Greetings Everyone,

We are in the final lap of our 2021/22 fiscal year. We are poised to have a successful year-end. Pledge statements will go out this week. If you have not yet completed your pledge payments for this year, please do so. This will enable us to meet projections for year-end. We have exceeded rummage sale and rental projections and are well on our way to a healthy financial recovery and start to the new fiscal year on July 1. Your generosity has kept UCE thriving. Not only is your financial support crucial, but your time and talents. Each of you bring something to this congregation that is valued and worthy. Thank you.

Rummage Sale was an incredible success this year. Not only did we meet our financial goal, we doubled it. Our planning team took a close look and a professional review of how previous sales had been done, what was successful, what was not, and took the opportunity post-closure to model a new refreshed sale and the changes worked. It is believed that containing the sale to one level and the new air conditioning in our sanctuary boosted buyer comfort and enjoyment, which encouraged sales. Guests were comfortable and spent time milling about the “department store” environment. Prices were increased this year, yet great deals were abundant. Grouping of small items limiting/eliminating items at 25 and 50 cents, increased income in each department and we had far fewer items at the end of the sale.

In last week’s newsletter we did a “Hats Off” for Rummage Sale, but we missed one of our very important department leads, Johna VanDyke. Johna did an amazing job of wrangling hundreds of pieces of art into a cohesive, organized hallway of delight. The art department was very lucrative selling almost $700 in the first 15 minutes. Even under difficult circumstances and not feeling well, Johna did a terrific job. I’d also like to give a shout out to our terrific small furniture team leaders Jinny Niemann and Kay Gibbs-Novy. Tory Bassani also had two special lead helpers Lisa Solomon and Joan Taylor. If we have missed anyone in lead roles, please let us know. It is impossible to list each and every worker whose contributions were invaluable.

Not only was Rummage Sale 2022 a financial success, but the set up and sale were so much fun. Everyone who helped has commented on how mellow and enjoyable their experience was. It truly was a community-building gathering of like souls who enjoy our annual rummage sale event. Some thought it might be time to put the old sale behind us and try something new, but thanks to our younger generation for reminding us they are still interested in keeping this long tradition going. Gillian Lawrence encouraged the planning team to look at new ways to make that happen. Gillian organized the children’s department and recruited help of families to set up and run that department. Gillian also took department heads recommendations on donations we should and should not accept into a well-organized and easy to follow instruction sheet.

Kudos to everyone who “Shared the Work” worked the sale, donated items, set up, cleaned up, and supported this effort. The well-used phrase “it takes a village” could never be more true.

This Sunday, June 5, is the annual church picnic. Everyone will have an opportunity to experience our new Intergenerational Playscape as we gather, grill, socialize and share in the dedication of the accessibility ramp so generously funded by the Woods family in memory of accessibility advocate and mentor Alma Woods. New accessibility buttons were just installed so that access to the lawn is possible for everyone. Thank you to Ruth Ormes-Johnson, Bob Mesle David Wiviott, and David Bates-Jeffreys for stepping up to be our grillers this year. Much appreciation goes to Robb Geiger and Woody Haynes for assembling the new Playscape furniture. Groups will be able to gather outside for meetings and enjoy the beautiful garden. A new fountain will be installed soon to provide audible and visual enjoyment.

Our rental program is growing once more. Baker Demonstration School has it’s graduation next week. PedalHeads bicycle training camp returns June-August. We have had several outside memorials, as well as music concerts, including Youth Choral Theater Chicago and North Shore Chamber Orchestra. Rentals are a key component in our budgeted income this year and next. It has taken extensive outreach and negotiations to rebuild this program. Not-for-profits endured losses, as we did during the pandemic closure periods. Our new air conditioning has been a good selling point for attracting summer events and weddings thus far. I will do more to market this new feature. As well, our multi-platform equipment makes workshops rental more attractive to renters.

On the expense side of things, we will incur repairs costs for the sanctuary roof. The wing roof was funded through the capital campaign and was replaced a few years ago. The sanctuary is showing signs of roof issues such as spalling, and a few leaks. Sanctuary roof repairs were not approved by the congregation in the capital campaign, but we now must follow through as we are experiencing issues. Three roofers are scheduled to look at the roof in the next few weeks. For every project in excess of $5,000, per board policy, we obtain three bids. We will choose the appropriate roofer based on scope of service, price and referrals. Our Equity Lens is applied to all construction project contractor choices.

