August 2018
Building God’s Kingdom Update
Groundbreaking Ceremony September 23, 2018 12:00 Noon to 1:30 p.m.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church and School
Please join us for the official beginning of a new chapter in ministry at St. Thomas as we break ground for our new building and break bread with our St. Thomas community!
Bishop David Reed, the Rev. Chuck Woehler and family will be with us to help dig deep.
Prayers, Food, Games, and Celebration
Watch for important updates in our weekly newsletters and on the websites as we build hearts, minds, faith, families, and structures.
Please pay attention to our safety notes as we stir up the dust. While our school and church will be going strong, some temporary changes must be made to keep us safe. Thank you for your patience and flexibility – and your prayers.
Building God’s Kingdom Update
Groundbreaking Ceremony September 23, 2018 12:00 Noon to 1:30 p.m.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church and School
Please join us for the official beginning of a new chapter in ministry at St. Thomas as we break ground for our new building and break bread with our St. Thomas community!
Bishop David Reed, the Rev. Chuck Woehler and family will be with us to help dig deep.
Prayers, Food, Games, and Celebration
Watch for important updates in our weekly newsletters and on the websites as we build hearts, minds, faith, families, and structures.
Please pay attention to our safety notes as we stir up the dust. While our school and church will be going strong, some temporary changes must be made to keep us safe. Thank you for your patience and flexibility – and your prayers.
This Day in History at St. Thomas
This is in front of St. Thomas looking west on Loop 1604. What year was this? What will our buildings look like in 2032? What will we look like in 2032? How will we be sharing God’s love then?
This is in front of St. Thomas looking west on Loop 1604. What year was this? What will our buildings look like in 2032? What will we look like in 2032? How will we be sharing God’s love then?
June 2018
We are excited to unveil the updated design for the new building project. Foremost in our deliberations were the factors which originally inspired this project: a growing contemporary worship service, an active youth group, scheduling conflicts with the parish hall, lack of physical education space for school, adult meeting space, and limited space for events which include the entire St. Thomas community. While the exterior and footprint look slightly different, room sizes and functions have not changed since first presented on Rally Day 2017.
We previously announced that costs for this project came in higher than expected. Construction cost estimates came in at $4.3 to $4.6 million, exceeding our $3 million budget. We had a successful capital campaign, raising $2.4 million in pledges ($1.7 million of which has already been collected). The Building Team considered over thirty adjustments to the design, then presented a two-phase plan that keeps us in line with the original loan range, and the Vestry has elected to move forward.
We are excited to unveil the updated design for the new building project. Foremost in our deliberations were the factors which originally inspired this project: a growing contemporary worship service, an active youth group, scheduling conflicts with the parish hall, lack of physical education space for school, adult meeting space, and limited space for events which include the entire St. Thomas community. While the exterior and footprint look slightly different, room sizes and functions have not changed since first presented on Rally Day 2017.
We previously announced that costs for this project came in higher than expected. Construction cost estimates came in at $4.3 to $4.6 million, exceeding our $3 million budget. We had a successful capital campaign, raising $2.4 million in pledges ($1.7 million of which has already been collected). The Building Team considered over thirty adjustments to the design, then presented a two-phase plan that keeps us in line with the original loan range, and the Vestry has elected to move forward.
Phase 1 is The Woehler Family Center as outlined in the drawings presented at Rally Day 2017, which will be built at a construction cost of $3.1 million (this price includes fixtures and furniture).
Some highlights from the design are:
Phase 2 can be undertaken at a future date, which will include additional school/meeting rooms and relocating offices. We thoughtfully and prayerfully considered all options for this project and are confident this plan balances ministry needs and financial resources.
COMING UP
The first signs of construction you’ll see will be utility work. This includes digging trenches to lay utilities. We plan to start this in August before school begins.
