That suggests a long term pattern, so why is that part only coming out in light of the financial issues? City building inspection records don't reflect any permits issued at the house last year. They created a cult like following of the pastor, who absolutely designed the organization to operate in that manner. The Churchs 2020 audited financials certifies that the Church utilized the PPP funds in accordance with their legally allowed purposes. $400,000) was used for the updating, repairs, and ordinary housing-related expenses such as furniture and landscaping. The complaint was time-stamped Saturday morning but only added to the Duval County online court docket after Tuesdays hearing was canceled. Sara Brady gave the following response on behalf of the Weemses: The Motion to Dismiss alleges that more than $1 million in PPP money went to fund Honey Lake Farms, LLC and to purchase Turncoin. He said he resigned because cannot be legally connected to any church in which the leadership abandons the clear biblical principles and spiritual qualifications for spiritual covering, spiritual authority, and ecclesiastical governance and oversight.. I just want a humble and hungry people to be around. The I-TEAM talked with a local attorney about what the newest court filing could mean for the Weemses and their businesses. The Celebration Church Jacksonville scandal is all about Stovall Weems telling that he met Jesus Christ on Good Friday and was surprised by his personality. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. He was installed to succeed Stovall Weems months before the legal battle was made public. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. Their initial lawsuit in March forced into the public what was intended to be an internal investigation by the Board of Trustees. The investigation found that many witnesses described intense personal anguish and pain caused by working for the Weemses., The investigative report said there were Office Hospitality sheets that were similar to over-the-top green room riders required by celebrities and that they reflected the Weemses immense entitlement and self-importance., Stovall Weems resigned from his positions in April. The Weemses filed a lawsuit for injunctive relief against Celebration Church. Its always been about the money, down to the precise timing of the services to get as many people in and out. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Celebration Church, one of the biggest churches in the Jacksonville area, on Monday released findings from an internal investigation into its founding pastor, Stovall. We believe that true life change happens in the context of community. We believe true life change happens in the context of community and we welcome everyone to experience this together, no matter what church you call your home! The 71-page filing repeated elements of the original complaint, saying Weemshad discovered misconduct by a trustee who spread lies about the pastor to convince other trustees to support his ouster. No criminal charges have been filed in this case. The church claims the Weemses used PPP monies to fund a business they managed and to buy cryptocurrency. We believe that true life change happens in the context of community. Previous coverage: Bank sues Celebration Church founders for $716,000 in business debts, credit card bills, Church founder leaves: Celebration Church founder Stovall Weems quits, vows to 'continue our ministry elsewhere', 'At stake is control of the church': Celebration Church, founder Stovall Weems embroiled in legal dispute. If you need help with WJXTs or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801. This standard is designed to help organizations obtain and maintain a governing body that enhances an environment of accountability, maximizing excellence in carrying out the Lords work and minimizing susceptibility to structural breakdown.. This story is another example of unchurchly. Suing to get your power position back, over a church? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hobby Lobby moved to Parkway Shops in River City Marketplace in 2015 and also opened a store at The Strand at Town Center. When a ministry encounters failureor even worse, scandalits difficulties can almost always be traced to a breakdown in governance, ECFA says in explaining Standard Two. 77.245.154.222 The church received $2,153,702 in federal stimulus monies which were later forgiven, data collected by ProPublica shows. He and his wife told News4JAX that they had nothing to hide., We reject the utterly baseless and false allegations made against us, their statement read in part. Celebration Church members have a right to know what is happening in their church and we have a right to be treated fairly.. Was this article helpful? Full Source is an e-commerce company that sells office, safety, industrial, janitorial and maintenance supplies as well as discount apparel. Sarah Einselen is an award-winning writer and editor based in Texas. The church paid just under $1.3 million for the home on Black Hammock Island in June 2021, about 50 percent more than Weems company paid for the home in February 2021, according to property records. Spokesperson for Stovall and Kerri Weems says funds were used for legally allowed purposes, Multiple large transfers to new for-profit entities that the Weemses intended to manage going forward, Churchs purchase of a parsonage (in which Stovall and Kerri Weems were to live rent-free) for $1,286,863.30 that a company solely owned by Stovall Weems had bought four months earlier for $855,000, Advancement of nine months salary to Kerri Weems and seven months salary to Stovall Weems in violation of Florida statute and the churchs own internal policies, despite neither Stovall nor Kerri Weems performing the duties of the offices that purportedly justified those salaries, Improper use of over $1,000,000 in PPP loan proceeds to fund the Weems-managed entity Honey Lake Farms, LLC and to purchase TurnCoin, an illiquid, speculative digital currency, (Copyright 2022 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved. Sherman, I went there for about a 2 years because I wanted to see what my grandchildren were being taught. So simply put, we sold our building to Full Source, will expand at the Arena, and will move our current functions happening at Deerwood Park there, he said. [1] and is led by Senior Pastors Tim and Jen Timberlake. This transaction was performed with full transparency and in line with the amount approved by the Churchs compensation committee. Sara Brady, spokesperson for Stovall and Kerri Weems, The News4JAX I-TEAM reached back out to Celebration Church to see if it had a response to the Weemses spokespersons statement on Thursday. At stake is control of the churchthe essence of a religious controversy into which this court is prohibited from intervening, attorney Lee Wedekind III wrote last week when he asked Aho to dismiss the case. In written answers to Times-Union questions, Weems's spokeswoman said Tuesday that the home needed updates when it was bought in February and that those had been "contemplated all along by all parties involved." Tim Timberlake was named Weems successor to lead the nearly 12,000-member church. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The Central Church Offices are open Monday-Thursday from 9am-5pm. The 2021 PPP funds were completely used up by the Churchs payroll. The churchs executive pastor, Wayland Wiseman, said in written remarks Tuesday that Celebration has thrived under Timberlake and the church doesnt plan to comment while its investigation continues. Neither allegation is true. Siebeling is a senior pastor at The Life Church, an ARC-affiliated Tennessee megachurch, and Volk runs his own nonprofit Together For Israel. The spokeswoman for Weems said the church's audited financial reports certified that the PPP money was used for purposes the law allowed. Global Senior Pastor Stovall Weems and his wife, Kerri, say in their lawsuit that Weems was wrongly suspended from his post in January after a trustee falsely claimed that Pastor Stovall was improperly manipulating and misdirecting the churchs finances., In reality, the suit argues, Weems had confronted the trustee after discovering fraud on the church and the trustee reacted by feeding the other trustees and senior church members lies and misinformation.. [1] and is led by Senior Pastors Tim and Jen Timberlake. He also took steps to remove other trustees a few days later, the suit indicates. Pastor Stovall and his wife, Kerri Weems, founded the Jacksonville church in 1998. Hey Rob. The church released a 22-page investigative report on. But Wedekind estimated more than 50 people worked at Celebrations multiple Jacksonville locations. Headquartered off Baymeadows Road near Interstate 295, Celebration has grown exponentially to include locations in Amelia Island, Orlando, South Florida, North Carolina and Washington, D.C., plus. The spokesperson also said PPP funds were not utilized in the TurnCoin investment. Church officials havent publicly announced the rift with Weems but prepared a statement for members who inquired that said trustees had placed Weems in not good standing while an internal investigation was done. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a15bd6698fd9b5e Celebration Churchcontinues to stand by the validity and authenticity of the board investigation, he said. Give me my job and salary back, even if you hate me? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Please send all questions about groups to info@celebration.org. After the employee delivered the car as demanded, Stovall Weems told him to find his own ride home, the report reads. We remain focused on advancing the kingdom of God., Spirit flight makes emergency landing in Jacksonville after fire in overhead bin, No charges filed in death of postal worker mauled by dogs in Putnam County, Local Weather: The heat holds as windy becomes the weather word Friday, Weather is 95% favorable for a liftoff tonight, but teams are keeping an eye on weather along Dragons ascent corridor, WWII Veteran celebrates his 100th birthday in Corpus Christi, 'Memories become treasures' | Family, friends pay tribute to Tristyn Bailey at 'Celebration of Life', Loved ones remember DMX at homegoing celebration. According to a recent investigation carried out by the Nelson Mullins law firm, Weems. Copyright 2023 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The motion to dismissalso asserted that more than $1 million the church received as a loan through the federal Paycheck Protection Program was used to fund a Weems-managed entity and to invest in a digital currency system. Cormier said by email Tuesday that the claims against him are baseless. We remain focused on advancing the kingdom of God.. $645,281 owed by Honey Lake Farms Inc. and guarantor Stovall Weems (loan and credit card accounts, plus interest, late charges and attorneys fees), $50,867 owed by Weems Group LLC (credit card No. Ministry Watch 2022 All rights reserved. The Weemses denied misusing the PPP funds and the other alleged financial missteps in an extensive statement to News4JAX. From hangouts to bible studies, meeting out at a coffee shop or in someones home we have a place for every person that walks through the doors of Celebration Church to connect in community and build lasting relationships with others. There are certain allegations regarding what I can best characterize as spiritual abuse.. Simply walk into the main office door and let the receptionist know you are there to receive prayer. In the suit, they allege trustees suspended Stovall Weems in retaliation for reporting financial misconduct by a church trustee and the churchs former CFO. In August 2011, a ceremony was held for its new location, a 7,000 square foot facility on 30 acres near 9A and Baymeadows Road. Examples listed on the ECFA website of conduct regarding use of resources that may violate Standard Four include: Tim Timberlake was chosen to succeed Weems as the senior pastor of Celebration Church earlier this year. Like many ARC churches, Celebration Churchs bylaws require overseers, who must be ordained pastors at other churches. However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts. Many of those older folks, like me, gave years of our lives to help grow that church, only to be pushed aside. Kim Roberts is a freelance writer who holds a Juris Doctorate from Baylor University. Toll free: (866) 364-9980, Gospel for Asia Files for Creditor Protection, MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT: Way Media Inc. (WayFM). Celebration Church is preparing to open an Arlington campus at the Regency Park Shopping Center in the former Hobby Lobby space. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. In addition to financial compensation, the complaint asks for court action "prohibiting the publication or republication of the defamatory narrative and statements.". The church was affiliated with the ARC as recently as last year. Other pastors dont spend much time looking after other pastors; it is the board and leadership that witnesses this every week. A hearing in the case is set for May 20, court records show. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? They appear to be nothing but a footnote written in sand and long forgotten. If you need help with WJXTs or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801. The spokeswoman said the Weemses never intended to get any money for themselves from that retirement fund. At that time, Stovall Weems said the church had laid hands on Tim and Jen Timberlake two years previously, naming them successors to the Weemses as lead pastors. Look up! Neither the PPP funds nor the Turncoin investment also had anything to do with Pastor Stovalls salary advance. Celebration is praying for a resolution for all parties involved, and is confident in Gods plan for the church and that ultimately the truth will prevail. From hangouts to bible studies, large format to small groups, meeting out at a coffee shop or in somebodys home we have a place for every person that walks through the doors of Celebration Church to connect in community and build lasting relationships with others. "I have and will continue to cooperate with the churchs investigation which has included the collection of documentation" about the claim, Cormier said. Stovall Weems was suspended from Celebration Church in January, according to the Weemses suit against the church. As thatinvestigation remains ongoing, the church does not intend to make any further comments about it at this time. The Asbury Revival Is Over. He said he was "heavily involved" when Lundstrom Ramsey "made the decision to close the Sisseton office." They said through a spokesperson that the price difference on the parsonage reflected extensive updates, repairs and housing-related expenses they had paid for before selling it to the church. When Is A Bible Translation Not A Bible Translation? He did not say how many staff members are alleged victims. It said trustees "were fully aware thatPastor Weems had not engaged in any misconduct" but "agreed with Cormier's seditious plot to banish" the pastor. Rizzo is the executive director of ARC and missions pastor at Church of the Highlands, another scandal-plagued ARC church. Renee Beninate is a Florida native and award-winning reporter who joined the News4Jax team in June 2021. View our Privacy Policy. The injunction said that trustee began feeding other trustees and senior church members lies and convinced them that Stovall Weems committed misconduct, leading to his suspension. Pastor Drew King, chief business officer of Celebration Church, said the church will open in the summer. Copyright 2023 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved, Lopez-Contera proposes Airport Industrial Park East, V Steak restaurant concept in Ponte Vedra Beach is on hold, Sugar Factory opening delayed again, citing permitting, Historic 323 E. Bay St. approved for $3.3 million renovation, Jacksonville City Council: A bigger Mayo campus, money for affordable housing and health care, honoring Jacobs Jewelers, Rooker sells Williams-Sonoma warehouse for $20.7 million to investor, Advocates, developer use Union Terminal to push statewide historic tax credit bills, After emerging from bankruptcy and the pandemic, Acosta rebrands itself as Acosta Group, Celebration Church build-out at $2.5 million for Arlington campus, Celebration Church building-out in Regency Park, Hobby Lobby leaving Regency Park for Parkway Shops location, Celebration Church adding $2.5 million Westside campus. The couples suit says the church was billed $18,000 per month as rent for a home Cormier owned that was being renovated and wasnt habitable. Copyright 2022 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved. A civil court hearing is scheduled for May 20. Asked for comment on the new filing, Wedekind said Tuesday he was looking into how that should be handled. It is so few because people want a relevant pastor and church. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Great! Create an account or sign in to your My Celebration Account to sign up! Stovall and Kerri Weems released a statement to News4JAX on Wednesday: We could never have imagined that the church we started and nurtured for nearly 25 years would be seized by individuals whom we believe are prioritizing their individual interests in power and money ahead of their duties to Celebration Church and its mission. Now the church and the Weemses, who are former members of ARCs Lead Team, are caught up in a legal battle even as an investigation is underway into the Weemses alleged misconduct. A hearing scheduled for Tuesday was canceled but new attorneys for the couple filed an amended complaint that said a scurrilous narrative and false and defamatory statements were circulated to discredit and humiliate them. Kim Roberts May 3, 2022. To donate, click here. It's big, with about 12,000 members who attend nondenominational services at around 10 far-flung locations or join in online. Depart from me you evil doers of iniquity for I NEVER KNEW YOU! Performance & security by Cloudflare. Connection and life change may take time and can be found in open, honest conversations. Click here and search groups under your location! Global Senior . Wedekinds motion to dismiss said that, in December, the trustees had learned of worrisome financial transactions including the churchs purchase of a parsonage from a company that Weems controlled. SEU JACKSONVILLE. Scandals have lately surrounded ARC-affiliated churches and even the ARC itself, arguably North America's biggest church planting organization. Groups that do have childcare options will have that listed in their groups description. No more needs to be said for a House of Hell reserved for. Pastor Drew King, chief business officer of Celebration Church, said the church will open in the summer. On both sides! Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The celebration.org site shows that Celebration Churchs main campus is at 9555 RG Skinner Parkway, in the Baymeadows area. Sarah Palin in a libel suit against the New York Times. 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