From EOD: March 12, 2021
As I write this update to you today, I honor the one-year anniversary of our church closure due to the pandemic. This year has been one of hardship, yet we have found ways to continue our work, our mission, and to be together in the very best ways possible. For all of you, our staff, leaders, volunteers and congregation, I am grateful. We carry on in love and in care for one another and the work that we do.
All of your financial contributions have helped us stay fiscally strong during these challenging times. We are now planning our Fiscal Year 2021/22 Budget and seek your financial support. The last day of the pledge drive is this Sunday, March 14. If you’ve already sent in your pledge, THANK YOU. We are so grateful for your generosity. When you pledge you’re automatically entered into the celebration party raffle on Saturday, March 13! If you haven’t pledged yet, please fill out your pledge form now! You will not receive a pledge packet in the mail; your pledge packet has been emailed to you.
Plan to join in on the fun Saturday at 6:30 for our special pledge drive celebration. Pre-parties begin at 6:30 and the main events begin at 7 p.m. Look for the link in this newsletter. This opportunity to gather online once again is guaranteed to be great fun for everyone. Much work has gone into entertainment that is certain to bring you joy! Thank you to Tom and Alicia Hempfling, Susan Carlton and Susan Comstock for organizing this event. You will enjoy music, singing, dance and raffle prizes to be drawn for everyone who has submitted a pledge form. I’ll see you there!
The next exciting big piece of news is our upcoming “First Ever” UCE Parking Lot Pop-Up Sale. Save items you no longer need or feel you need to move along…and save the date. Saturday, May 22 from 10-3 is the planned date. In case of rain, the event will be held Saturday, May 29. More information will follow including how your UCE group, team or committee can sign up for a table and help us achieve our budget goal for this fiscal year.
Thank you for Rev. Susan Frances, Jessica Meis and Adam Gough for leading training sessions and working so hard to get our congregation using our membership database REALM. We encourage everyone to register so that you can look up important information about your financial contributions, teams, member directory and more. If you need information contact Admin@ucevanston.org.
If you drive by UCE this week you will see that work is being done to east steps. Over time the concrete has deteriorated and the railings have loosened. Kelvin Company, an Evanston based business is doing this work, which will result in a more attractive view of the east side of our building, as well as safety for anyone who may use these steps.
Rentals are beginning to return to UCE as we look ahead to the future reopening of our building. A bicycle training camp will take place on our parking lot this summer and a small wedding reception in late fall. I am in conversation with a few of our long–term renters to see when their regular group meetings and events can return. This is good news as we have endured a great loss of rental income during our COVID 19 building closure.
Capital Campaign projects continue to roll along. The Intergenerational Playscape Team is working with Artist Indira Johnson and Nature’s Perspective on plans that were originated back in 2019. A group of parents and Life Formation team leaders met to see the exciting plans and provide feedback. The accessible ramp from the southwest door of the sanctuary is schedule to begin as soon as final details can be worked out with the City of Evanston.
The Sanctuary Cooling Team has narrowed our search to one contractor who will be entering into a design development phase so that we can make a final decision on the appropriate system for UCE. Members of this team are Greg Grabowski, Andy Schlickman, Michael Drennan and myself.
Wing and Lobby Improvements continue as we look to furnish Room 2 and the Lobby area. Our team of Sandy Danforth, Johna VanDyke and me has been enhanced by Gillian Lawrence’s willingness to help us with the flow of our lobby area. Johna is working to get the purple wall updated and is ordering carpeting. New lights have been installed in Room 2 and new ceiling tile.
Additional projects are planned for the next year including an accessible and inclusive washroom in the lower level as well as a hearing loop for the sanctuary area. Stay tuned…..
Sandra Robinson, Executive Operations Director