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Renovation Update
Mike Tyson, the former world champion heavyweight boxer, was once asked this question before a fight, "Mike, your opponent has had the opportunity to study all your films and has a plan to beat you. What are you going to do about that?"
Tyson replied, "Man, everyone's got a plan...until they get hit".
As explained in a previous letter to the congregation, Faith has been planning for more than a decade to meet the needs of a growing congregation. But then, Lee County 'got hit' by the recession.
At a special session meeting on Wednesday, August 29th, Session voted to move forward with detailed construction design drawings through permitting. This design process takes approximately six months and, should the way be clear, would enable us to begin construction following Easter.
At the October 28th Fall Meeting of the Congregation, full details of the project will be presented for the advise and consent of the congregation. This is consistent with the promise the Session made to the congregation in 2009. At that time, it was determined by congregation vote that the sanctuary expansion component of the project would be put on hold pending completion of the Faith Center project phase in 2009 and brought back to the congregation for reconsideration after approval by Session. Briefly, I want to share the following priorities for moving forward:
(1) The first priority is the 2012 operating budget. 2012 receipts are about even with 2011 receipts, but our expenses have increased, including a $40,000 increase in insurance. Faith has been very generous in supporting special projects (children/youth, We Care, etc.) and we have healthy reserves in our 'special funds' - but we have a shortfall in the operating side. While most churches have a 'summer slump', it should be obvious that if we cannot meet our current operating needs we will not move forward.
(2) Second, renovate the fellowship hall wing - this includes converting the narthex and parlor (now temporary seating) into permanent seating, new bathrooms, visible nursery, and new main entrance. Given the sensitivity to the current economy, this will be a pay-as-you-go project; we will not incur any additional long term debt. Fellowship Hall, and not the Sanctuary, is the priority because by focusing on FH we achieve 90% of our need for increased seating at 50% of the cost.
(3) Third, retire the debt from the Faith Center. Currently we have a favorable interest rate and the congregation has done well in meeting, even exceeding, the monthly mortgage payments.
(4) Fourth, renovation of the sanctuary (including fire, electric and HVAC) requirements.
I commend the Session - they prayerfully sought a solution that would meet our needs given the economic circumstances in which we live.
Sometimes, being bold does not require a 'leap of faith', it only asks you to take the first step!
Again, everything will be presented for congregational approval at the October 28th annual meeting, but I wanted to give you this information now.
In faith,
Pastor Tim
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