Dear Strawbridge family:

This past Sunday, August 24, we held the groundbreaking celebration for our new building, signifying the start of major construction works. Participants in the first shovel ceremony were, left to right in the photo above: John Swank – Church Council Chair, Bill Koerner – Project Manager for Strawbridge UMC, Shirley Astwood - Chair of Trustees, Rev. Dr. Todd Jordan – Senior Pastor, David Klosterboer – Co-Chair of the Capital Fund, Jose Fernandez – Merriman Holt Powell Architects, Glenn Woo – Vice President, Mission Constructors, Inc., and Brandon Perry – Vice President for Loans, Texas Methodist Foundation.

We are deeply thankful for the loans made on favorable terms by members who wish to remain anonymous. All financing is now complete, and the loan proceeds ($2.05 M in total) are on deposit with the Texas Methodist Foundation (TMF). TMF will also provide construction finance to bridge the timing difference between spending and completion of the capital campaign.

Mission Constructors, our prime contractor, wasted no time and finished fencing the

area yesterday (Monday, August 25). Tree removal is scheduled to begin today with foundation work to follow shortly thereafter. In addition to the area for the new building, unfortunately we will have to clear some trees in front of The Great Hall and The R.E.C. Center so we can install underground storm water detention facilities.

Apart from the loss of parking for the construction yard, we anticipate minimal impact on our ministries and mission between now and completion of the building scheduled. Construction traffic will use the Kingwood Drive entrance and the temporary road built behind the Sanctuary. And an alternate path to the rear playground, along with a high temporary wall, will allow continued use of the rear playground by Bright Beginnings Learning Center (BBLC). We appreciate those who are willing to park on Willow Terrace Drive and nearby streets to alleviate the parking shortage.

As always, Bill Koerner will be happy to answer your questions via email at

bill.koerner@gmail.com.

Peace and blessings,

The Embrace the Spirit Team

Strawbridge UMC