honoring the faithfulness of those who have gone before us.

Today, the need in front of us is clear. Families are coming. Ministries are growing. Space is limited. Opportunities to disciple, gather, and serve are being constrained by our current facilities. This is not simply about adding space—it is about removing barriers to ministry and creating a place where every generation can fully engage in the life of the church.

We are a church founded in faith, shaped by conviction, and committed to investing in the next generation while caring deeply for those who have built this foundation before us. 

This is the moment to build on that legacy—to create a lasting place where lives are formed, families are strengthened, and the Gospel continues to take root in Summerville for generations to come.

Our Goal is $6 Million over three years

An Invitation to Participate

A Commitment That Is Thoughtful, Flexible, and Faithful

Each household will be given the opportunity to make a three-year financial commitment, allowing gifts to be fulfilled gradually in a way that is both intentional and manageable. 

It is important to understand that a campaign commitment is in addition to regular giving, not a replacement for it. The ongoing ministry of Summerville Methodist Church—weekly worship, discipleship, pastoral care, and outreach—continues to depend on consistent, faithful tithes and offerings.

Many households find it helpful to think in terms of a total three-year commitment, then determine how that can be fulfilled through monthly, quarterly, or annual giving. Others may choose to give through a combination of ongoing contributions and one-time gifts as God provides. Every commitment is received as an expression of faith, not as a contract, and can be adjusted if circumstances change.

We believe this campaign is not simply about meeting a financial need—it is about embracing a spiritual opportunity. God is inviting us to take part in something larger than ourselves: a work that will shape families, serve our community, and extend the ministry of this church for generations to come.

There are also a variety of ways to give that may be especially meaningful or beneficial depending on your situation. Some may choose to recommend a gift through a donor-advised fund. Others, particularly those who are required to take distributions from retirement accounts, may consider directing some or all of their required minimum distributions (RMDs) from an IRA if those funds are not needed for personal expenses—an approach that can also reduce taxable income. Still others may feel led to include the church in a legacy or estate gift, extending their impact well beyond the life of the campaign. We encourage each household to consider these options in consultation with a financial advisor as they discern their response.

This approach reflects both wisdom and discipleship. It allows the church to move forward with clarity and confidence, while also giving each household the space to respond faithfully over time. Together, these commitments make it possible to take a significant step forward—building not only a facility, but a foundation for ministry that will serve generations to come.

The question before each of us is simple:  How is God calling me to respond?

Pray

This is, above all else, a spiritual endeavor. Scripture reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. We invite you to pray for God’s hand upon this work—for wisdom, clarity, provision, and unity.

Pray also for the families and future generations who will one day be shaped by what is built here. This is not merely a project—it is a covenantal undertaking, rooted in trust and dependence on God.

Give

Bringing this vision to life will require sacrificial generosity and faithful stewardship. Each household is invited to prayerfully consider how God is calling them to participate over the life of this campaign.

Every gift—large or small—is an act of obedience and a meaningful investment in the future of Summerville Methodist Church. Together, these commitments make possible what no one could accomplish alone.

Serve

This vision will soon become more than a plan—it will become a place of ministry. Even now, we invite you to begin considering how God may be calling you to serve in the life of this future church home.

Through hospitality, teaching, discipleship, fellowship, and outreach, this campus will become a place where we serve Christ together and extend His love into our community.

Moving Forward Together

This is a defining moment in the life of Summerville Methodist Church. It is a moment to listen, to trust, and to respond in faith.

As we pray, give, and serve together, we believe God will do far more than we could ask or imagine—building not only a place for ministry, but a legacy of faith that will endure for generations to come.

Prayer

Please join with the CCST Prayer Team and include this prayer in your prayer regime this week. Our Gracious God has mightily blessed us and we should lift up our prayers to him in recognition of His mercies for our church and its people!

Heavenly Father, Gracious God, you have blessed our church with your mercy and love since its beginning, 

Now, we, your people, seek to further glorify your Kingdom while establishing a church home for the present faithful and for future generations of believers, 

Bless us with a spirit of generosity that we might accomplish your will in all things, 

Help us as we build for the future together with the Holy Spirit, 

We want to be that bright light on the hill that invites all people to come and see, 

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen

Week One

Frequently Asked Questions

Vision & Purpose

Summerville Methodist Church exists to serve and strengthen the families of our community – young and old, helping them build their lives on a firm Christian foundation.  As an independent Methodist church shaped by Scripture and the teachings of John Wesley, we are committed to historic Christian faith, discipleship, and holy living.

  • Summerville Methodist was founded out a deep desire to remain faithful to Scripture and our Methodist heritage.  Today, the need in front of us is clear.  Families are coming.  Ministries are growing.  Space is limited.  Opportunities to disciple, gather, and serve are being constrained by our current facilities.

Building & Location

  • Our new site will be on the corner of Luden Drive and King Charles Circle off Berlin G Myers Parkway in Summerville, SC 29485

  • This is still very preliminary. Final size and features will depend on funds raised, with flexibility built into design to scale responsibly while preserving core ministry priorities. Our property steering team is currently moving forward with “option B” building design at a little over 18,000 SF.  This step allows us to continue planning site design and building permit concurrent with fundraising efforts.

Giving & Participation

Every gift – large or small - is an act of obedience and meaningful investment in the future of Summerville Methodist Church.  Together, these commitments make possible what no one could accomplish alone.

  • Your commitment is a faith estimate, not a contract.  You can adjust it at any time if circumstances change.  Summerville Methodist Church trusts God’s provision and encourages wise, prayerful generosity.

  • Yes.  Gifts can be made through stock, donor-advised funds, and other charitable vehicles.  We encourage each household to consider these options in consultation with a financial advisor as they discern their response.

  • Our Campaign Data Leader is responsible for inputting and tracking pledges into Bloomerang, a comprehensive donor management software specifically designed for nonprofits.  This individual works in the financial services industry and strictly adheres to privacy guidelines. Our Campaign Consultant and Capital Campaign Chairman track overall campaign progress but not people’s personal pledge amounts.  Everyone involved is committed to the utmost confidentiality.  Our commitment is to keep your giving private and confidential.

Leadership & Accountability

  • The project is overseen by Summerville Methodist Church Core Leadership Team and the Capital Campaign Chairman.  More specifically, we have formed a Property Steering Committee to oversee the building side of the project and a Capital Campaign team to oversee the pledge process.

  • Financial oversight includes staff leadership, a financial oversight team, and Core Leadership Team review.  Major decisions are guided by approved priorities and financial principles.

  • Leadership is authorized to make necessary project adjustments if they remain within the approved ministry priorities and financial framework of the original congregational vote.  This allows flexibility without repeated meetings.

  • Summerville Methodist church will provide regular updates through services, Town Halls, and online resources as the project progresses.