Some highlights from the design are:
- When opened to full capacity the great hall/gym will seat over 500 people with seats auditorium style, and 400 people with banquet tables. The design includes a retractable floor-to-ceiling divider to break the large space into two smaller ones. This will allow half the room to be used for the contemporary worship service on weekends and adult meetings during the week. The other half will be used as the school gym during the week and could be used for other purposes on weekends.
- Bathroom access for school children when they are outside. This became a pressing need since removing the portable buildings meant the loss of convenient bathroom access. The bathroom configuration was adjusted to allow for two bathrooms with direct outside access - using space previously allotted for showers. Showers for events can be added in Phase 2 or portable showers can be rented for events/weekends.
Phase 2 can be undertaken at a future date, which will include additional school/meeting rooms and relocating offices. We thoughtfully and prayerfully considered all options for this project and are confident this plan balances ministry needs and financial resources.
COMING UP
The first signs of construction you’ll see will be utility work. This includes digging trenches to lay utilities. We plan to start this in August before school begins.
Building God's Kingdom Together
Gracious God, you have created us for community with Yourself and each other. Guide us as we grow and build. May we share Your love with our neighbors. Keep us steadfast in our faith and sustain us in our work. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Update May 2018
Since the previous communications at the Annual Parish Meeting and Episcopal School Sunday we have
· removed 3 portable buildings
· reviewed and checked several initial construction cost estimates which were significantly above our budget
· carefully discussed and considered a variety of plan adjustments to be good financial stewards
· interviewed general contractors and selected our general contractor to build
We are pleased to announce that Keller-Martin Construction will be the general contractor for our project. Keller-Martin Construction has a stellar resume, comes from a background of building churches, and is highly recommended by the diocese.
Next Steps
We are currently finalizing the construction documents and anticipate those will be completed by the end of May. Upon completion of the construction documents, the guaranteed maximum construction price will be established. During this time, the City of San Antonio will review, require adjustments, and approve the documents and issue building permits. It is our intent to break ground and install utilities before the start of school in August.
Gracious God, you have created us for community with Yourself and each other. Guide us as we grow and build. May we share Your love with our neighbors. Keep us steadfast in our faith and sustain us in our work. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Update May 2018
Since the previous communications at the Annual Parish Meeting and Episcopal School Sunday we have
· removed 3 portable buildings
· reviewed and checked several initial construction cost estimates which were significantly above our budget
· carefully discussed and considered a variety of plan adjustments to be good financial stewards
· interviewed general contractors and selected our general contractor to build
We are pleased to announce that Keller-Martin Construction will be the general contractor for our project. Keller-Martin Construction has a stellar resume, comes from a background of building churches, and is highly recommended by the diocese.
Next Steps
We are currently finalizing the construction documents and anticipate those will be completed by the end of May. Upon completion of the construction documents, the guaranteed maximum construction price will be established. During this time, the City of San Antonio will review, require adjustments, and approve the documents and issue building permits. It is our intent to break ground and install utilities before the start of school in August.
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Previous Building Updates
February 2018
Capital Campaign In Spring 2017, the people of St. Thomas pledged $2.4 million toward a new building project of $3 to $3.5 million. Contributions are being accepted over a 3 year period, from May 2017 to May 2020. At this point, 90% of those pledging have started giving. We have already collected $1.3 million! If you did not initially pledge, or are considering giving, please pray and ask, "Lord, what do You want to do through me?"
Building Plans The initial building cost estimates based on our architect drawings came in higher than our budget - which is normal. The building team is working with our architect, Lyndsay Thorn, and a general contractor, Keller Martin, to adjust building features and costs to fit our budget. We are committed to building space which will support our mission with good stewardship of our finances.
Calendar Some of the next steps we are planning for and anticipating:
3 Portable Buildings by the playground to be completely removed - Spring Break
Prepare the new athletic and play field where the former labyrinth maze was - March through May
Groundbreaking - late May
Construction estimated to take 8-10 months
December 2017
Look for the small flags outlining the new building and new athletic field!
