Dear Friends of Cypress

To those of you who have made that pledge to continue to help Cypress with its mission through the project called “Bold Journey”, - Thank You! None of this would be possible without your commitment and assistance and we will all realize someday just how much it really matters.  We will be having sit-down meetings to discuss the status of TBJ, presentations of the plans, and Q&A opportunities in the coming months.  
Below is an outline of developments over the past few months and what lies in front of us as we continue on God’s journey.  If things proceed on a normal course, at this time next year the Next Generation Ministry building will be more than a picture on paper – it will be occupied and functional.  We still need a few things to take place before that celebratory event – but I believe if we all pull together, we will do it!!
So again, I ask you to take a few moments and review this all-important update.  In addition, in doing so, please keep in mind why we are doing this – it’s not about a building, it is about becoming a source where children can eternally commit their lives to the Savior who loves them dearly.

Architect / Construction Management

The plan and documents are coming along.  The initial floor plan was drafted for what we are calling the “West Side” of the project. This is the area of building that will occupy the space from what is now the doors to the auditorium out towards McMullen Booth Road.  This area includes the entire “Next Generation” Building, the new atrium, new bathrooms, viewing room, and the kitchen.  It is within the “West Side” the first phase of TBJ will be built.  There is a small possibility the entire “West Side” will be phase 1 but that depends on a few logistical issues and more on financial issues.
            We have hired Greg Stock with First Florida Contracting Services for construction management of this project.  They are currently running preliminary cost estimates to help determine a cost schedule, time line for construction, and how much of the project will be able to be built during Phase 1.  We will also weigh out the pros and cons of building now in lieu of phase 2 on certain pieces of the “West Side”. 
            Negotiations with a civil engineer are taking place and soon should be finalized.  They will help go through the land surveys, wetland considerations, drainage, and sewer capacity issues – just to name a few.  This process will take a couple months to complete but is targeted to be done within the first few months of 2007. It is a long process and has to do with local governmental agencies including Southwest Florida Water Management.
During this time, the architect will still be finalizing plans – moving past the design and development phase (the second phase of five) into the actual construction document phase. This is when the blue prints will be made.
            As the time for “project bidding” nears – if you are a sub-contractor and have an interest in donating some of the work that is required, please leave word through the Cypress office or directly with Jim Gregorich, the Building Team Leader.

Construction Process

            The construction process is actually running a little ahead of our capital campaign drive.  As mentioned above, the ground break and completion of the new building can actually take place in 2007.  Currently we are on a schedule that will allow ground breaking of Phase 1 sometime during the second quarter of the year.  The current completion date for the building is the end of October or early November.  Now these targets are still dynamic and we will have a better time line as we move along.  However, to open our new Next Generation facility in the Fall of next year, heading into Christmas will generate a lot of excitement and momentum for 2008.
With-in the “West Side” will be the actual construction of Phase 1.  .  Before we can say phase 1 construction will consist of this and that – the construction managers will have to run cost estimates and that will have to be levied against our pledge total of $780, 000 and our actual giving on TBJ.  One piece that will be completed in its entirety is the Next Generation building.  Outside of that, there are integration portions that will tie our existing building and the new building under one roof.  The largest of this is the atrium.  If more of the “West Side” portion can be included under the first phase – it will be done.  If it makes sense to build more now at a cheaper cost than in a second phase – those options are being considered as well.  Of course, all of this depends on the amount of capital available.  In addition to the pledges, the Governing Board will consider short-term financing.  The remainder and everything to the “East Side” of the auditorium doors, (including the auditorium, administration building, and student’s building) will be completed in a future phase.

Financial Status

With finances always being difficult to discuss, let me start by saying that this is way more of a spiritual journey than a financial one.  There are those of us who have found it very difficult to keep up with the commitments due to life circumstances.  This is understood and we all know it happens.  We all need to pray and trust God and give.  God can handle this situation.  From personal experience, seeing your finances stretched is a way used to grow our faith.
Our current capital campaign does not end until March 31 2008.  The initial pledge amount back in 2005 was $780,000 and currently the giving amount through mid December is $365,300 plus some interest.  This is about 47% of the amount pledged.  If you have pledged an amount, you should have received a statement indicating where you stand in relation to your pledge.  It is important to note that the $780,000 is more than just the amount pledged – it’s the amount upon which our initial decisions in the above processes are based.  This is only the first phase of the project – there are other enhancements and modifications to come.  The amount left after phase 1 will be a larger price tag and that’s why it’s imperative we make smart choices and stretch the capital we have today. 
The consideration of short-term financing comes as an aid to cover the gap that will exist between the possible completion date of late 2007 and the end of our capital campaign of March 31, 2008.  It has always been the vision of Cypress Leadership to have TBJ funded solely on pledges and giving within the congregation.  The financing is a plan to pay Cypress’ debts on time to the construction creditors and still give the congregation time to meet their pledge amounts in the months following.  To date the amount of the financing has not been determined – that will come after more cost estimates are made available. 
In closing, I want to thank all of you for your support and prayers, not only for Bold Journey but for Cypress as a whole, for the staff, and for those members you affectionately call friends.  Thank you for your time and the opportunity to serve on a staff so dedicated toward extending God’s grace to one and all.

In Christ,

Tim Walters
Executive Pastor