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A MESSAGE FROM ABBESS MELANIA (January 21, 2021)

On this day after the inauguration of President Biden, we are reminded of Chuck Colson’s oft-repeated phrase,
“Salvation does not come on Air Force 1.” So, whether we’re grieved or gladdened by the results of the recent election,
that does not change the most fundamental truth - CHRIST is our salvation. And if our country is to be saved,
it will be through Christ touching our hearts and giving us the grace to speak the truth in love
so that we may grow up in all things into Him (cf Eph 4:15-16). May it be so!

Thank you for your support on Giving Tuesday, 2020!

Dear Friends, we were simply astonished at your loving generosity on Giving Tuesday. After such a difficult year, the sisterhood felt it important not to ask too much of our extended community, knowing how many individuals and families both in our country and other places in the world, are struggling. We thought perhaps it would take us most of the month of December to reach our $10,000 goal -- and then you matched it within a matter of hours! Not only matched it, but far surpassed that goal. Your love and support humble and strengthen us! We give thanks to God for you, and for the love that surrounds all of us in His hands.

May you receive the fruits of your gifts multiplied a hundredfold, now and in the Kingdom of Heaven.

With love in Christ,

Abbess Melania and the sisterhood

August 2020 Campaign a HUGE SUCCESS!

Thanks to your generous support, our
August 2020 St. Nicholas House RELAUNCH Campaign
has been a huge success!
Our goal was to raise $10,000 in the month of August, each dollar of which would be matched for a total of $20,000. But you surpassed our hopes and expectations!
The donations made to the RELAUNCH campaign total $25,523.25 -- not including our $10,000 match! We have been humbled and deeply touched at the generosity of so many friends.
The grand total going into our Building Fund bank account from the fundraiser is

$35,523.25!

But that's not all...

We are equally excited to share the news that our close neighbors, Sara and Edward Kozel of Calistoga, have donated a lump sum of

$50,000.00

to our Building Fund. Sara is a member of our local Fundraising Committee, and she and Edward are very active members of the Calistoga community. We are honored and again, humbled, by their support and encouragement. Thanks be to God for the gifts He sends through such wonderful friends!

More to come...

We will continue working with our fundraising committee to plan additional campaigns and online events, so stay tuned! God willing, we will be able to gather together with friends again at the monastery in 2021.

$263,204.19 raised of $1,000,000.00

27%

Cost & Planning Details

The 2 story building will be 2720 square feet.

Our cost estimate of $1 million is based on $300-$350 per square foot.

($300 x 2720 = $816,000 ; $350 x 2720 = $952,000)

https://www.thumbtack.com/p/home-building-cost-by-sqft . This website shows some details of calculating building costs, and a "standard" home in California is tagged at $250/sq. ft.

Factors that raise our cost per square foot above the California average:

The building will be elevated due to proximity to the Napa River.
It will have a fire sprinkler system (mandatory).
It will have a small elevator (for handicap access to 2nd floor + transportation of groceries/kitchen supplies).
It will include two wheelchair ramps.
Windows and doors will be energy efficient and durable, rather than "cheapest available" (higher upfront cost, but long-term savings).
Exterior finishing matching Main House will be mixture of hardwood & shingles--more expensive than low-cost siding, but important for harmonizing the existing and new buildings.
Material and labor costs in the Bay Area have increased dramatically in the past two years because of ongoing rebuilding in the aftermath of local fires. We should expect cost/sq. ft. to be higher here than the general California average.

Local general contractor Paul Coates, a generous friend of our monastery, assisted by Thomas Stimpert, architect, have given of their time and skill over the last year to develop the plans for this building, and are committed to minimizing costs without sacrificing quality throughout the building process.