The building team approved a landscape architect to prepare the Tree Preservation, Site Irrigation, and Landscape Plan.
We researched potential uses, costs to move, sell, donate, demolish, and clean up site for several of the temporary buildings. Several possibilities are still being considered.
We met with the civil engineer to review his findings on electric utilities, plumbing, soil grading, water quality, water drainage, fire protection, and aquifer recharge zone requirements.
Our architect will be working with several contractor professionals on cost budget estimates during the next 4-6 weeks.
November 2017
This past month, the building team discussed the land plan with our architect and civil engineer. We reviewed several options to move the current athletic field, because the new building will be built on top of that field. The athletic field will move to approximately where the labyrinth maze used to be. Based on our tree survey, few trees will be impacted. We considered water drainage over our entire land.
We updated our review of the temporary buildings, and will consider the potential revenue and costs to move, sell, donate, or demolish some of them and new potential uses. Because they are all over 15 years old, repair and electricity costs for several temporary buildings has been increasing. The 2 buildings in the back cannot stay for construction.
In discussion with our architect and building construction professionals, preliminary cost estimates will be prepared during December based on building drawings. The current design drawings are currently in the reception area of the administration building, and look for more drawings to be available soon.
October 2017
The Building Team has been working on several fronts. The second story building shell for future expansion was too costly. The total square feet of the overall project had grown too large – over 18,000 square feet. We then completed a detailed space planning project for each area of the proposed new building. Based upon discussions with the architect, several areas were reduced in size while keeping the functionality. The roof, air conditioning/heating, building accessibility, and exterior have all been adjusted. The current design is approximately 15,600 square feet.
A new 3D color drawing of the outside of the building and a more detailed floorplan were completed and shown in the Parish Hall at Rally Day. We have identified some potential general contractor builders experienced in church and school work here in San Antonio who are interested in building our project. As soon as more detailed construction drawings including electrical, plumbing, lighting and flooring are available, we will begin preparing for cost estimates and bids.
A common truth is that 3 factors are involved in many major projects: cost, quality, and time. As owners and stewards, we are able to choose 2 of those. We have been focusing on quality and cost. That has expanded the time from previous estimates. As many of you may know, more quality effort invested in analyzing decisions during the early part of a project usually reduces confusion and preventable problems later on. Any changes made after a certain point will increase costs and frustration. Considering the wonderful results of the Growing Together in Love capital campaign completed this past May, we are on our way toward wonderful new space for ministry which will be financially responsible for our St. Thomas family.
August 2017
Our civil engineer completed a land survey of our entire property including the lot behind the office building. We received good news in that the new building will only be 3 feet lower than the education building. A tree survey was completed to identify and measure all trees on the property. We will preserve almost all of our trees. The area of the pumpkin patch and former labyrinth has been cleared of rocks in anticipation of moving the existing athletic field. Our geotechnical engineers took soil samples down to 20 feet deep at the new building and parking lot areas. The results were very favorable.
In talking with our architect, we determined that building a shell of a second story for future expansion was not needed or within our current plan. Other than the new great hall/gym, everything else will be one story. That requires some adjusting of the roof and air conditioning/mechanical systems design. Stay tuned for more information!
February 2018
Capital Campaign In Spring 2017, the people of St. Thomas pledged $2.4 million toward a new building project of $3 to $3.5 million. Contributions are being accepted over a 3 year period, from May 2017 to May 2020. At this point, 90% of those pledging have started giving. We have already collected $1.3 million! If you did not initially pledge, or are considering giving, please pray and ask, "Lord, what do You want to do through me?"
Building Plans The initial building cost estimates based on our architect drawings came in higher than our budget - which is normal. The building team is working with our architect, Lyndsay Thorn, and a general contractor, Keller Martin, to adjust building features and costs to fit our budget. We are committed to building space which will support our mission with good stewardship of our finances.
