Fall Greetings,
Beyond my window is a gorgeous array of colorful sun-kissed leaves ranging from red, rust, orange, yellow and a tinge of green. I am reminded of the beauty that surrounds us in this space, our building, the grounds, our sanctuary. So many hands have tended the soil, planted trees, and have cared for all with their talents, time and treasure. I want to remember Bud Brock this month as we will hold a memorial for him. Bud loved this building and spent many years caring for it. He was a most dedicated co-lead on Buildings and Grounds with me. He was always here when I needed him, even mopping after a flood in the kitchen at midnight. I reluctantly accepted his keys to the building after a few years, as we had trained Dick Whitaker to take on that responsibility. Dick eagerly and graciously took on the work and cared for our buildings and grounds. And now, Robb Geiger has taken on this role. Still we continue a tradition of ensuring a welcoming, clean and comfortable space for each and every one within and outside our church community. Bud Brock, “Big Brother”, “Little Sister” will always remember your kind self, your generosity of spirit and your love for this church.
We are all trying to return to a world that feels normal, but the rhythm is just off. Church Administrators talk of the shortage of volunteers, Rentals are more challenging as organizations are doing online fundraisers. But, on Sunday morning, we are seeing a growing number of members, friends, and guests whose desire is to come together to hear a message that will inspire more hope, more of what we need to do our part to heal the world.
This past Sunday we had a successful music concert featuring Howard Levy and Chris Siebold 120 in attendance. The duo performed a satisfying 3 hours of music with an intermission where guests could enjoy refreshments and purchase merchandise. Howard shared the merchandise income with UCE. Attendees commented on the feeling of being in a living room enjoying great music with Howard and Chris. It was a very special evening. Thank you to all who attended and supported our fundraising effort as we heard outstanding selections that warmed our souls. A special note of gratitude to David Carling, Adam Gough, Lynn Kendall, Peg Boccard, Janelle Brittain, Renee Hoff, Marcy Hicks, Alice Chrostowski, David Schroeder and Kathy Talmage who helped me make this concert a terrific evening for all who attended. A special thanks to Gay Riseborough for the motivating article about the concert and UCE in The Evanston Roundtable.
Your staff is working to provide a space for our congregation to return with ease and comfort. It’s not easy to return to following protocol and to make things happen. Please help us by remembering to fill out your Room & Publicity form when requesting the use of a room. There is some juggling to do as many want our rooms with the new hybrid equipment. Our new Office Administrator David Carling will do his best to balance out all needs and requests.
Rentals are beginning to pick up. We have an assertive budget this year and are striving to use our space to support our financial needs.
Mothers of Multiples joined us for their resale in September. North Shore Choral Society has a concert in our sanctuary on November 13, North Shore Weavers Guild meets monthly, North Shore Chamber Orchestra returns for rehearsals and a concert. I continue to reach out to not-for-profits to rent our space for their meeting and event needs. If you know of an organization that needs meeting space or a music group that wants to record or perform, please give them my email address srobinson@ucevanston.org
Our Capital Campaign projects continue to progress. Soon we will be launching construction of an accessible and inclusive bathroom in the lower level, as well as cosmetic changes to the existing girls bathroom. The Capital Campaign Implementation Committee has hired Biltmore Homes headed by Contractor Eric Barton to do this work. Drawings were done by Architect Mark Miller, former UCE member and someone who provides excellent guidance to us from time to time. This is an important and exciting addition to our lower level.
Thank you to Johna Van Dyke and Maggie Weiss who will be working in our lower level Room 7 to repair the sanctuary banner that was deteriorating due to sun and age. Your talents and efforts do not go unrecognized.
Yay to our Serendipity Auction Team. October 30th is the deadline for submitting your donations. Please support this terrific “Fundraiser” by donating an item, a dinner or service and plan to attend the auction on Saturday, November 12. Details can be found in this newsletter and on our website at ucevanston.org