March 2021

So many updates from recent Capital Campaign Projects Committee meetings!

Project Management: Melissa Owen, Laura Taylor, Becky Gruss, Brady Hively, and Keith Mast met to review all projects/budgets completed in 2020 and those beginning in 2021. An updated report was created and distributed to Church Council for review.

• Rebranding: The Rebranding sub-committee of the Telling Our Story Commission, led by Diana Weber-Gardner, has been rolling out the new Brandwork and messaging.
o Brand Guide Workshops: There will be workshops for Commission
and Lay Leaders about how to use the primary Brand, sub-Brands and messaging to market their ministries to our faith family and the community at large.
o Building Signage: A small group of the Rebranding sub-committee toured the Bell Street building to create a list of all the directional and welcoming signs/posters/pew-rack cards that need updating.

• Sanctuary Shades: New window shades have been installed on the southern windows of the Sanctuary. This project was a funded Giving Opportunity – a couple associated their pledge to the campaign with this particular project - and we are so grateful for their thoughtfulness.

• Altar Cross: this year work will begin on a new Altar Cross for the Sanctuary. This project was also a funded Giving Opportunity and we are so grateful for this couple’s thoughtfulness.

• Bell Street Parking Lot: The Properties Committee will initiate the electrical work necessary before reaching out to vendors regarding installation of a heated coil system under the exit ramp and the repaving of our church building parking lot.

• Bathroom fixtures: Five hands-free faucets are being installed each month and hands-free dryers will come next.

• Computer Server: a new server was installed last month.

It’s through your generosity that we are able to continue with these projects. Thanks be to God.

November 2020

So many good “next steps” came from a recent Capital Campaign Projects Committee meeting thanks to the hard work of Becky Gruss, Keith Mast, Melissa Owen, Janis Stefanchik, and Laura Taylor. It’s an exciting time for the Rejoice & Renew capital campaign as folks are continuing to fulfill their capital campaign pledges. With those funds in hand, our projects are continuing:

• The Rebranding sub-committee of the Telling Our Story Commission, led by Diana Weber-Gardner, has been working with consulting firm OrgStory to develop and execute a new brand to position Federated for its second century. As the interviews, focus sessions, and survey came to a close in October, they reviewed the findings in a presentation with OrgStory and this month are working on Brand strategy and Identity development.

• Senior Director of People and Operations Melissa Owen continued her work implementing our livestreaming equipment needs by improving lighting for the Chancel area. At the same time, she’ll have new window blinds or shades installed for the Sanctuary that will also affect the lighting and will be a blessed relief to those sitting in the pews once we’re holding in-person services again! This is an important campaign project as it was a funded Giving Opportunity – a couple associated their pledge to the campaign with this particular project.

• In addition to the church’s A/V needs, Melissa will be working with the administration staff, the
operations staff, and custodial crew to:
o Replace the bathroom fixtures. Five hands-free faucets are being installed each month and hands-free dryers will come next.
o Upgrade the church’s computer server before its shelf-life has expired!
o Begin transitioning the outdoor lights with energy-efficient LED fixtures.

• Melissa will work with a vendor to update the carpeting on the first-floor staff hallway and a good portion of the main stairwell, complementing our new carpet in the Lobby and Sanctuary.
It’s just amazing to see what the Federated faith family can do! We are truly blessed! Thanks be to God.

October 2020

A hearty thanks to those you have completed or are continuing to fulfill their capital campaign pledges. With those funds in hand, our projects are continuing:

• Senior Director of People and Operations Melissa Owen continued her work implementing our livestreaming equipment needs with the purchase of a new camera in August and we are so grateful! Her September priority is upgrading the Sanctuary sound system first and then on to improving lighting for the Chancel area.
• The Rebranding sub-committee of the Telling Our Story Commission, led by Diana Weber-Gardner, chose OrgStory, a consulting firm from Chicago with prior work with the United Church of Christ denomination, to develop and execute a new brand to position Federated for its second century, while providing clarity for the upcoming Visionary Action Plan. The sub-committee and OrgStory will be actively working on this endeavor over the next few months.

We are blessed to have such wonderfully gifted members and staff who are dedicated to continuing on with Federated’s Rejoice & Renew capital campaign projects. Thank you.

August 2020

We are so thankful that 16 more member households have completed their capital campaign pledges with final payments since Mid-March! Along with those who are continuing to make pledge payments, the capital campaign numbers are looking good. Thank you for your support!

