Construction Updates from the Board: Elevating Our Vision
Dear Cedar Lane Members and Friends,
It is with hearts full of gratitude and excitement that we write to share important updates about the progress of Cedar Lane’s building renovation, and a significant step we are taking to ensure its success.
Your Cedar Lane Board of Trustees is thrilled to report that construction is in full swing and proceeding exceptionally well. For those who have been on campus recently, you have seen our beautiful space taking shape. We remain on schedule for a grand reopening in Spring 2024, when we will unveil a transformed and inspiring spiritual home for our Congregation.
However, we must also share some challenges Cedar Lane has encountered along the way. The delay in construction led to increased costs caused by production and shipping delays, high-interest rates, and inflation, creating a funding gap that together we must address to ensure the completion of this important project. In addition, Cedar Lane is contending with a long-standing annual budget shortfall that affects such items as staff salaries, programs, and costs for the upkeep of our facilities. With these financial constraints in mind, Cedar Lane’s Board of Trustees has carefully considered our path forward.
New deck and social hall window wall, September 2023.
After thoughtful deliberation, the Board has made a decision that reflects both our commitment to transforming Cedar Lane’s building to better meet the needs of current and future members and our dedication to our mission and ministry. We are excited to announce the launch of our special fundraising campaign, "Elevating Our Vision" on Sunday, October 8.
The goal of “Elevating Our Vision” is to raise $950,000. The campaign will serve two essential purposes:
Closing the construction funding gap and completing the renovation in style. "Elevating Our Vision" will help Cedar Lane secure the additional funds needed to cover the increased construction costs, and allow us to install modern AV equipment to integrate online broadcasting for all those who have come to love worship-in-their-PJs (or who have been joining us from out-of-state or out-of-country!), purchase furnishing for key areas including the sanctuary, and refresh classrooms on the lower level.
Supporting long-term operating costs. By enhancing the building and its amenities, Cedar Lane aims to make our campus safer and more physically accessible, increase rental income, helping to alleviate the annual budget shortfall. As we can take on additional fundraising efforts, we will continue to move towards creating welcoming and accessible spaces that support spiritual growth, serve the community within and beyond the walls of Cedar Lane, and embody our commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive religious community.
“Hard Hat Tour,” August 2023.
“Elevating Our Vision” will ask us all to step up. The good news is that we can do this – together. And the best news is that Cedar Lane can make love work and dare to embody a vision for Beloved Community where all are welcome!
To kick off the "Elevating Our Vision" campaign and celebrate our progress, the Board invites you to join us on Sunday, October 8. During our Sunday service and at a reception following, Cedar Lane will officially launch the campaign. We will share our vision, the goals of the campaign, and how each and every one of you can be a part of this exciting journey. Together, we will elevate our vision and strengthen our beloved community.
As we have moved through the process of planning for and launching this construction project, the Board has heard from many in the Congregation. Cedar Lane is fortunate to have so much support for this project, as illustrated by the congregational votes and generous financial support to continue to move forward at key points. The Board also recognizes the concerns that have been raised. Is the timing right? Is the scope of work meeting our needs – current and future? Do we have the financial capacity for this project?
Elevator shaft, 2023.
The Board invites you to join us for an online information session on Thursday, October 5 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. We'll discuss project progress, fundraising efforts, and have opportunities for you to ask questions. Register here to receive a Zoom link.
We want you to know that all the decisions that have and are being made along this journey are in the best interests of the Congregation foremost in our minds.
In the coming weeks, you will receive more information about the campaign, ways to get involved, and how to support this important endeavor. We encourage you to share your thoughts, questions, and ideas as we embark on this journey together.
Thank you for your unwavering support, dedication, and love for Cedar Lane. With your help, we are confident that we will achieve our goals and continue to thrive as a community of hope, love, and inspiration.
With gratitude and love,
Roger Santodomingo
President, Board of Trustees
Flower arrangement in the sanctuary, September 2023.
Worship in the Sanctuary, Religious Education downstairs and in the Chalice House
We invite you to join us for worship in the sanctuary on Sundays at 10:30 AM. As always, we also livestream worship services at 10:30 AM on YouTube. Faith Formation classes for children and youth take place concurrently with worship on Sunday at 10:30 AM.
There is ample seating in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is somewhat dusty as the contractor continues working behind the stage area. In addition, the sanctuary floor is concrete and there are some areas that are a bit rough. Please use caution.
There is a dumpster in the parking lot near the main entrance that is occupying two handicapped parking spaces. Handicapped spaces are available on the right side as you enter the parking lot for the main building, as well as next to the dumpster.
As always, babies, children, and youth are welcome to remain in worship with their parents. Nursery care is also available for children under five.
With regard to the main building:
Do not enter areas that are under construction. We do not have access to the lounge, the upstairs hallway with the bathrooms, the front of the sanctuary, and most of the downstairs.
Restrooms available for use:
- A clean portable toilet with hand-washing station outside near the chapel (wheelchair accessible). Use of the portable toilet is encouraged.
- Restroom at the bottom of the stairs near the chapel (not wheelchair accessible).
- Restrooms in the Chalice House (wheelchair accessible).
Do not enter areas that are under construction. We do not have access to the lounge, the upstairs hallway with the bathrooms, the front of the sanctuary, and most of the downstairs.
What’s Next:
Most of the glass has been installed in the social hall window wall, and new insulation has been put in many areas.
Over the next weeks, work will focus on ongoing plumbing, fire alarm installation, and electrical work, as well as beginning to hang drywall and close in walls.
Cedar Lane teams are welcome to contact Lizzie Person, Office Administrator (lperson@cedarlane.org) to schedule onsite meetings. Meetings may be scheduled to occur in late afternoon or evening, or in the Chalice House. Space is limited.
Mail is being delivered to the building and collected by staff. Many staff continue to work remotely and email remains the best way to be in touch.
…And remember, quick updates on the renovation project are shared in the weekly e-news or can be directly accessed in the 3-Minute Rundown. Stay tuned!