Sandra Robinson, Executive Operations Director

Greetings everyone,  

Hearing Loop – Our next Capital Campaign project is underway. A Hearing Loop will be installed beneath our Sanctuary floors that will enable all who enter our sanctuary with a t-coil hearing aid to hear without the aid of our hearing devices. We are excited about this new addition to make our space even more welcoming and accessible for all who enter.  

Rummage Sale 2022 – We are rapidly approaching our longstanding big fun/fundraiser at UCE. Rummage Sale 2022 will take place Friday, May 20th from 9 am – 6 pm and Saturday, May 21 from 9 am – 1 pm. The theme is “Share the Work’. This means everyone joining together to help us pull this sale together with fewer volunteers and only one level of selling space. It is our goal to reduce excess unusable items that are donated by asking everyone to follow the “Donations Tips Sheet” provided for easy sorting of your items. 

Set up begins just after the Annual Meeting on May 15. We ask that everyone who can stay afterwards and help with moving chairs and setting up tables, as we “Share the Work”.  Just after set-up we begin to accept donations from 3 p.m. until. p.m. All clothing donations must be hung on hangers. This is important as we just don’t have the staffing to sort the many bags we received in previous years.  

We are so excited that we will have a “Boutique” featuring gently used higher fashion items and vintage wear. Shannon Lang has terrific ideas on how to set up this boutique in the sanctuary that will capture the attention of those seeking to find quality higher end shoes, clothing and accessories or vintage wear. Whether you are donating or selling, keep this in mind. You can refer to the Donation Tips Sheet for guidance on what she is accepting.  

Other departments are Art, Jewelry, Treasures, Adult Clothing, Children’s Clothing/Toy/Accessories, Housewares, Small Appliances, and Durable goods such as sporting goods and bikes. Again you can see this department and what is listed in the Donations Tips Sheet.  

If you have not yet signed up to volunteer, please do here. We need everyone to “Share the Work”. 

Renee Hoff and Jeanne Kerl have worked very hard to promote this event through publications, emails, flyers and social media. We expect big crowds. Meredith Haydon provided 50 yard signs, which have all been taken and placed in yards. Thank you to co-chairs Lynn Kendall and Margaret Schatz, and Department Heads Tory Bassani, Shannon Lang, Alice Chrostowski, Woody Haynes, Johna VanDyke, Gillian Lawrence, and Sandy Danforth.  

 Do all that you can to help us ensure success of this redesigned Rummage Sale 2022.  

Annual Meeting – Please join us in the sanctuary on May 15 for the Annual Meeting. Many important topics are on the agenda. Voting members have received packets with items we will be voting on. If you have not received that through email please contact Jessica Meis at Admin@ucevanston.org If you are unable to join us in person, you may do so online. Jessica will be sending voting members a link on the day of the meeting. Others can view on YouTube. It is important that we reach a quorum for voting on the 2022/23 budget, slate for board and nominating/recruiting, our value statements, a by-laws change and reparations statements. 

Church Picnic – We are looking forward to another All-Church Picnic on Sunday, June 5. If you have a charcoal grill to donate or for us to borrow for the day, please email me at srobinson@ucevanston.org If you are available to help with grilling on that day, please email me. We need three people and have one so far.

Greetings Members and Friends,

We are into the 4th quarter of our 2021/22 fiscal year which ends on June 30. The Budget Working Group of the Integrated Stewardship meets this weekend to revise the budget draft based on results from the pledge drive. Members of the team are Board President Joe Romeo, Sr. Minister Eileen Wiviott, Treasurer Tom Carlton, ISC Member-At-Large Susan Comstock and myself as Executive Operations Director and Staff Lead of ISC. The draft will be presented at the ISC meeting on Thursday evening and to the Board of Trustees on the following Thursday evening. The budget will be voted on at the May 15th Annual Meeting.

