Pastor Tom Ott July 2015 Congregationalist

For the past few months we’ve watched the water stains spread across the sanctuary ceiling and the plaster loosen as rainwater infiltrated the roof.  After finally paying off the $6.5 million mortgage from the church renovation, it has been a bit heartbreaking to see the beauty of our sacred space marred.

But as homeowners, we all know that facility maintenance and upkeep is never completed.  It requires our ongoing attention and investment.  The same is true of our church facility.  At our congregational meeting on June 10^th we authorized the facility team to replace the roof over the sanctuary.

The facility team has received bids from several different contractors and has chosen the one they believe will provide the best solution to our roofing needs.  They have also chosen a contractor to do the plaster repair on the sanctuary ceiling.  We anticipate the cost of replacing the roof and repairing the plaster to be approximately $120,000.   We are currently in the process of applying to the United Church of Christ Cornerstone Fund for loan to provide the funds necessary to complete the work as quickly as possible.

During the months of August and September we will be asking for everyone’s help to cover the cost of replacing the roof.  It isn’t an expense that we can cover from our operating budget and will need additional funds.  I know that is a big ask, especially since we just completed a third capital campaign to pay off our mortgage, but needs to be done and we can make it happen with everyone contributing what they can.

In August we’ll send out letters informing

everyone of the details of the scope of the work and the costs incurred.  On September 13^th we’ll kick off our fund drive to “raise the roof” and on September 27^th we’ll celebrate the gifts that we have received.

Thank you in advance for your deep commitment to support the work of our church.  I’m excited about all of the inspiring moments we will share together Under This Roof.