Coming Together to Preserve Our Church Building
Recent events remind us how important it is to protect what we value. In that spirit, we are preparing to launch a major project to renew the exterior shell of our church building before the aging roof and shingles lead to potentially expensive damage. The Building & Grounds Committee has done a thorough examination of the building, identified the necessary repairs, and outlined a 3-phase plan to complete the work efficiently. When the project is completed in 2027, the building will be safe and dry for many years to come.
The plans are not final, but the overall cost of this work is estimated in the range of $150,000 to $200,000. This is a challenge and an opportunity for members and friends of our church family to come together to protect and preserve our beautiful, sacred, and yes, quirky building for future generations. The Finance Committee has appointed a Fund Drive Team, headed by Norm Grenier and Rick Benard, to raise the money needed for the project. The Fund Drive will get underway in December and continue until February. Donations can be spread out over 3 to 5 years.
It’s important to understand that this essential renewal project will depend on contributions above the pledges that pay for our regular operating expenses. This special project Fund Drive is separate from our annual pledge drive, which will take place in March-April and will cover operating expenses for the coming fiscal year (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026).
The success of our mission, beginning with “to create and sustain a welcoming and caring community that embodies our shared UU values,” has always depended on the deep generosity of our members and friends. Numerous times in our history we have faced similar challenges, and we have always risen to the occasion. This is another such opportunity. The conflict, confusion, and suffering we see in the world today make clear the importance of coming together to keep our flame alive.