For those of you who may not have had the opportunity yet to pledge please do so as soon as possible. Every pledge counts as we review budget numbers as we are required by policy to include in our pledge income only pledges in hand. Thank you to all of you have done so. Your financial participation and support make it possible for us to continue to provide the quality programming and worship that we all need now more than ever. We have done well to weather this pandemic and are working very hard to continue that momentum.

Greetings,

First and foremost, as Staff Lead of the Integrated Stewardship Council, I appeal to you if you have not yet turned in your pledge for 2022-23 please do so today. Our pledge drive chairs and
planning team are working hard to help us reach our projected goal. We are asking you to get your pledges in this Sunday. Your time, talent and treasures are so valued as we all work
together to do the work at UCE and in the world that matters greatly.

Two important events are coming up that I want to make sure get on your radar. We will hold a Rummage Sale at UCE on Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21st. We will provide for the congregation a list of items we will be accepting. The sale will be held in the Sanctuary, Room 2 and 3 with a Café in the lobby. Since we are not using the lower level it means we need to thoughtfully determine what we sell. The Rummage Sale Planning Team is using spreadsheets of former sales to determine highest selling items. Our donation requests will be based on that information.

The first round of donations will be on Sunday, May 15 after the service with additional drop offs on Wednesday, May 18 from 9-noon. Set up will be Wednesday and Thursday. Stay tuned
for a memo from our team that provides additional information. In the meantime, we need volunteers to help us do this sale. It is an important event that is not only fun and brings visitors
to our church, but it is a key line item in our budget. Like last year’s pop-up-sale we will not be selling large furniture items, but we have a team who will help you sell member-to-member with proceeds going to the rummage sale. Please help us make this a success. Contact me at srobinson@ucevanston.org if you would like to help and/or if you know others who would be willing and available. It will not require the long hours for several days volunteers were expected to work in years past. We plan to have enough people to spread over the days of set up and the sale without undue pressure on volunteers.

Another exciting opportunity to meet with congregation members and friends is Saturday, April 30 at 7 p.m. when Emma’s Revolution (Sandy O and Pat Humphries) return to the UCE stage to perform their amazing music. How we need their voices and powerful messages of social justice right now. Tickets will go on sale next week. Images, ticket information and publicity will be distributed just after the 15th. Watch the newsletter, a special mailing to members and friends, as well as member-to-member social media (Facebook and Instagram). This will be a terrific
night of music as well as a way for us to off-set our budget losses during the pandemic. We hope to see you there.

When you are in the building take note of the many improvements that have been made over time. Liz and Steven have been busy following behind the Capital Campaign projects with their
organization and cleaning skills. Rugs are being shampooed in the lower level, the furnace room has been cleared for work on the air conditioning system, and reorganization of book carts and
other changes here and there all add up to a more attractive and organized church. Thank you to the Capital Campaign Team, to all of you who have donated to the Campaign and for all our
staff and volunteers who have been working hard to make our space more comfortable and welcoming for all.

A contractor has been chosen and work has begun on the installation of cooling in the sanctuary. Gleason Heating & Air Conditioning has ordered equipment, and has visited the
church as they begin their work. The anticipated date of completion is May 30, 2022. The new welcome center desk will be completed in a month or so. After interviewing cabinet
makers we have hired Arlan DeRussy who designed and built the UCE name tag cabinet. The Lobby Team is very excited about this new addition to be added at the entrance that will serve as a welcoming place for our members as well as guests to UCE.

A complete report of Capital Campaign projects and timing of each is outlined in a full report that is provided to the Integrated Stewardship Council and Board of Trustees monthly. That document can be shared with you, our congregation members at any time. Please contact me at srobinson@ucevanston.org and I can email it to you. Jessica Meis, our Communication Coordinator has reduced her hours to 30 from 40 hours per week while she is in school. Please be patient as we transition activities among staff in order to cover all the many tasks
Jessica so capably handles. Jessica is working with Liz Kennedy to transition maintenance of the UCE calendar. We will make an announcement when this transition is complete. Liz is closely
connected to the calendar in her work as Sexton and coordination of room set up so it is a logical move of staff responsibilities. Bear with us. We are all working hard to cover all of the activities as we re-enter our building.

