February 9, 2009

Dear Friends,

We are writing you to give you an update on the progress that has been made on the church building project.

In January of 2008, the church voted to retain the services of KBA Architects in Millville to design an addition to our church. We wanted the addition to include much needed classroom space, open fellowship space for dinners or other group functions, as well as a new kitchen. The ad-hoc building committee was asked to work with our architects to develop a plan for this new addition. After several months of revising floor plans, changing roof lines, and reviewing several options for our new addition’s exterior, the church approved a plan for a 3500 square foot addition in August of 2008.

With the major design decisions completed, the project was turned over to the church trustees to handle the construction phase of this project. The trustees have been working with our architect and engineering firm to finalize several small details about property lines, mechanical equipment, handicap parking, and others.

A final set of building plans and our engineering site plan were completed in December of 2008 and we are now ready to move forward with an application for zoning approval with Quinton Township. We are planning on making our zoning application before the end of February and to have the matter brought before the Quinton Township Planning Board in early March. Depending on the outcome of this meeting, we may need to have a hearing before the board to request several minor variances concerning our existing building. As we get nearer to the end of our zoning approvals, we will be soliciting bids from construction firms to build this building for us.

The estimated construction costs for the addition are $370,000.00. Your financial support for the new addition to the Marlboro SDB Church is deeply appreciated. Our finances for our new addition are progressing well. Using funds that have been donated to the building fund, money from our general account, and funds that have been pledged for the building, but not yet received, we will have enough to complete the building if costs are in line with the architect's estimate.  Continued support will be needed after the building is completed because of costs to furnish the building and to pay maintenance expenses, such as utilities.

Thank you for your support and continued prayers as we move forward with this project.

Sincerely,


Trustees, Marlboro Seventh Day Baptist Church