Calendar Some of the next steps we are planning for and anticipating:
3 Portable Buildings by the playground to be completely removed - Spring Break
Prepare the new athletic and play field where the former labyrinth maze was - March through May
Groundbreaking - late May
Construction estimated to take 8-10 months
December 2017
Look for the small flags outlining the new building and new athletic field!
The building team approved a landscape architect to prepare the Tree Preservation, Site Irrigation, and Landscape Plan.
We researched potential uses, costs to move, sell, donate, demolish, and clean up site for several of the temporary buildings. Several possibilities are still being considered.
We met with the civil engineer to review his findings on electric utilities, plumbing, soil grading, water quality, water drainage, fire protection, and aquifer recharge zone requirements.
Our architect will be working with several contractor professionals on cost budget estimates during the next 4-6 weeks.
November 2017
This past month, the building team discussed the land plan with our architect and civil engineer. We reviewed several options to move the current athletic field, because the new building will be built on top of that field. The athletic field will move to approximately where the labyrinth maze used to be. Based on our tree survey, few trees will be impacted. We considered water drainage over our entire land.
We updated our review of the temporary buildings, and will consider the potential revenue and costs to move, sell, donate, or demolish some of them and new potential uses. Because they are all over 15 years old, repair and electricity costs for several temporary buildings has been increasing. The 2 buildings in the back cannot stay for construction.
In discussion with our architect and building construction professionals, preliminary cost estimates will be prepared during December based on building drawings. The current design drawings are currently in the reception area of the administration building, and look for more drawings to be available soon.
October 2017
The Building Team has been working on several fronts. The second story building shell for future expansion was too costly. The total square feet of the overall project had grown too large – over 18,000 square feet. We then completed a detailed space planning project for each area of the proposed new building. Based upon discussions with the architect, several areas were reduced in size while keeping the functionality. The roof, air conditioning/heating, building accessibility, and exterior have all been adjusted. The current design is approximately 15,600 square feet.
A new 3D color drawing of the outside of the building and a more detailed floorplan were completed and shown in the Parish Hall at Rally Day. We have identified some potential general contractor builders experienced in church and school work here in San Antonio who are interested in building our project. As soon as more detailed construction drawings including electrical, plumbing, lighting and flooring are available, we will begin preparing for cost estimates and bids.
A common truth is that 3 factors are involved in many major projects: cost, quality, and time. As owners and stewards, we are able to choose 2 of those. We have been focusing on quality and cost. That has expanded the time from previous estimates. As many of you may know, more quality effort invested in analyzing decisions during the early part of a project usually reduces confusion and preventable problems later on. Any changes made after a certain point will increase costs and frustration. Considering the wonderful results of the Growing Together in Love capital campaign completed this past May, we are on our way toward wonderful new space for ministry which will be financially responsible for our St. Thomas family.
August 2017
Our civil engineer completed a land survey of our entire property including the lot behind the office building. We received good news in that the new building will only be 3 feet lower than the education building. A tree survey was completed to identify and measure all trees on the property. We will preserve almost all of our trees. The area of the pumpkin patch and former labyrinth has been cleared of rocks in anticipation of moving the existing athletic field. Our geotechnical engineers took soil samples down to 20 feet deep at the new building and parking lot areas. The results were very favorable.
In talking with our architect, we determined that building a shell of a second story for future expansion was not needed or within our current plan. Other than the new great hall/gym, everything else will be one story. That requires some adjusting of the roof and air conditioning/mechanical systems design. Stay tuned for more information!
January 2017
The leadership teams for the building and upcoming capital campaign have met to plan and prepare efforts for this spring. We are seeking to honor God and bless others. We will be starting the capital campaign soon with more information and special communications ahead. Some exciting things are already happening, so stay tuned.
December 2016
Based on the results of the fundraising survey and recommendations by our consultant, the Vestry voted Monday November 21, 2016 to go forward with our building project. Detailed preparations are beginning immediately.
