| Clerk's Corner |
New life has been added to the landscape of our church. We, as a session, want to project to the congregation, and community, that we are a living and vibrant Church Family. Many folks pass by our church each day running errands, going to work or just canvassing the community for a new church home. The first impression that anyone has is our exterior, the condition of the church building, the tending of the landscaping and the lawn, and any amenities such as a playground or memorial garden. By the way, take a stroll around our church and stop by the memorial garden. Did you know that it was in the back yard of the church, near the Manse Garage? Our "make-over" was made possible by donations to the memorial fund and specified for that very purpose. Included in the landscape "make-over" are new Hornbeam Trees on the east side and a Poplar and a White Ash on the west side, that will not only add to the aesthetic eye appeal but will help with the comfort zone in the sanctuary by adding shade. There is also a disease resistant Elm Tree to take the place of our old friend we lost nearly 3 years ago. Many of our Church Family have mentioned to members of Session that they miss the Foster Holly's. Holly's require nurturing and we neglected them and they became malformed, unhealthy and an eye sore. As a congregation, we need nurturing to stay healthy and prosper too! Now, let’s look at the interior "comfort" of the church. You may notice that we are currently installing a new heating and cooling unit designed specifically for the sanctuary. We like to be comfortable and so do the organ and piano. Nancye has just informed us that the organ is already out of tune. Pete Weber had just tuned it around Easter time. Most pipe organs like ours only require a yearly expense for maintenance and tuning. Ours has required at least two trips by Pete and occasionally, three. (The year of the roof leak, he had to come four times.) Pete informs us that most of our problems are caused by the temperature extremes and will eventually take a huge toll on the instrument. The tuning of the piano is much cheaper and the piano holds tune a little better. But in order for there to be duets with the piano and organ, they need to be in tune together – and STAY in tune. The temperature control should help that greatly and prolong the life of both instruments. All this does not mean that we must keep the new unit cranking out dollars constantly, but it can prevent the “extremes” the organ has suffered through, all while letting us really turn down the thermostat to the other unit that heats and cools the rest of the building, especially at night and the evenings when there are no activities at UPC. The money for this project was made possible by funds remaining from an insurance claim a few years ago. Last, but by no means least, children are the life of a church! Our children, as well as the children that we offer use of our facility to, will once again enjoy our large backyard. The session has approved a portion of the purchase for new playground equipment to jump-start our campaign. We hope you will join us in this endeavor. The new playground was a wish of my mother, so it has a personal meaning to me, my children, and my extended family. Our playground committee would like to move quickly and offers much support for the project. A display for this proposal will be posted soon and more will be announced in next month’s newsletter. And remember, you can always approach me, or any member of Session, with concerns or questions you have about any issues. Feel free to come to us with any problems you may find or any suggestions you have. New ideas are always appreciated. In order for our Church Family to grow and prosper, we all need to be involved. We need to have “something” that every member can be passionate about and really be compelled to show the love they have for our Church Family. It takes work and commitment, but we have shown in the past that we have it in us. It’s time to spark that again, so over the rest of the summer, be thinking about ways you can bring your passion to “something” at church. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a big or small idea/project. Even the “little” jobs still have to be done! Ellen Leake, Clerk of Session |
