Asbury UMC breaks ground on expansion

Asbury United Methodist Church has broken ground on their new expansion program. On Sunday, May 22, 2016, hundreds of parishioners gathered on the site of their new expansion of worship space and recreational facilities. Most of those present brought a shovel, spade or trowel to turn over the dirt to symbolically begin the physical construction. 

The effort to build a worship space needed for their growing congregation actually began almost five years ago when the church began a strategic assessment and planning effort.  Also about five years ago, a new member quietly placed a single brick on Senior Pastor Kip Laxson’s desk with a note that said, “This is the first brick for the new building that I know we will need.”  At the ground-breaking ceremony, Rev. Dr. Kip Laxson held up this brick as an example of the faith that has led the congregation to take this major step forward in serving the community.  

Over half of the congregation now attending Asbury United Methodist Church are new to the church — having started going to the church since 2011. This growth requires more space for the congregation to worship. The new sanctuary will seat almost twice as many worshipers as the existing sanctuary.  

There will be additional space for all of the functions of the church including children, youth and adult activities. “The new space will let us welcome new people and serve the community better,” said Church Administrator Mike Gibbs. The new facilities should be open in the fall of 2017.

The expansion includes new recreational fields to support the church’s soccer program and summer camps and activities. The new fields will be available in the fall of this year. These programs are all open to the community.  

For more information, contact Mike Gibbs at mgibbs@asburyonline.org or at 995-1700.

— Submitted by Jeremy Huddleston.