A challenge presented itself as 2020 began and COVID shutdowns were imposed. The committee decided that it was not the right time to continue with work. However, they did decide to finish the plans and pursue development order (general permitting) of the plans (which are good for 3-5 years and renewable), so there would be no loss in the work or investment done to date.

A new challenge presented itself following the devastation of Hurricane Ian and the collection of estimates for needed campus repairs. The Master Planning Committee then reconvened to discuss the best approach, particularly regarding the Fellowship Hall.

The team discerned three possible ways forward for the building. First, we could simply repair the existing building and attempt to mitigate the water issues. Second, we could return to the work of the Master Planning Team in 2017-2020 and construct a new building and do significant site work on the campus. Third, we could do a major renovation/upgrade to the Fellowship Hall along with limited but needed site work on campus. After meeting with a general contractor, engineer, and architect, it seemed the most feasible and the best stewardship option to renovate/upgrade the existing Fellowship Hall with limited site work to address issues with draining, parking, and lighting. These plans were shared with the Trustees, Finance Committee, and Church Council. On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, a church conference was held, and the 80 attendees voted unanimously to move ahead with the major renovation/upgrade of the Fellowship Hall and limited site work.

• Increase seating in main Fellowship Hall seating from 125 to over 200 so we can have additional fellowship, large group space, and community service opportunities.

• Nearly double existing children’s ministry classroom space so that more children can learn and grow in the love of Jesus Christ.

• Add approximately 500 square feet of dedicated youth space so the youth can have updated small and large group space and invite their friends.

• Upgrade and add accessibility to all bathroom spaces.

• Add a fire sprinkler system to entire building for safety.

• Add an outdoor seating/fellowship space which will allow us to have outdoor fellowship.

• Add approximately 85 new paved parking spaces with campus site work which will allow for continued growth for worship, community events, like Trunk-or-Treat and Back to School Bash, and other larger fellowship opportunities.

Check out our first draft of what the expected improvements to Fellowship Hall look like! Please tap to zoom in.

These updates and additions will allow us to continue to move into the future by living into our mission and vision of radiating God’s love here, there, and everywhere. Cypress Lake UMC is in another season of numerical and spiritual growth. Our attendance numbers in worship, Community Groups, and age level ministries, like children and youth, are up over 25% in the last twelve months. As we celebrate 50 years of community impact and life changing ministry in 2024, we look forward to what God is calling us to do in the next 50 years with joy and anticipation!

Staff and lay leaders have stepped up to offer their time and talent to work on bring this project to fruition. We thank all those who have already made commitments to the Celebration of Hope and ask if you have not made a commitment, you would prayerfully consider it. Our office can help with any questions you have about ways to give. We are so thankful that you are part of this growing, loving, and serving community of faith known as Cypress Lake UMC. We are definitely celebrating the hope of Jesus Christ. The best is yet to come!