In recent months there’s been quite a bit of work done on some capital campaign projects:

·       The Master Capital Campaign Projects List (with projects, timeline, leader, and budget) was approved by Church Council,

·       Senior Director of People and Operations Melissa Owen has continued her work organizing our livestreaming equipment needs. Currently, we are using mostly borrowed equipment. The Council’s Project List approval included reallocation of a capital campaign audiovisual upgrade at the FLC ($8,000) to the audiovisual livestreaming project.

·        A sub-committee of the Telling Our Story Commission has taken ownership of the Rebranding capital campaign project. Led by Diana Weber-Gardner, a communications professional at Cleveland Clinic and long-time member of our church, they are preparing an RFP (Request for Proposal) in search of an agency or consultant to collaborate with the sub-committee to develop and execute the developing vision.  Church Council Moderator Beth Rutkowski supports the direction that will position the church for its second century while providing clarity for the upcoming Visionary Action Plan.

We are blessed to have such wonderfully gifted members and staff who dedicate their time, talents and treasure to complete Federated’s Rejoice & Renew capital campaign projects.

May 2020 Capital Campaign Projects Update

While we have all been at home, staying safe, the Capital Campaign Projects Committee has been doing plenty of work behind-the-scenes to keep us on track - verifying capital campaign pledge payments received and bills paid, as well as allocating remaining funds.

• The Master Capital Campaign Projects List was updated with remaining priorities and budgets, and is ready for Church Council review and approval,
•  Hamilton jumpstarted a group of members to explore a new Altar Cross design for our Sanctuary Altar,
• A key card entry system has been installed at the church entrances, as well as extra security at the Church Office door and the installation of a panic button at the Angel desk,
•  Surveying work for the parking lot paving project has been completed and the design is ongoing,
• The Telling Our Story Commission has appointed a project leader and subgroup to develop a new Federated Church brand and building signage. They anticipate retiring the current brand, lovingly developed in 2013, by the next annual meeting,
• New carpeting has been chosen for the 1st floor Church Office hallway and Education Wing stairwell that complements our lobby carpet, and
• Various Sanctuary blinds possibilities are being researched.

In addition, while not a capital campaign project, work is proceeding to get 102 Bell ready for leasing. We are so thankful that Keith Mast, Becky Gruss, Janis Stefanchik, and Laura Taylor, as well as the Properties Committee and Church staff, have been willing to keep the show going during these unprecedented times.

Thanks be to God!

April 2020 Capital Campaign Projects Update

With the crazy winter weather we had in February and March – sunny, then ice, then snow all in 1 day! – it was great for our custodial crew to have access to a new gator to salt the parking lot and sidewalks.

In addition, the Properties Committee recently commissioned an engineer to survey the lot and create a design of the new parking lot that the capital campaign will be funding. This initial work needs to be done to prepare for the Request for Proposals that’ll be sent out later this year.

There is more rejoicing as the green stripe restrictions will no longer be a part of our parking lot rules beginning 3/23/2020! Given the fact that we are hosting so many more programs at our Bell Street facility, the church keeps running out of usable parking lot spaces. The Properties Committee will let the Village of Chagrin Falls know that we can no longer be a part of the Chagrin Falls Employee Parking Permit program. Parking in the lot will be for our own congregational use or by groups who rent out space in our building.

February 2020 Capital Campaign Projects Update

Members of our Properties Committee and Properties staff have been very busy coordinating a few capital campaign projects in the last few months:

• A new electrical panel and dimmers were installed to adjust the lighting in our Sanctuary – no more scary buzzing noise when the lights are dimmed!
• The final six Sanctuary armchairs were reupholstered.
• Both the snowplow and salt-spreader have been repaired.
• Our new gator has already been used to snowplow and spread salt on the sidewalks.
• The top three steps connecting our parking lot to the school’s lot are now heated with heat mats. This has come in real handy on those snowy/icy Sundays!

Keith Mast, Becky Gruss, Janis Stefanchik, and Laura Taylor met in mid-February to verify capital campaign payments received, bills paid, and funds allocated in preparation for more projects to begin this spring and summer. Rejoice & Renew!

Every quarter, a group of folks meet to determine: Capital Campaign Projects - Where Are We Now? Keith Mast, Becky Gruss, Amy Eugene, Laura Taylor, and Janis Stefanchik met in December to make sure that we are keeping track of all campaign payments that are coming in, paying all capital campaign project bills, and monitoring the progress of each capital campaign project that was approved by Church Council.