Keep your eyes on the newsletter and member-to-member for more information about the upcoming Earth Day activities planned and Afternoon of the Arts.

Greetings from your Executive Operations Director 

This Sunday, February 13, we return to the sanctuary for in-person worship. So much time has passed and I miss you all. Your dedicated staff remains committed to our accomplishing our work and our mission toward Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole. We are still transitioning from our home offices to working in the building. Jessica will post our UCE office hours.  

I have big news on the music front. Saturday, April 30 at 7 p.m. Emma’s Revolution (Pat Humphries and  Sandy O) returns to the UCE stage. The concert will be in-person and streamed live from the sanctuary. Tickets will go on sale in March. If you are not familiar with their powerful music, go online and check them out. Pat and Sandy’s songs are voices for justice. Their lyrics are moving, provocative and clear in their quest for equality and change in our world. We had the privilege of seeing them on stage at UCE with the legendary Holly Near. Watch the newsletter and social media for more information in the coming weeks and don’t miss this special opportunity to hear them in person or in the comfort of your home. 

Inside our walls there’s been much progress. The Sanctuary Cooling Team (Greg Grabowski, Michael Drennan and I) have just completed almost two years of research and work toward installing cooling in the sanctuary and social area of the sanctuary. We signed a contract with Gleason Heating and Air Conditioning. Their work begins this week and installation will be complete by the end of May.  

A new “Welcome Center Desk” — The Lobby Team (Sandy Danforth, Gillian Lawrence and I) have been reviewing proposals and sharing information with the ministers and are prepared to move forward with construction. This unit is being made by the same, talented young woodworker who made the nametag cabinet. Materials will be the same as that cabinet and will have storage, doors to hide the storage and an open area beneath for a stool where a hospitality team member can sit. Welcoming signage that will invite guests and congregants into our space. will be inserted into discreet wood rails along the top and bottom of the front. 

Next week staff and volunteers will meet to plan for an event that will help us make Rummage Sale budget.  It is doubtful it will be as it was before, but there are many options we hope to explore on Wednesday evening via zoom. If you are interested in being on this planning team, please let me know by emailing me at srobinson@ucevanston.org 

Rentals have declined during November/December and January as you can imagine.  They are beginning to pick up again during this first half of February. I am working with several previous renters and new ones to rebuild the significant income we have lost over these past two years. New ideas are being explored to market our space.  If you know of organizations that need meeting space, music groups who need a place to perform, or someone who wants to hold a memorial, please ask them to contact me at the email shown above.  

A new Garden Team at UCE has been formed. This is very exciting and will be enormously helpful as our gardens have expanded and we need individuals who can care for them. The spring and summer will be beautiful on the grounds of UCE with new plants along the wing, our Intergenerational Playscape and a newly planted pollinator garden in the west lawn.  Janelle Brittain is leading the Garden Team and welcomes your help. If you have an interest in caring for gardens, please contact Janelle or me.  

Our Integrated Stewardship Team met last evening for our regular monthly meeting. We focused on plans that our Pledge Drive Team Co-Chairs Jim Strickler and Rafael Hernandez-Arias have been busy coordinating over the past several weeks. They have assembled various teams to help them accomplish the goal of a successful pledge drive. Look for more information from the Pledge Drive Team this month as letters will go out in the new few weeks. There is more in this newsletter about the kick-off event and the 2022/23 UCE Pledge Drive.

Greetings from your Executive Operations Director, 

Building office hours are limited during January.  Some staff members, including myself, have been ill and are avoiding in person office hours. Jessica has posted in this newsletter our current hours. If you need to be in touch with me please call the office and you will be given my cell phone number or email me at srobinson@ucevanston.org. Otherwise, for staff members who may not answer their church phone, please leave a message. Messages are forwarded to individual staff members. If you need to stop by the church for any reason, please contact us ahead of time. 

This is the time of the year when the Integrated Stewardship Council ramps up discussions on budget and pledge drive. The Budget Working Group of the ISC  (Joe Romeo, Board President; Tom Carlton, UCE Treasurer; Susan Comstock, ISC Member-At-Large and Rev. Eileen Wiviott, Sr. Minister, and me as Executive Operations Director) We have prepared a rough preliminary draft that was shared with ISC and the Board. The Board of Trustees has had in depth conversations to focus on their priorities going forward. We are taking those into account as we structure the budget for fiscal year 2022/23.  