We are being called to new ministry. Imagine more: outreach to people in our community and beyond youth activities, education for school children and adults, healthy bodies, spirit and friendships through sports, changed lives from worship, education, conferences, and other events. Please pray and consider what God is doing for others through you, and through us.
The leadership teams for the building and upcoming capital campaign have met to plan and prepare efforts for this spring. We are seeking to honor God and bless others. We will be starting the capital campaign soon with more information and special communications ahead. Some exciting things are already happening, so stay tuned.
December 2016
Based on the results of the fundraising survey and recommendations by our consultant, the Vestry voted Monday November 21, 2016 to go forward with our building project. Detailed preparations are beginning immediately.
We are being called to new ministry. Imagine more: outreach to people in our community and beyond youth activities, education for school children and adults, healthy bodies, spirit and friendships through sports, changed lives from worship, education, conferences, and other events. Please pray and consider what God is doing for others through you, and through us.
November 2016
"For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building. By the grace of God given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:9-11
"I am the church. You are the church. We are the church together." - song from childhood
I saw a sign the other day which read "the church has left the building." It reminded me of the song we sang years ago. And it is true, St. Thomas is "us".
We are considering writing a new chapter, one which replaces old temporary buildings which are beginning to fall apart, one which provides improved space for what we are already doing, and one which provides new capabilities for future ministries which God will show us. Physical buildings are tools we can use. Birth and new life can bring faith, excitement, courage, trust, perseverance, and joy. And yes, there is some pain and hard work which may lead to doubt, fear, and worry. We are on the threshold of choices.
Please pray and consider how you will choose for yourself, and how Chuck and the leaders of St. Thomas will choose for us - and for those who will follow in our footsteps.
October 2016
In considering a multipurpose hall/gym, new youth and meeting rooms, here is where we are:
Almighty and ever living God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for our parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
August 2016
Due to the health, growth, and outreach here at St. Thomas, these priorities have been identified by the vestry and staff:
CHALLENGES and VISION
SOLUTIONS
NEXT STEPS
WHY NOW
What will we do with the resources and gifts we have been given – for our neighbors, those who visit us, those who will come after us? Please continue to pray for God’s direction, spirit, and love, and our listening, courage, decision, action, and perseverance.
"For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building. By the grace of God given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:9-11
"I am the church. You are the church. We are the church together." - song from childhood
I saw a sign the other day which read "the church has left the building." It reminded me of the song we sang years ago. And it is true, St. Thomas is "us".
We are considering writing a new chapter, one which replaces old temporary buildings which are beginning to fall apart, one which provides improved space for what we are already doing, and one which provides new capabilities for future ministries which God will show us. Physical buildings are tools we can use. Birth and new life can bring faith, excitement, courage, trust, perseverance, and joy. And yes, there is some pain and hard work which may lead to doubt, fear, and worry. We are on the threshold of choices.
Please pray and consider how you will choose for yourself, and how Chuck and the leaders of St. Thomas will choose for us - and for those who will follow in our footsteps.
October 2016
In considering a multipurpose hall/gym, new youth and meeting rooms, here is where we are:
- In September, the vestry approved gift acceptance guidelines and established an endowment fund to assist with the building and long term mission of St. Thomas.
- During mid-late October, Richard Rogers of Horizons Stewardship will be personally interviewing some of us, and sending surveys to some others. The purpose of these efforts is to determine the level of interest, energy, and financial support for this project.
- In late November, Richard will present findings to the Vestry. At that point, we will discern what direction, adjustments, and next steps will be. We will have in place the ability to receive significant end of year building gifts before December 31, 2016. However, we would begin our parish-wide fundraising efforts in early 2017 at the annual parish meeting.
Almighty and ever living God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for our parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
August 2016
Due to the health, growth, and outreach here at St. Thomas, these priorities have been identified by the vestry and staff:
CHALLENGES and VISION
- Contemporary worship service has to completely set up and take down every week. Any Saturday use of Parish Hall disrupts music and worship set up for Sunday morning.
