If it is Saturday morning as you read this, then there are a number of folks working at our new location because today is: Demolition Day! We are tearing out walls and getting ready for the new build!
That makes this a good time to give an update to what’s been happening with our new location. This newsletter will be slightly longer than normal because there is so much to update on. I know this is important to all of you who have been praying and giving to our new building! We are in an exciting place.
We are currently aiming for a complete finish and move-in date around the middle of August. Now that we have all our permits, plans and contractor we are all set for our buildout. So many things have happened since our last update! But we are on our way!
As we communicated last time, the costs for the project rose significantly than when we first began this journey. We went into the project with a projection of about $400,000 for the buildout. But that was back in July and August of last year, and since then costs have increased for materials, plus additional requirements from the city that were unexpected. For instance, based on the occupancy of the building we needed to replace the fire suppression system, replace two air conditioners for higher occupancy and build a fire wall that separates the doctor’s office and us (the doctor – who is also the owner – uses 2,500 square feet compared to our 7,500 square feet of the building). All of those costs increased our total to $750,000. (When we got bids for building out the location we even received one for a total of $1.1 million to do! We didn’t take that bid.) All that to say, there have been higher costs. I know that is not uncommon, but it’s still disappointing.
In regards to our costs, we have been able to lower our costs by a number of ways but the two most significant has been that our air conditioning system is being supplied through a God-connection with an HVAC acquaintance we had who offered to help reduce costs. And secondly, our contractor is Rick Coblentz with his construction company, I-Build. (Side note: To stay above reproach with the finances, we have also put additional checks-and-balances in place to ensure Rick cannot sign any checks – which he’s never been able to do because he is treasurer – and we have made sure that every check/payment for our project is signed/approved by one of our elders. We have taken other cautionary steps to ensure accountability as well.) One of the blessings with Rick being the contractor is he can arrange for our own people for help with the project that keeps costs significantly lower. Additionally, he has over 20 years of involvement and care for our church as well as years of work in this field. This is all very exciting for us!
Due to the higher costs, we have needed to seek additional financial support for the project. Since our last update, we have had numerous people generously giving to the project which means we have had over $300,000 given to the project so far! We currently have approximately $300,000 that has been pledged (some already given) by people who have made an investment to the church building. (These are people who will be paid back over time.) And third, we have submitted for a loan to cover the final amount from our bank and hope to hear back from this any day. All in all, we have seen God’s gracious hand in supplying all that we need to allow the project to move forward!
I would be amiss if I didn’t update you as well to a challenge we have faced with our new neighbors. The two other churches that are sharing parking space with us are less-than-thrilled to have another church near them. We knew going in that there would be challenges with parking, which is their concern as well. We have counted out all the spaces available and have carefully considered what the maximum occupancy is for the three churches and believe that parking will be tight, but it will be doable. Nevertheless, the other two churches haven’t loved the idea of us moving in with them. I can certainly appreciate that, but we believe the Lord has made this clear to keep moving.
So this leads me to the final update and part for you to be a part of… will you pray specifically for us in these matters?
Here are ways you can pray:
- For the timeline of this project to stay on track for a move-in time of August
- For the final dollars needed for completion of the building to come in
- That we will be found with favor with our neighbor churches, that there will be no “parking wars” with them
- That the workers on our project will be diligent and skilled in all that they do
- That the surrounding homes will be drawn to a Gospel-centered church like ours
- That we will see the Lord’s hand at work as we move forward in faith that He has led us here
These are exciting times for us church! We are nearly there – nearly at our own place unlike ever before in the nearly 25 years as a church!
We are watching God at work! I thank God for that!
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