As we gather for worship in our building, our COVID Task Force continues to meet regularly to discuss safety protocols. We pay close attention to data on cases and vaccinations to determine what is best practice for our congregants and guests seeking spiritual renewal and connection. The team consists of the senior minister, three doctors, our church attorney, board chair, executive staff, faith formation leaders and our music director. Careful consideration and in-depth, thoughtful discussions result in regularly updated guidelines that foster inclusion and safety. Please check the website for our most recent guidelines.

We are excited about the progress on the Intergenerational Playscape and Accessibility Ramp. As you see, the ramp is complete and handrails are installed. Stanley Doors will be out soon to install Accessibility Buttons on the interior and exterior of both sets of doors on the south side of the sanctuary. We have never had door handles on the outside, only crash bars on the inside for safe exit. Now, with the ramp we need a way for those using walkers and wheelchairs to access the building from the outside. Sandy Danforth and I are also meeting with Nature’s Perspective to get a handrail installed on the southeast sanctuary door. It is tricky to place because of the way the doors open, but it is possible. Meanwhile, children are enjoying the berm, running to and fro, up and down, rolling and scooting down just as we had envisioned. Last Saturday, many families showed up to make mosaics with Artist Indira Johnson. This Saturday morning we meet again to grout them. The stepping stones for the pathway to the labyrinth and the hopscotch are just beautiful. Children and parents impressed us with their creativity and the joy this process provided. Imagine that these little ones will walk on their artwork for years to come. They can look back on this project and recall the connectedness with others and the freedom to create. I too unexpectedly designed a stone next to the ramp. I will cherish that opportunity always. Next steps for the garden include choosing a focal piece for paved walkway and adding two sets of tables and chairs in their designated spots, as well as adding fairy houses in the woodland area and log benches in the children’s chipped play area near the ramp. Our hope is that this becomes a place for play and contemplation. Your generous Capital Campaign contributions made this happen.  

Inside work continues as the Lobby Refurb Team focuses on a new hospitality “Welcome Center” desk that will create a welcoming focus as guests and congregants enter the building. Furniture selection and flow are still in progress, We have some good ideas on our working plan that will create a family-friendly and beautiful space. Two new monitors were installed. One provides information for the day and the other information about events and activities UCE is sponsoring or involved in. The bulletin boards are taking shape. A new concept of a highly organized way of letting guests know who we are and what we are about is underway. This method helps newcomers and congregants alike easily plug into what is going on, who we are and who to contact to become more deeply involved at UCE. The board is the lobby are nearing completion, the ones in the wing hallway are still under construction. We are excited about this new approach and will have more information to share in a week or so.  

Our Sanctuary Cooling Team of the Capital Campaign Implementation Committee has selected a system after almost two years of study and analysis of various systems following an engineering report done at the beginning of this process. We did a multi-page concise summary to the Board of Trustees and one of two systems was recommended and approved by the board. In the spring, a split system will be installed to provide cooling in the sanctuary and south social area which will make our worship services more comfortable during hot weather and will increase our use of the space to the outside community including weddings and memorial rentals. 

You may recall my article about the south lawn rain garden study project by Northwestern University Professor Kimberly Gray and her students. This week, the rain gauges were placed. More information on the study and signage about the project and the rain garden will be installed out there in the months to come. It is impressive that of eight rain gardens they are studying as part of this federal grant, ours was one of two who were selected to have the weather station installed. They were impressed with our rain gardens, their functionality, and what they offer to gather good data for their study. This study will ultimately lead to more opportunities for urban rain gardens, particularly in underserved communities where flooding can be a problem.  

Sandra Robinson, Executive Operations Director