Our Story
Abiding Presence Lutheran Church has been part of the Fuquay-Varina community since 1990.
From humble beginnings in living rooms and schools to a thriving congregation on Sunset Lake Road, Abiding Presence has grown alongside the town itself. Though many aspects of our life together have changed, we have always been rooted in God’s grace and committed to serving our neighbors with open hearts.
Timeline
November 1990 – Pastor Craven Ford and family move to Fuquay-Varina to begin developing a new Lutheran congregation.
March 21, 1991 – First interest meeting was held at the Fuquay-Varina Woman’s Club. Fifty-four people attended.
April 24, 1991 – First weekly Bible Study began in the Ford home.
May 5, 1991 – First worship service held at Fuquay-Varina High School with 166 attending.
September 8, 1991 – The Charter of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church is opened for signatures. One hundred and three people sign on this date.
October 18, 1992 – Date of organization of congregation.
August 1994 – Pastor John Weinbach begins as pastor.
July 1995 – The Congregation petitioned the Division of Outreach, ELCA, to build a church and was given approval.
February 1997 – Groundbreaking for a new building.
April 18, 1999 – Church building on Sunset Lake Road completed and dedicated.
October 2000 – A.P.P.L.E. Seeds holds first class with six students.
April 2002 – Pastor Jeffrey Ingold accepts call to Abiding Presence.
December 2005 – God’s House of Rock dedicated as new Youth Building
November 11, 2008 – Sanctuary and fellowship hall expansion completed
October 2018 – Rev. Dr. Keith Copeland begins as the intentional interim pastor
February 2020 – Pastor Kim Carlson is called as pastor.
August 2024 – Pastor Emily Graff is called as part time pastor.