This is what the sanctuary update/remodel is all about:

• Welcome:  Making space available for new members and creating a connection between the Fellowship Hall and the Sanctuary with  French doors.
  
• You Belong:  Enabling people in every state of able-bodiedness to participate by lowering the platform and installing a  ramp
  
• Sing:  Re-orienting the choir to the other side  of the platform
  
• Listen:  Up-grading the acoustics and sound system  so everyone can hear
  
• See the Light:  Allowing more natural light to  enter via French doors to the Fellowship Hall and a window above the cross.  Improving the electric lighting too.
  
• Breathe:  Better ventilation will help choir members, speakers and congregation members not be distracted by being too warm
  
• Meet:  Allowing the community to better use our  space by having flexible seating in the annex area.

What did you miss if you were not present at the Sanctuary Update meeting on Sunday, April 13? First, you missed my old fashioned Breakfast Casserole. (Copies of the recipe are available from Jennifer in the church office.) It is tasty, but the real reason for the meeting occurred after brunch when we officially launched the Sanctuary Update Pledge Drive. Rev. Dee made an interesting observation that throughout the 120 some years of the building’s existence, congregations have updated the sanctuary—adding electric lights, heat, the narthex, fellowship hall and Sunday school wing, among other things. It is now time for this congregation to again update the sanctuary—adding capacity, better lighting, sound and ventilation and connection to the fellowship hall.
Bob Haslanger described the work to be done with Bob Burkholder assisting in a sort of Vanna White role.

The Church Council has stated that they would like the first 10% of funds
raised, up to a total of $20,000 to be reserved for maintenance.
I talked about the financial picture. (Please read the informationn below!)
Around ten families and individuals have already indicated (or pledged) willingness to give around $80,000 for this project. So, we will need another $160,000 from the rest of the congregation to be able to do all the work outlined above. So, that’s what you what you missed if you weren’t at the meeting.

Each family or individual will receive an envelope with information about the proposed improvements, the financials, and the all-important pledge card. Please think and pray about the request for a pledge. You can extend your pledge for Roots and Branches for one additional year. Or, you could pledge again. The suggestion is for a 3-year pledge of around 1/3 of what you pledged for Roots and Branches. Pledges will be received during the worship service on May 11. If you’ve already made up your mind, you can turn in your pledge card into the church office at any time. We appreciate your support of our church and our request.

If you have questions or comments, contact anyone on the Sanctuary Update team: Bob Haslanger, Bob Burkholder, Leslie Gordon, Susan Sivitz, Reed Price or me.

Sanctuary Update Financial Nuts ‘n’ Bolts
Sprinkler and fire alarm work left to do: $50,000
Funds available from capital pledges 2004-2008: $104,000
Available for the sanctuary update: $54,000
Estimated cost of the sanctuary update work: $325,000
Maintenance reserve: $20,000
Commitments already received for sanctuary update: $100,000
Needed from the congregation for sanctuary update: $160,000

              —Alice Tawresey

                alicetaw@aol.com    (206) 842-4127

To contact us:

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EHCC

105 Winslow Way West

Bainbridge Island, WA  98110

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Phone: 206-842-4657

*Painting of EHCC by Carrie Goller