From Sandra Robinson: July 29, 2022

Greetings,  

As I write this article, I am thinking about the many newsletters Jessica Meis has created for UCE. Jessica leaves us for a wonderful new opportunity in her field, and we are delighted for her, and will miss her steadfast, graceful approach to the work she has done for us and with us. We will celebrate her today at staff meeting and send her out in the world with love and support.  

A job description was posted on Indeed, in the AUUA (Administrators) listserve and Facebook, as well as a few local churches. Two good candidates have resulted to the search and we are doing final interviews and checking references on this individuals. Jessica will spend two hours with each to do a mini training session and this will help us decide which candidate best fits the position requirements.  

I want to take a moment to honor the memory of Judith Ramey. Judith was a long time church member, and for a period of years our Communications Director at UCE. I so enjoyed working with Judith and remember her strength and knowledge, her devotion to her children, and her sense of humor and imagination.  She left behind a legacy of good work at UCE and I will miss giving her hugs on Sunday morning.  

This summer we have been busy doing construction projects. The sanctuary roof repairs were done, the wing hallway painted on the bottom half to repair many dings and damage, interior repairs to the concrete will be done, and the outdoor railings were painted at the main west entrance. Capital Campaign projects continue. As you know the Hearing Loop is installed and working well. Final touches on the lobby are being done. A new small sofa in the lobby, new signage in the welcome center, beautifully painted bathrooms in the lobby with artwork Johna VanDyke had pulled to the side at one of our previous rummage sales. The church is coming together in so many ways. I noticed several new families visiting and feel that we are creating a welcoming, inclusive, clean and organized place for everyone to call their spiritual home.  

In the fall planning for the lower level inclusive and accessible bathroom will resume. Nature’s Perspective has provided a landscaping plan for the west garden. A tree will be replaced, several evergreens, grasses, small bushes and perennials will grace the area just north of the lobby and a memorial bench for John LaPlante will be installed.  

As we continue to improve our outdoor spaces we expand our possibilities to gather. I was delighted to see a group gathering under the big tree on the south lawn last Sunday. It is delightful to see children enjoying the berm and the outdoors. It is gratifying to see the new accessible ramp in use and appreciated by all. Thank you to the UCE Garden Team headed by Janelle Brittain for weeding and watering our garden spaces.  

Rentals are going well. We welcomed Evanston Symphony last evening for a rehearsal in the sanctuary. We have three music groups who want to rent the space and contracts are being let this week for two of them, and a wedding for 2023 is planned. Udumbara and Northshore Weavers Guild, our longtime renters remain with us. If you know of anyone who needs meeting space or a place to do a wedding or memorial or other event, please let me know. Our new air conditioning is such an asset as we move into August and September for rentals. Summer memorials were comfortable and appreciated by our renters and their guests.  

Please feel free to contact me at srobinson@ucevanston.org at any time with your questions or suggestions.  

Sandra Robinson, Executive Operations Director