Religious Buildings Top 2010 Forecasts
As U.S. building market segments continue to struggle, there is a bright spot on the horizon for the house of worship market. According to the latest data released in January by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in its Consensus Construction Forecast Panel, religious buildings will be the top performing non-residential construction sector in 2010.

"The AIA forecast information is a breath of fresh air for product and service providers to the house of worship market, and to congregations who are considering a building project," says Brian Blackmore, publisher and editor-in-chief of Worship Facilities Magazine and Church Production Magazine. "With other markets reeling from the lack of confidence in the economy, the AIA data provides assurance that houses of worship represent a more reliable sector, with less volatility than other construction segments—something many businesses are looking for these days."

The Panel released the data in a report that includes projections of business conditions in the construction industry over the coming 12 to 18 months. Data is compiled from the nation's leading non-residential construction forecasters, including McGraw-Hill Construction, Global Insight, Moody's economy.com, Reed Business Information and FMI. The AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel has been conducted for the past 11 years.

For more information visit www.aia.org.

www.aia.org | www.construction.com | www.globalinsight.com | www.economy.com | www.reedbusiness.com | www.fmi.org

WFX Spring 09 Registration, New Spanish Offerings, Past Winners Announced
Registration is now open for Worship Facilities Conference and Expo – WFX Spring 09 in Long Beach, Calif. on May 13-15. WFX is geared toward teams of church pastors and leaders, technical directors and tech team members, and operations professionals. Attendees network with and learn from more than 2,500 attendees in 45+ conference sessions, and from 150 church-relevant companies on the expo floor.

New this year, WFX Spring 09 debuts WFX en Espanol with special programming for Spanish-speaking churches.

Hands-on technical training, sought-after keynote speakers, and local house-of-worship tours are among the offerings at WFX. Attendees will hear from leading church finance experts and others qualified to help church leaders make the best decisions throughout 2009 and navigate economic challenges.

For more information and registration, visit www.wfxweb.com.

In late breaking wrap up news for WFX Fall 08 in Houston this past November, Middleton, Wis.-based Full Compass, a professional audio, video and lighting seller, announces the winner of its "BIG Giveaway." The company's exhibit space represented a full worship experience, including a functioning performance stage boasting the latest in audio, video and lighting effects. The equipment was on hand to showcase some of Full Compass's top vendors, and attendees registered to win the stage package worth more than $60,000.

According to Full Compass, Graceview Baptist Church in Tomball, Texas, was the winner. Chris Chapel, associate pastor of praise and worship, reports plans to use the equipment to enhance Graceview's blend of contemporary and traditional worship styles.

Companies that contributed to the stage package giveaway are: Alesis; Manfrotto; Audio Technica; Marantz; Audix; Microboards; Auralex; Middle Atlantic; Canon; Panasonic; Community; Pro Co; Crown; Radial Engineering; Da-Lite; Raxxess; DBX; Road Ready; Edirol; Sennheiser; Elation; Shure; Electro-Voice; Ultimate Support; Furman; Ultrasone; Gator; Whirlwind; Intelix; Williams Sound; Kramer; and Yamaha.
WFX is offered by Production Media Inc. of Raleigh, N.C., and EH Events of Framingham, Mass.

www.wfxweb.com | www.fullcompass.com | www.graceview.org

Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC) in Evanston, Ill., designed by Ross Barney Architects, attained the highest level LEED certification for green architecture. The multipurpose facility features a vertical bi-folding door typically found in aircraft hangars. Photo courtesy of KR/PR Inc.

Midwestern Synagogue Nets LEED Platinum Certification
The Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC) in Evanston, Ill, a northern Chicago suburb, opted to tear down its existing building, rebuild and create a structure worthy of LEED certification for green architecture. Working with Ross Barney Architects, the synagogue achieved the highest level of LEED certification possible—LEED platinum.

LEED (for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), is a rating system designed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in Washington, D.C., for evaluating environmentally sustainable construction.

The new JRC Synagogue represents its congregation's commitment to the healing of the world through congregational education, activism and advocacy.

The project broke ground in October 2006, and by 2008 the first services were held in the $8 million, 31,600-square-foot facility. As the synagogue's website states, part of the building process was raising the needed funding and continually evaluating LEED status.

The result is a steel-frame building that fits in with the LEED criteria, the synagogue's neighborhood and its mission. On the aesthetic side, the building features glass and stone imported from Jerusalem, as well as reclaimed cypress wood.

Some energy saving features of the building include:

1. 47% of all materials used were manufactured regionally within 500 miles.
2. The combination of HVAC, lighting, insulation and other energy-saving features of the building is projected to save 45% on energy consumption compared to a conventional building.
3. Energy Efficient Zoning System: Each room has a separate thermostat and a variable air velocity box to deliver warm or cool air, designed so that air is only delivered as needed when a room is in use. The sanctuary can be cooled or heated only when it will be used, as well, and a central computer program adjusts the HVAC system according to anticipated building use on a room-by-room basis.
4. Integrated into the HVAC system, each room has a CO2 sensor to ensure that enough fresh, filtered air will be brought in to each area for a healthy oxygen level.

