Dear Strawbridge family:

Following approval at the Church Conference last October, our building and renovation project continues to progress as planned:

• Permitting by the City of Houston is in progress – all first-round comments have been received and are being resolved.
• The total cost of the project is now estimated at $5.8 million (up from $5.1 million), reflecting the following updates: - Construction cost increased from $4.0 million to $4.3 million – primarily due to the realization that we need a fire sprinkler system for the new building and to relocate existing AC units. Deletion of the bathroom renovation in the existing toddler classrooms offset other changes including extending the project schedule to minimize impact on BBLC’s schedule, - Current cost uncertainties, including the effect of tariffs, warrant inclusion of an additional cost contingency of $0.43 million (10% of construction cost).

• The schedule remains as planned – early works including re-roofing existing buildings in July/August 2025, groundbreaking for the new building in September, with renovation of the children’s areas in Summer 2026.

• Terms for the member loan in lieu of selling lots have been finalized.

• A second generous church member has stepped forth to lend the remaining $1.3 M at zero interest! Specifics of this loan are being discussed – it is likely that we will not require a loan from The Texas Methodist Foundation although terms for such a loan have been finalized for use, if needed.

All of this comes together for final review and approval of the details by a Charge

Conference (Church Council members plus our retired clergy) that is scheduled for Sunday, May 4 at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary. This final step following the overall approval received at the Church Conference held last October is in accord with the process defined in the United Methodist Book of Discipline. While only the official members of the Charge Conference may vote, this meeting will be open to any church member that is interested. The meeting will be chaired by our District Superintendent Rev. Elizabeth Duffin.

We look forward to fulfilling this phase of our vision to support our ministries and missions – sufficient adult Sunday School space, a dedicated nursery and improved security for our children’s area, more storage areas for missions, safer choir risers, and new roofs.

Our Architectural and Engineering Committee Chair, Bill Koerner, will be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can reach him via email here.

Peace and blessings,

The Embrace the Spirit Team

Strawbridge UMC