MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
~ BY VIVIAN SAXE
A Vision for Our Sanctuary:
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
As we gather each week in our beloved sanctuary, we are reminded of the generations who came before us, laying the foundation for a space that has nurtured our faith, celebrated our joys, and comforted us in times of need. Today, your Board of Trustees is thrilled to unveil a plan to breathe new life into our sanctuary through a renovation project that honors our past while preparing for the future.
This renovation will include:
- Fresh Paint: Some necessary patching and a refreshed coat of paint to uplift and inspire.
- New Carpet: Replacing the worn carpet with something both durable and beautiful.
- Improved Sound System: Enhancing the way we share music and the spoken word.
- Wheelchair Ramp to the Stage: Creating an inclusive space where everyone can fully participate. (We are currently searching for the right and perfect contractor to do this work! Please email the church nicole@unitychapeloflight.org with referrals you may have).
- 120 Movable, Stackable Chairs: Modern seating with wider seats, lumbar support, and standard chair height, offering both comfort and flexibility.
To help envision the changes, a sample chair is available at the church. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the thoughtful design and comfort it offers.
- Our 225 sanctuary chairs have found a loving home with the Western Reserve Playhouse in Bath, Ohio! At no cost to the church, these folks will unbolt, remove, transport, and store the chairs until they can be installed in the theater on Everett Road.
- Painting will begin in late February. Carpet and chairs will be ordered next week. We prayerfully anticipate project completion in April or May.
These improvements are not just cosmetic; they are transformative. By replacing fixed seats with movable chairs, we open up endless possibilities for our sanctuary to serve as a space for workshops, programs, classes, and meetings beyond our Sunday morning worship. This reimagining of our sacred space is about expanding our mission and embracing the diverse needs of our congregation and community.
Already, we feel Spirit moving among us. Several congregants have come forward with donations totaling $31,000 to inspire us to revisit the effort that began in 2022. We are deeply grateful for this generosity and are excited to announce the launch of a capital campaign to raise the remaining $15,000 needed to complete this project.
Momentum is building as pledges and one-time donations begin to come in, and we invite each of you to prayerfully consider how you might contribute. Friends of Unity unable to attend Sunday services are encouraged to participate. A printable pledge form is attached at the end of this article. Mail your pledge to the church or place it in the mailbox outside the office door on Sunday. It will be received with gratitude.
This project is more than a renovation; it is an act of faith and commitment to the future. Together, we will create a sanctuary that is not only beautiful and welcoming but also adaptable for the generation to come. We will honor the legacy of those who came before us and pave the way for those who will follow.
We encourage everyone to join us in this effort. Whether through a pledge or a one-time donation (above and beyond your weekly tithe) your contribution will help us build a space that reflects our values of inclusivity, community, and love. Let us come together as one body, united in purpose and guided by faith, to bring this vision to life. Together, we will create a sacred space for generations to come.
In gratitude and love,
Vivian Saxe, Vice President
Board of Trustees