The response to our building project was exceptional!  We were happy to receive bids from 10 different general contractors.  We are confident that there are some excellent companies in the mix.  

The bids were all received within the final 2 or 3 minutes before the 2:00 p.m. bid deadline!  It was interesting to see how the process works right down to the wire.  Fun stuff!  : ) 

Among other details, the bids contained dollar amounts for the 20,000+ square foot sanctuary building, which will seat 1,000, and the 3,500 square foot children's preschool area.   Each bidder also specified the number of days to complete the project.

As planned, the bids were opened privately.  There were six of us present at the bid opening - three from COTR - David Naylor, Ryan Kirkpatrick, and myself, and three from Studio Architecture - George Winters, Geoff Parks, and Asa Highsmith.  Of course, I have also spoken with each of our board of directors and informed them of the bid results as well.  Each of them will continue to provide input throughout the process. 

Among other criteria, in making our selection, we will be considering the bid amounts, days to complete, financial strength of the contractors, previous experience, subcontractors, and specific personnel - such as superintendents, project managers, and field engineers.  We have already begun to schedule meetings to become more familiar with a few of the bidders and to differentiate among the best bidders.    

As we mentioned during Sunday service recently, it will take a little time before we will be in a position to announce more details. But, I can say that we were very pleased with the bids! It has become even more evident that God has orchestrated the timing of the bid.

Please continue to pray for wisdom and favor as we make our decisions over the next couple of weeks in particular.

Blessings!