Dear Strawbridge family:

Interior work on the new building is very nearly complete, as can be seen in the photo above showing the reception area. Our current focus is on finalizing all permits with the City of Houston so we can obtain an occupancy permit, which we expect to have as early as later this week. Until then, entry to the new building is limited to those with a need to work on mounting TVs and whiteboards, and those planning for the move in in May. 

This Sunday will be our “soft opening,” as some classes begin to move in! The Student Ministry will occupy their new space upstairs in the new building, including classrooms 267, 269, and 271. Some adult classes – God’s Garden (upstairs in Room 264) and Open Book (downstairs in Room 165) – will meet in the new building also. Our Advent Class will begin meeting in Room 151, their temporary home.

While we finalize the permits and landscaping outside the building, our focus now shifts to the renovation of the first floor in the existing building's Education wing. This will begin on or about May 18 after the BBLC school year ends. These renovations will temporarily affect how we carry out our ministries and missions through the end of September - when all work is planned to be complete. But rest assured, our leadership has plans to minimize these impacts. 

During this new renovation phase (from mid-May through the end of September) you should know that:

• Many of our Sunday School classes will be in either a temporary meeting place or a new, permanent room – stay tuned for those dates and locations!
• Starting Monday, May 18, the primary entrance to the building will be through the Narthex, especially for weekday use, as the Office/Admin lobby entry will be closed. Note: The Church Office will be open but access may be limited.
• Meetings in The Great Hall and Library and some other rooms will be moved to the new building. Access to the second floor will be primarily via the stairs in the new building.
• We will not have access to the elevator for a few weeks starting in late-May. More details to come as we learn exact timing.
• The R.E.C. Center and Kitchen will also be closed due to the renovation construction causing obstructed access and the need for temporary furniture storage space (in The R.E.C. Center.)

As Pastor Todd has expressed, we will all have the opportunity to stay flexible and positive throughout this upcoming season of renovation. Regular updates will be provided as information evolves via our usual weekly emails. If your group or class has a need or concern, please make sure that the teacher or leader contacts Irene Salinas, the church Administrative Assistant, at irene.salinas@strawbridge-umc.org for more information.

We also want to share our deep appreciation for everyone who has already been at work to help with these changes – moving furniture, installing fixtures, communicating next steps, and praying for the people of Strawbridge. Thank you for your hopefulness, service, and patience!

If you have any further questions about the moves and how that might impact ministry and mission, please contact the Rev. Josh Hale, Executive Associate Pastor, via email at josh.hale@strawbridge-umc.org; and as always, questions regarding the project may be directed Bill Koerner, Project Manager, will be happy to answer any related questions via email at bill.koerner@gmail.com.

Peace and blessings,

The Embrace the Spirit Team

Strawbridge UMC