Regarding the capital campaign projects, the goal of the operations staff and the Properties Committee is to focus on the following projects in 2020:

· Installing a key card entry system,

· Renovating and replacing bathroom fixtures,

· Reupholstering the final six conference room chairs that currently reside in the Sanctuary,

· Purchasing an altar cross,

· Replacing more Bell Street carpeting,

· Conducting a sound study,

· Installing additional blinds in the Sanctuary,

· Continuing the transition to cost-effective LED lights and safer electrical systems,

· Allocating funds for Deferred Major Maintenance and Equipment, and

· Resurfacing the Bell Street parking lot – including evaluating whether there are funds to install a heated section under the entrance/exit ramp hill.

In the meantime, recently completed work entailed patching and repairing the west stairs. This is one of those campaign projects that isn’t necessarily aesthetically interesting, but is so vital to the safe and efficient running of our buildings. Check out these before/after photos below.

 C

Members of the Properties Committee and Finance Committee, as well as the church operations staff, are continuing to oversee the progress and payments of the capital projects that were listed in last month’s newsletter.

In order to protect the carpet near the entrances, walk-off pads were installed in mid-October. We are thankful that we now have a system in place to shield our new carpet from the outside elements.

Who got first dibs on the newly reupholstered chairs in the Sanctuary this past month? The ones in the conference room look good, too! The new padding makes them super comfortable during church meetings. These chairs have been with us for a long time, and with this renovation, we’ll be able to use them for years to come!

At the beginning of September, a group of folks met to determine: Capital Campaign Projects - Where Are We Now? Keith Mast, Becky Gruss, Amy Eugene, Laura Taylor, and Janis Stefanchik met to make sure that we are keeping track of all campaign payments that are coming in, and the progress of each capital campaign project that was approved by Church Council. We are blessed that after 1 ¾ years, the church has already received more than 86% of the cash pledged during the capital campaign. You made this happen and we are grateful!

At this point in the campaign, funds received are being used for capital projects, including: continued transition to LED light bulbs, repairing westside concrete steps, installing walk-off pads to protect our new carpet at all entrances, upgrading the a/v capabilities at the Family Life Center, installing a new key card entry system at Bell Street, and reupholstering/refurbishing the conference room chairs. In addition, a different type of project is being supported. During the planning of the campaign, we realized that the funds put aside in the past for major maintenance items had been depleted over the years. Thus, a priority at this stage is re-establishing Deferred Major Maintenance Funds for when we need to: replace the HVAC system of the Bell Street education wing, replace an HVAC system at the Family Life Center, and cover other major maintenance expenditures.

This group of people, as well as the Finance Committee, Properties Committee, and church operations staff are continuing to meet to make sure that we remain good stewards of the capital campaign funds. A hearty thanks to all of them and you

This summer, the Properties Committee and the church’s operations staff coordinated the installation of a new projector and a confidence monitor in the Sanctuary. This will enable folks standing on the Chancel facing the pews to view what is on the projector screen behind them without having to turn their backs to the congregation. Thanks to the TNT Committee, there is also a new projector and screen in the Fellowship Hall. All this A/V equipment has been used and well-received.

We’ll be installing a keycard entry system to our facilities. and Johnson Controls was selected. With 300+ events taking place on a monthly basis, there’s bound to be a time when the doors need to be (un)locked when no church operations personnel are on-site. With this new system, a click of a button on a smart phone will allow protection of our buildings, people and property.

The rose garden wall has been nicely re-laid on the west end and now the nearby stairway needs attention. John Giles has coordinated an RFP to contractors. The work, to be completed this fall, will entail patching and repairing the west stairs and wall: the stairs used to exit our building and the stairs from the Heinen’s delivery lot up to the rose garden.

And finally, the Properties Committee facilitated the repair of a small area of the Sanctuary ceiling that needed to be
re-plastered and repainted.

We are so thankful to all the members of the Properties Committee (members and ex-officio) who are taking on the responsibility of looking after our facilities: Keith Mast, Bill Lentz, John Giles, Bob Doxey and Jake Magalski.

The Properties Committee and the Church’s Operations staff have been busy coordinating the Rejoice & Renew Capital Campaign 2019 Projects.  Our Bell Street parking lot was re-striped in June because we were in such desperate need of having that done.  Now it is more obvious which parking spots are reserved for those with limited mobility, which ones are leased to Chagrin Falls for employee parking, and what is the safest route to drive through our lot.  There’s even been a few additional spots created because of the closed driving ramp to the Chagrin Intermediate School.  A bit of this may change as the parking lot is slated to be overhauled in 2020.  In the meantime, we’re so thankful for this update!