A unique addition to the building is a 53-foot by 15-foot Wilson Premier vertical bi-folding door that separates the sanctuary and the social area on the third floor, allowing multiple use of the space. The Wilson Premier is normally used for aircraft hangars and is rarely used for interior applications.

Carol Ross-Barney with Ross Barney Architects reports that the door is ideal for several reasons. "The bi-folding door turned out to be a lower coast alternative to operable partitions and it offers great sound separation," she reports.

www.jrc-evanston.org | www.usgbc.org | www.rbjarchitects.com

Fujinon camera lenses specified by MGA of Fresno, Calif., are helping members at Abundant Living Faith Center in El Paso, Texas, get a clearer view of their pastor.

Michael Garrison Associates Helps Texas Facility Attain High Definition
Abundant Living Faith Center (ALFC) in El Paso, Texas, recently completed construction on its main auditorium, doubling seating capacity to serve more than 3,600 members. As part of the upgrade, Fresno, Calif.'s Michael Garrison Associates (MGA), an audio, video and lighting design firm, specified Fujinon lenses for the facility.

Three Fujinon HA 18X7.6ERM-M Premier Series ENG HD lenses are mounted on Thomson Grass Valley DMC 1000 cameras.

The lenses are positioned at a midpoint in the auditorium and were chosen for their ability to capture crisp HD images and provide congregants with close up shots of the pastor.

According to Jimmy Salas, lighting and video director for ALFC, the lenses excel in this requirement. "When you consider the size of the auditorium, getting good close-ups to project on the screens is very important," he says. "Our center screen is 31 feet long, which demands a high-quality camera system and lenses. Thanks to the new video system, our church members can connect better with the pastor's message because they can truly see his emotion and the passion of his message coming through in the shot."

A portion of ALFC weekly services are recorded for broadcast Sunday mornings on an El Paso FOX affiliate.

www.mga.us.com | www.fujinon.com | www.alfc.com

Scott Reitsma, Senior Vice President – Ministry Development Group, Christian Community Credit Union, San Dimas, CA

A Financial Q&A with Scott Reitsma
"We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future." That is the sentiment expressed by Scott Reitsma, senior vice president – ministry development group, with San Dimas, Calif.-based Christian Community Credit Union when Worship Facilities Newsbyte caught up with him this month. The 52-year-old, not-for-profit cooperative has a history of serving the financial needs of its member ministries. Read on to see the questions we asked on our readers' behalf, as well as Reitsma's expert advice.

Newsbyte: When was Christian Community Credit Union founded, and what is its mission?

Reitsma: At Christian Community Credit Union, we focus on building God's kingdom by helping individual and ministry members manage their money in a God-honoring way. We provide a safe and profitable place for them to save. A place where their money provides affordable financing to growing churches. A place where those they serve with can find the home loans and consumer loans they need. A place where every time a member uses their Christian Community Credit Union credit card, a portion of their transaction is donated to missions. We exist to serve our members, not profit from them.

Newsbyte: What advice do you have for churches that have a stalled building project? When does a church leader know that it's a safe time to move forward?

Reitsma: Today, we often view prudently delayed projects simply as excellent opportunities to help our ministry members to maximize returns on their building funds and capital campaign funds [particularly through our current Kingdom Builder promotion] ... until the economic climate improves and is better suited to a successful building project.

Newsbyte: How much money should the average church put aside to see it through tough times, whether they come from financial recession or from, say, weather events such as a hurricane or tornado?

Reitsma: Much like the prudent reserves we have routinely been encouraged to maintain in our personal finances, prudent cash reserves are advisable for churches—even in the most prosperous of times. Formerly, during routinely stable economic conditions, we recommended that churches and para-church ministries maintain a cash reserve equal to at least 60-90 days of expenses. Reserves were intended to help bridge the mismatch commonly found between the daily in-flow of cash (income) which seldom perfectly matches with the daily out-flow of cash (expenses). Sometimes, expenses precede income unexpectedly. Some churches & ministries have successfully utilized a combination of 'unrestricted' cash reserves and lines of credit to manage their reserve needs in a healthy way.

Today, our answer must necessarily be different. The current economic circumstances represent a historically unique environment within which to ask ourselves the old question: How much is enough? Our answer today is predictable … always, just a little more! Your unique history is probably the best tool to help anticipate appropriate reserve levels for your church. Take a look at the past several years of financial statements to determine the normal (reoccurring/predictable) operating expenses; then isolate those expenses associated with the replacement of capital improvements. Make some reasonable projections regarding additional capital expenses that can be reasonably expected in the future, and set up a reserve mechanism for saving and funding those as they occur.

Finally, perform a review of the ministry's prior practice of dealing with unexpected expenses, such as new missions or ministry opportunities … (perhaps we'll coin the label "opportunity reserve" for these inevitable situations)…perhaps the church should build reserve for them as well. Adding these three categories together will provide a good estimated cash reserve target that will feel less like a 'shot-in-the-dark.' Now, add just a little more…

The important point is this: If your church does not currently have adequate cash reserves available, immediately begin to develop a plan to reach your 'target reserve balance' over a reasonable period. Above all, do not ignore the prudent stewardship of reasonable cash reserves.