We are faced with big challenges this year which include the loss of rental and rummage sale income due to the pandemic. We lost large pledges of those who have died and moved away. This year we do not have the PPP loan to help us fund critical staffing that supports the mission of this church. 

Our Pledge Drive Co-Chairs Rafael Hernandez-Arias and Jim Strickler are organizing their team and planning the 2022-23 Pledge Drive. The goal set for the pledge drive guides the Budget Working Group on the amount of expenses for the fiscal year to present a balanced budget. The budget process begins in November with a draft budget to be approved by the Integrated Stewardship Council and Board in April to be approved at the May 15 Annual Meeting.  

Capital Campaign Projects – the CC Sanctuary Cooling Team is on the cusp of a decision on a contractor. We met this week with our final candidate to seek additional information on their proposal and to provide an opportunity for them to ask questions of us and we of them. May is the goal for installation of the cooling units that will serve the sanctuary and social area of the building.  

The South Rain Garden Study Continues and weather stations have been installed by our competent and enthusiastic team of students from Northwestern University headed by Professor Kim Grant. Shirley Adams and I have submitted a grant application to Faith in Place which we would use for educational signage at the south rain garden if we are awarded the grant.  

A UCE Garden Team has been formed under the leadership of Janelle Brittain. This team will coordinate efforts to maintain the gardens, water, weed and keep a close eye on the health and vitality of these areas throughout the growing season. These areas include the new northwest side pollinator garden, existing prairie garden, the peace garden at the entrance, plantings along the west wall of the wing, hostas at the south end of the parking lot, and the Intergenerational Playscape Garden on the east side of the building 

Rummage Sale – A communication went to many members of the congregation seeking participation on a planning committee for some type of a rummage sale in the spring, which is in our current budget.  

A meeting of those interested will be held in the next two weeks. If you are interested in providing ideas and leadership in planning this important fundraiser, please let me know.  

Serendipity Auction – a leadership succession planning meeting was held this week. Cathy Deamant will remain the Chair. Our plan is to recruit an individual for the following year who can work with Cathy and the team toward eventual transition as a new chair. We are grateful to Cathy Deamant, Susan Comstock, Jenny Walsh and Carla Williams for an extraordinary auction this fall. It was successful both financially as well as in community building for our congregation, especially during these challenging times.

– Sandra Robinson, Executive Operations Director 

Greetings everyone,  

As the holidays fast approach, I hope you and your family are well and navigating the many challenges we face each day. There has been much loss in our congregation, family and friends. May we all find peace and strength in the midst of change and heartbreak.  

Your staff continues to brings the best possible service to you, our members and friends. We are in the midst currently of planning the 2022/23 Pledge Drive. Jim Strickler and Raphael Fernandez are this year’s co-chairs. We have met as a team and are continuing to add members to the team to get this important effort launched in February.  

Today you will be receiving an email from Finance@ucevanston.org. Your fiscal year 2021/22 pledge statement and capital campaign statement will be included in this email. If you find that our information does not match yours, please contact Vickie Doebele, Staff Accountant in the paragraph or call 847-864-1330 x 109 and discuss with Vickie. Our hope is that members and pledging friends can respond with payments toward outstanding pledges as we approach December 31st.  Thank you for your generosity and continued support of UCE and the many programs and activities that move us closer to accomplishing our mission of “Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole”.  

Your church finances continued to be managed well and Integrated Stewardship Council meets every second Thursday at 6 p.m. So far, this fiscal year we are holding our own. Expenses are monitored carefully by your EOD and Tom Carlton, Treasurer is doing an excellent job of working with our Staff Accountant Vickie Doebele to keep the books in good order. Per our by-laws we will be conducting an official “Financial Review” by an outside accounting firm by the name of ECS Financial Services. This work will be done in early January after the Audit Task Force agreed upon to hire this firm.  Thank you to Vickie Doebele for juggling the many bookkeeping responsibilities she handles. In addition to our operating fund Vickie is a volunteer bookkeeper for the Capital Campaign and serves on the REALM Database Team with Rev. Susan Frances, Jessica Meis and Adam Gough. Thank you to all of you and to Tom Carlton.  