In addition, the conference room chairs are currently being reconditioned.  Not only are they being covered in coordinating fabric, but, as you’ll notice from the picture, both the seat and arm pads will have thicker padding, so we’re more comfortable during those church meetings! We can’t wait to use the updated chairs this fall.  They have been with us for a long time, and with this renovation, we’ll be able to use them for years to come!  Many thanks to Bill & Kathy Franz who associated their campaign gift with this Giving Opportunity and to Paul Koepf for his continued work on behalf of this project!

Last month our update included a list of those capital campaign projects that will be completed in 2019.  Work has begun on the first 3 projects listed: replace grounds equipment, purchase Sanctuary A/V equipment, and install keycard entry at Bell Street.

Jake will be doing his happy dance now that the church has purchased a weed wacker.  It’s perfect timing because the much-desired warmer weather is also bringing the weeds!  In addition, we will soon receive a 3rd proposal for the installation of a keycard entry system.  Comparing 3 proposals will allow Amy Eugene, our Senior Director of Operations, to choose the best one for our situation.

In the meantime, a preferred vendor has been chosen from proposals submitted to upgrade the audio/visual equipment in our Sanctuary.  The new equipment will include a projector and a confidence monitor.  A confidence monitor is a screen that faces the Chancel that is easily visible to someone facing the pews – making it easier to see what is being projected onto the screen behind them.  The recent Lenten Sketches, which our music program presented on Maundy Thursday, is the perfect example of how we are using visuals to better connect with folks in our congregation.  This photo gives a comparative look at the difference between what we see now (top) and what will be available with the new projector (bottom) – a larger and crisper picture.

New audio/visual equipment for the Sanctuary was included in the Rejoice & Renew Capital Campaign goals. Thanks to the TNT COMMITTEE, we will also have upgraded A/V equipment in the Fellowship Hall!!  All that hard work has raised a record number of dollars at the TNT sale and the committee has approved using some of the proceeds to pay for a new A/V system in the Fellowship Hall.  Have you been to a meeting, event reception, or Wondrous Wednesday in the past year or two when the A/V didn’t work there? Or have you seen a leader or presenter spend the first 15 minutes of an event trying to get a presentation to appear on the screen?  Thanks to TNT, there is help in sight!!  Our audio/visual offerings in Fellowship Hall will now include a much-

needed projector and new screen.  Hip Hip Hooray!!

It is such a delight to see our Church family wrapped around the spirit of the capital campaign.  We are taking care of our church, as it has taken care of us over the years.  Thanks be to God!

The Capital Campaign Phase II Projects ad-hoc committee has been meeting since late February to prioritize the remaining capital projects based on anticipated campaign payments, budget, importance, status, and cost.  Their plan and recommended priorities were approved by Church Council on Tuesday, April 2nd.  This list consists of only those projects that will be undertaken during 2019.  More projects are on the list and will be addressed in 2020, as time and funds allow.  We thank those who volunteered their energy and time to this ad-hoc committee: Ken Horner, Keith Mast, Laura Taylor, Becky Gruss, Paul Koepf, and Amy Eugene.

Capital Campaign Phase II Projects scheduled for 2019

*Denotes funded Gift Opportunities

Replace equipment for maintaining grounds and facilities

o   Put unused funds into Deferred Equipment Fund

Purchase new audio/visual equipment for Sanctuary

·       Additional monitors, Sound study and system update

Install new Building Entrance System (key card entry)

Outdoor Bell Street

·       Pre-work study for boiler-based heated coils system in Bell Street parking lot

*Replace conference room chairs

Conduct a rebranding effort, plus:

·       redesign church website, as needed

·       update Bell Street front door sign

·       update Bell Street indoor signage, including angel desk welcome sign

Purchase seated choral risers

*Purchase new altar cross with improved lighting

Continue transition to cost-efficient LED fixtures

·       high population areas – lounge, lobby, offices, staff kitchen, FLC

Replace FLC Carpeting – Hearth Room & Chapel

·       Include Bell Street elevator floor

Install emergency generator for Sanctuary lighting and server

Purchase audio/visual equipment for FLC

·       Big Screen & Projector, ultimately mobile

When these 2019 projects are completed, capital campaign funds will be set aside for deferred major maintenance ($150,000 for HVAC Bell Street Education Wing, $140,000 for HVAC at the FLC, and $103,000 for General Major Maintenance).  After those deferred commitments are fulfilled, the projects in the Final Phase will be completed, including two more funded gift opportunities: installing Sanctuary blinds and replacing the Family Life Center dishwasher.  With input from the Properties Committee (Keith Mast, Bill Lentz, John Giles), we look forward to updating the congregation about both the 2019 and Final Phase projects as the year progresses.