Newsbyte: How does Christian Community Credit Union work with its clients in a way that's different from other financial institutions? Please provide an example or two.

Reitsma: At Christian Community Credit Union, we do business on a higher level. Deposits at Christian Community Credit Union yield a very special return. Our tagline, 'Your Money at Work Building God's Kingdom,' simply describes what we do as a financial institution and why we do it with great pride and satisfaction. Operating a Christian credit union means that we do everything we can to make banking simple and convenient, so that individuals and our church and ministry members can focus on helping to build God's Kingdom.

The money that Credit Union members deposit into their accounts helps provide affordable financing to churches for new buildings, expanding worship facilities or classrooms, or purchasing property. These loans make it possible for them to better serve their members and communities. The Credit Union has donated more than $2.5 million to ministries through our 'Cards that Give to Missions and Ministries' program. The Credit Union's checking, savings and investment plans also help our members be better stewards of their finances.

There's a difference between banking at Christian Community Credit Union and a large, publicly-owned financial institution or another credit union. Where else can you gain the personal satisfaction of knowing that your money is helping to change the world in a meaningful and spiritual way? 'Your Money at Work Building God's Kingdom' is a vital message that, more than ever, rings loud, clear and true. And as the Credit Union grows, more funds will be available for the financing of Kingdom-building projects. Members can take pride and a sense of satisfaction knowing that their money is helping ministries grow, expand and thrive. Come to think of it, it's an investment with eternal rewards.

Newsbyte: How did your company keep clear of subprime mortgages and the traps that snared some lenders?

Reitsma: In light of the current crisis in the financial markets, it is important to know that the finances of Christian Community Credit Union are in good shape. The Credit Union was not involved in subprime lending. We are thankful that God continues to guide and protect Christian Community Credit Union. As a result, we have a strong capital base. Though it is a tough time for other financial institutions, we are posting positive earnings. We have low loan losses and we pay good rates. And because the Credit Union does not issue stocks, our value does not depend on the rise or fall of the stock market. Most importantly, our member deposits are safely invested in a God-honoring way into the lives and ministries of our membership.

Newsbyte: What are some investments that member money goes toward; can you give our readers some concrete examples?

Reitsma: The careful investment of member deposits into the lives and ministries that comprise the membership of Christian Community Credit Union has provided us a great deal of protection. Following are only a few examples of 'Your Money at Work Building God's Kingdom':

Launch a Village Tribal Development Project, THAILAND
* Christian Community Credit Union's 'Cards that Give to Missions & Ministries' program pledges * $232,500 for 'Launch a Village' Tribal Development Project in Thailand

The Cause Community Church, Brea, CA
Purchase and remodel of church building
"Christian Community Credit Union gave us their best loan offer and 'moved mountains' to ensure the loan was completed. Their team provided exceptional service and understood the vision of our ministry. They were knowledgeable and extremely competent in addressing all our questions." Bob Reeve, Senior Pastor

Grace & Truth Church, Coram, NY
Construction of sanctuary
"In a very difficult financial time in our nation's history, Christian Community Credit Union was a Godsend. From the beginning to the end, the loan process was great. The Credit Union also made it very easy for us to set up our banking needs with them. It's great to bank with a business that builds God's Kingdom." Jim Lupis, Pastor

Crosspoint Chinese Church of Silicon Valley, Milpitas, CA
Purchased a multi-use building for a new sanctuary
"Christian Community Credit Union delivered what they promised. Everything was upfront and straight forward, and was fulfilled in the end. Their staff guided us through every single step and documents needed. They assisted us with patience, integrity and prayer. We sincerely appreciate and recommend their service." Andy Ching, Small Group Pastor

Iglesia Bautista Camino Al Cielo, Los Angeles, CA
Purchased a warehouse for new church planting
"Christian Community Credit Union is more than a banking institution. It's a ministry that promotes the Kingdom of God." German Galvez, Pastor

Newsbyte: In closing, do you have some positive, heartening financial advice to share with pastors and church leaders during these cash-strapped times?

Reitsma: Norman Vincent Peale described his personal experience of the Great Depression in his book, This Incredible Century. Peale attributed the initiation, depth and duration of that historic economic cataclysm simply to fear and discouragement. Some argue that it was exactly that … fear that caused the most recent retraction and collapse of credit in our financial markets.

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America—they will be met." President Barack Obama, 1/20/2009

Few of us (even those of us experienced with financial backgrounds) can look into the near future of our current economy with the same degree of absolute certainty suggested by our President's speech. Nevertheless, we have a much earlier historic precedent upon which to rely in order to give close attention to Dr. Peale's suggestion:

7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:7-9 (New International Version)

Simply put…while we may not know exactly what the future holds-we do know who holds the future. And we are His.

www.mycccu.com