The Budget Working Group of the Integrated Stewardship Council has met and will meet again today to review a second pass at the proposed budget for 2022/23 fiscal year. Next year will be a challenging year as we will not have the benefit of the PPP that helped us through the pandemic. Pledges and contributions will be all the more essential as we move forward to next year. Team members are Tom Carlton, Treasurer; Susan Comstock, Immediate Past Treasurer and ISC Member at Large; Joe Romeo, Board Chair, Rev. Eileen Wiviott and myself. Once our preliminary budget is established it will be presented to the ISC and then to the Board of Trustees. A final version will be voted on in April in preparation for the May Annual Meeting.   

Next week our Lobby Refurbishment Team meets with two woodworkers who will provide quotes on our new “Welcome Center”. This project has been long in the making, but we believe you will be pleased with the outcome once complete. This will be a welcoming piece that provides a focal point for those entering our church to meet with our membership team representatives, sign in and get more information as needed. A computer will be located at that station where one can sign into REALM. Storage of membership materials and a brochure rack will be integrated into this piece of furniture.  

The hallway bulletin boards and monitors are a big improvement toward getting the message out about who we are, what we are about, and how one can get involved in programs or activities. If you have not taken a moment to stop and check these out, please do.  

The Sanctuary Cooling Team continues to meet weekly and do the work of getting air conditioning installed before summer. We have two contractors we are working with after much research over the past year and a half. Greg Grabowski, Michael Drennan and I are using a matrix designed to help us organize the information we have gleaned. Currently we are very close to being on track per the timeline we established and shared with the Board of Trustees. 

The Intergenerational Playscape Garden has held up well. We lost only a few minor plants which will be replaced in spring. Our littles love the berm where they climb, run and play. If you have not yet checked out the mosaics in the hopscotch area or leading to the labyrinth and next to the ramp, please do so. Families, parents, children and a few of us staff had a wonderful time together making these mosaics with Artist Indira Johnson. Indira came this week to do a final step of protective coating.  

We are looking forward to the spring when we can add furniture pieces, the fountain (or sculpture) and the fairy houses in the wooded area. Stay tuned for more information.  

Rentals continue to return to UCE, of course, following our UCE COVID Guidelines. This is an important revenue stream for us as well as providing a welcoming environment for those from outside our doors to utilize our space.  

Staff will be sending a communication out soon to all of you who helped with our annual Rummage Sale and last year’s pop-up sale. We have some preliminary ideas for how we can make this year’s budgeted event successful. If you are interested in being involved in any way, big or small, please let me know.  

 Please feel free to contact me with questions, ideas or concerns you may have that relate to the building/grounds, events, rentals, or finance: Srobinson@ucevanston.org or 847-864-1330 x 108 

Sandra Robinson, EOD

These past several weeks have been challenging as I navigated my brother Dan’s open-heart surgery, hopeful recovery, and unfortunate death. We buried him Saturday, and I return today after time with my broken-hearted family. Thank you to all of you who have reached out during his illness to send loving thoughts, prayers, and care. Your loving words and support have helped ease the pain and provide peace.   

I have been staying connected to my work, staff, leadership, and our community whose work in this world is so incredibly important. The good work goes on from day to day.  

While I was away Sandy Danforth and Gillian Lawrence kept our lobby project moving forward. We will be completing the bulletin boards, children’s area, furniture, and welcome center in the weeks ahead. Thank you for Gillian, Rev. Susan Frances and Jessica Meis for the work on the attractive and informative bulletin boards. Our lovely new monitors and the boards provide a visual explanation of who we are, what are about and the many programs and activities that support the work of UCE. 

Our Intergenerational Playscape is looking beautiful. The Japanese maple near the ramp is not well and was recently treated and wrapped. The landscapers believe it will recover. The mosaic tiles were created by families with the help of Artist Indira Johnson and Kathy Underwood. Even I made one that lives next to the accessibility ramp, a fitting place, as I learned so much about addressing accessibility needs by our dear Alma Woods whose family funded the ramp.  The littles are truly enjoying the berm and they will have fun helping us install fairy houses sometime soon.  