- We don’t have enough room in the parish hall for a meal or program with an average Sunday morning attendance or all families. We have to find other locations to host our own events
- Wedding, funeral, church, and school events sometimes create space conflicts with the parish hall and sanctuary being needed for multiple groups at the same time
- Recreation for youth, children, school, and adult programs is limited and weather dependent.
- Our youth group, adult groups and some school classrooms are meeting in 20 year old temporary buildings which are showing their age and not meant for permanent use.
- We do not have enough current space for existing study and outreach groups, let alone growing in these areas
- We are in a growing area of town with potential to reach many with God’s love
SOLUTIONS
- Build a new multipurpose building with a hall/gym combination
- Permanent stage and location for Contemporary Worship Service
- Enough space with room to grow for worship, dinners, events, and outreach to hold 400-500 people
- Frees up current parish hall for Saturday and Sunday events
- Gym/indoor soccer and recreation space for use by all and community outreach
- Include restrooms with showers for youth events, conferences, and community outreach
- Build new permanent, upgraded meeting places for youth, adults, and school instead of instead of old temporary buildings
- Frees up additional space for more adult meeting and study
- Reduces dependency on portable buildings
NEXT STEPS
- Architect conceptual drawings completed and presented to all for feedback – Rally Day and this fall
- Survey using church fundraising consultant expertise determine estimate of potential contributions – this fall
- Cost estimate of building
- Comparison of estimated fundraising revenues and costs. Determination of any debt, adjustments to construction plans
- Major decision point
- Fundraising could begin this winter
WHY NOW
- We already purchased the additional land needed to build (we are over the aquifer recharge zone)
- We are debt free, so taking on a mortgage of appropriate scope would be financially responsible. Interest rates are extremely low for a mortgage.
- The Eagle Ford oil boom has declined, so construction materials and labor are reasonably priced and available
- During the last 4 years, we have invested time, energy, and money to refurbish existing spaces.
- We are healthy and capable of this project
What will we do with the resources and gifts we have been given – for our neighbors, those who visit us, those who will come after us? Please continue to pray for God’s direction, spirit, and love, and our listening, courage, decision, action, and perseverance.
St. Thomas Building Team
The Rev. Beth Wyndham Dr. Debra Copeland Dan Wallace Kent Copeland Allison Newman
Milton Palmer Scott Perrin Amber Davidoff Stacey Isenberg
The Rev. Beth Wyndham Dr. Debra Copeland Dan Wallace Kent Copeland Allison Newman
Milton Palmer Scott Perrin Amber Davidoff Stacey Isenberg
This is a remarkable time in the life of our church and school community. We have an opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of people for Jesus Christ. We can do this by building and creating a place where adults and children can grow in God's love, knowledge, and faith to make a positive difference in the world. Not one of us alone can make this vision a reality. But together ALL of us can be the church and school that God is calling us to be. This is truly an opportunity to honor God and bless others.
A facility for Christian outreach, recreation and education...
- St. Thomas is blessed to have the critical need for expanded facilities that will allow for the growth of an active and dynamic congregation and school. To more fully serve God's purpose, we can create a new multi-purpose building with a hall/gym combination that will allow for:
- A permanent location for the Contemporary Worship Service and special events.
- Gym/ indoor soccer and recreation space for use by school, church, and expanded Community Outreach.
- A stage with auditorium or table seating for programs, conferences, meals, and receptions.
- New upgraded permanent meeting place for church youth, instead of an outdated temporary building.
- A new updated technology classroom, science lab classroom, and a much needed other classroom.
- An outdoor environmental learning space.
- Restrooms with showers for events, conferences and outreach gatherings.
- A new kitchen to help with school, church, and outreach events.
- More space to conduct adult meetings and study programs.
- Increased space to support multiple events at the same time to support our mission.
