Building Update June 28th

June 28th

On Sunday June 22, I shared a brief update on Cornerstone’s building project. Construction documents are in their final week of preparation. Bids for the site work were being let out in June. Construction bids are expected to be out by mid-July. Then, we will have a more accurate picture by the first or second week of August as to the final plan and cost.

We do know that the bidding market has never been better with the sagging construction industry. However, the material costs of steel and glass are rising quickly and linked to oil prices. After the various leadership teams of the church have studied the final plans and costs, a proposal will be placed before the members for vote to move forward.

The end of May marks one full year of Footsteps of Faith financial giving toward the project. Cornerstone has given $1.3 million of the $3.3 committed. Your generosity is to be commended. Our giving to Footsteps is slightly ahead of commitments made last year.

About 20% of Footsteps giving has come from unpledged or newcomers to Cornerstone since May of 2007. You believe in what we’re trying to do. Our giving to the regular Ministry budget has been about 4% behind where we anticipated it would be to date. We’re keeping a close watch on expenditures, stewardship, and how that will impact vital ministry.

I hope that you are continuing to make this project a matter of daily prayer. I anticipate we will proclaim a church-wide fast some time in July so that we can unite our hearts around this task.

Our goal is to avoid debt that would hinder ministry. We want to model as a church the same principles that we teach our people in regard to margin in our finances and stress levels.

We do know that the need for more room is great even though summer attendance sometimes doesn't reflect that. But when fall arrives, we look forward to continued growth as we invite people all around us to become followers of Jesus. We must make room.

Thank you for your commitment and unity - Brad.