Our rental program is growing once again now that our building is open.  Of course, we are following guidance from our COVID 19 Task Force. This is an important budget piece and expands the connections we have with the community outside our doors. Recently we had North Shore Choral Society and North Shore Chamber Orchestra concerts on a Sunday afternoon, as well as the Junior Mance Celebration of Life, among other events and memorials. 

Shirley Adams and I have applied for a grant to help us fund an “information station” where our rain gardens and the study of our rain gardens will be explained with words and photos, much like you might see at Morton Arboretum. Thank you  Shirley and Andrew Fisher for bringing this funding opportunity forward.  

Last evening we convened our first Pledge Drive Team meeting for the 2022/23 Pledge Drive. Jim Strickler and Raphael Hernandez agree to co-chair this important team. Tom Carlton will provide data services as Treasurer. Rev. Eileen and I met with them to discuss an overview of the process and steps to follow as we move forward to the Feb/March campaign. A full team will be organized once Jim and Raphael have met and developed their thoughts and plans.  

Meanwhile, the Budget Working Group has met and will meet again in two weeks to begin the budgeting process. The BWG is Treasurer Tom Carlton, Board Chair Joe Romeo, Rev. Eileen Wiviott, Susan Comstock, ISC member at large, and myself as EOD and ISC lead. This work is done in tandem with the pledge drive as we based on our pledge income on the results of the drive. A preliminary draft will be approved by ISC and the Board of Trustees in January with a revised draft with final pledge income will be submitted at their April meetings for approval at the Annual Meeting in May.  

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

Greetings,  

There’s lots of excitement building around opening our doors to our beloved congregation on September 12. At the same time, there is much to be done in the building. We are considering every option to ensure that everyone’s comfort and safety is a priority as we re-enter. I’m in touch with Administrators and Executive Directors through the AUUA (Administrators) and have shared with them steps we are taking and I’m hearing from them about what they are doing. This is a useful exchange and lends support and guidance throughout the UU community. We have purchased air filters which are located throughout the sanctuary and the building. We will run the exhaust fans that are located in the upper ceiling of our sanctuary. We will provide masks for those who may forget theirs and stations for hand sanitizing will be set up in the lobby, wing, sanctuary and lower level. Our lower level has a dehumidification and purification system built into the furnace system. I am currently working with our furnace contractor to determine best filter system and am meeting with an air quality firm to gain a second opinion. We feel confident in the quality of our air, yet are taking every step possible to ensure everyone is as safe as possible throughout the building.  

Here’s what’s happening next Monday. The Intergenerational Playscape & Ramp Project begins. Yay! After a long-awaited permit construction begins.  

Ramp construction will be first, followed by pathways and then plantings. Once done, furniture and features will be installed. Our hope is that work will be complete during September. This is a big step forward in providing space outdoors for our congregants of all ages. It will be a safe and beautiful place to play, meet, and to contemplate throughout the week. This area will provide a new space for activities outside and we are thrilled. Stay tuned for photographs and more information as we go through this construction phase. The Alma and Dave Woods Memorial Ramp will be dedicated once the ramp is installed and the garden is complete. The family generously donated for the construction of this project which was so near and dear to Alma’s heart.  

On Sunday, September 19, the Kitchen renovation will be celebrated. There will be a recognition in the worship service followed by a gathering and tour in the kitchen and outer area guided by Carol Nielsen and me. Coffee and cookies will be served outside following the indoor gathering to celebrate our new, beautiful hospitality facility. Our kitchen has always been and will continue to be a warm and welcoming gathering place before, during and after events for our congregation. This improvement will also be a benefit for rentals at UCE.  

Rentals are beginning to return to UCE, although a few workshop groups have decided to continue online for now. Our summer PedalHeads camp was a great success. This was a good rental for UCE as it provided income with low impact on the building and staff. Children of all ages learned to ride bikes and had fun learning bike safety on our new parking lot. My hope is that we can proceed with several rentals we have contracted with assuming that the variants do not prevent that from being so. Rentals, as you know, provide an important stream of income for UCE.  

Sandra Robinson, Executive Operations Director