We are so thankful for the successful Christmas season in our new space and are basking in the glow of the finished capital projects that are a result of the Rejoice & Renew Capital Campaign.  Because of how wonderfully crazy the construction was during the spring, summer and fall, we all enjoyed a capital project break during the holiday season. 

In the meantime, the campaign office continues to work on the stewardship of funds that have been committed.  In the two months since our “Return to Bell” Sunday on November 18, the church processed $239,770 in payments, which leaves $670,000 in pledge payments outstanding.  The list of pending projects, awaiting these funds and already designated funds, will be presented at the Annual Meeting held on February 10. 

It was a pleasure working with the 2018 Properties Committee members, as well as the finance and operating staff, and we look forward to working with the 2019 group this year.

What a day to celebrate the Lord as we welcomed our congregation back to Bell Street on Sunday, November 18 after nearly $2 million worth of capital projects were completed. We hope you were able to join us as the renovated Sanctuary and new organ were dedicated, Ingathering food for St. Paul’s Church was received, and commitment Sunday operating pledges were made. Many reasons to be thankful for, and to celebrate, God!

We’ve been so blessed that two-thirds of the Rejoice & Renew Capital Campaign pledge payments have been received so far and, as you will have seen (and heard!), those funds have been thoughtfully used. In other words, almost $2 million worth of capital projects have been completed within seven months. Thank YOU! 

There are more projects yet to be accomplished whose timing is dependent on the cash flow from the remaining pledge payments. We’d love to begin scheduling the remaining projects this spring of 2019.  There is no pressure to accelerate your pledge payments – just an opportunity. Thankful for God’s blessings!

Enjoy these photos of our new carpet! Notice the yellow lines in the Fellowship Hall - new hearing loop wires have been laid down before the carpet installation in late October. Notice the lighting of the Sanctuary Altar – the color of the florescent bulbs is being changed to a warmer tone LED bulb for both aesthetic and energy-efficiency purposes. All of the patching work in the Sanctuary has been completed, the new Chancel area has been stained, the roof is finished, and the insulation and HVAC systems have been installed. Currently, they are balancing the temperature of the heat systems. We are so thankful for all the attention to detail that has been a part of this process.

Important Update: The current Project Timeline has us returning to the Sanctuary

on Sunday, November 18

Worship will continue at 10AM at the Family Life Center through November 11

DATE CHANGE: Worship services will continue at the Family Life Center until we return to Bell on Sunday, November 18.   As you can imagine there are a million project details to wrap up before we can step fully into our renewed space at Bell Street. After discussion with Hamilton Throckmorton, Paul Koepf, Ed Willmott, Jake Magalski, Larry Trace, and Amy Eugene, we’ve agreed that we need a bit more time to make sure everything is just right before returning! Mark this new date in your calendars!

Important Update: The current Project Timeline has us returning to the Sanctuary

on Sunday, November 18

10AM at the Family Life Center through November 11

DATE CHANGE: Worship services will continue at the Family Life Center until we return to Bell on Sunday, November 18.   As you can imagine there are a million project details to wrap up before we can step fully into our renewed space at Bell Street. After discussion with Hamilton Throckmorton, Paul Koepf, Ed Willmott, Jake Magalski, Larry Trace, and Amy Eugene, we’ve agreed that we need a bit more time to make sure everything is just right before returning! Mark this new date in your calendars!

Please note: The current Project Timeline has us returning to the Sanctuary

on Sunday, November 4th

10AM at the FLC through October 28th

with 1 exception:

10AM at Bell Street – with a Tour of our upgrades!

on September 23rd

The plasterwork and painting is currently being done in the Lobby, Fellowship Hall, and other areas on that level – and the Sanctuary is being prepped for the same.  The capital projects crew and church staff/volunteers are doing TONS of work to get it ready for our sneak preview on September 23rd.  This is the only Sunday Service we’ll have at Bell Street until November 4th.  Polishing of the Brass Railings was one of the R&R Campaign Gift Opportunities available to donors.  Those different opportunities allowed people the unique chance to associate their gifts with a portion of the campaign.  This particular Gift Opportunity was funded and the polishing is currently underway.  The Sanctuary pews have been moved to the now-protected Chancel hardwood floor in order to accommodate the equipment needed to perform plasterwork on our Sanctuary ceiling.  When all is said and done, this is gonna look spectacular!  So much brighter, cleaner and open with the new layout and the windows no longer covered so much. The new hardwood floor protects the 130+ Mark the Chancel faith journey tributes that our congregation wrote in August.  God is our foundation through this church!  

Much as we might not be comfortable with it,

God rarely puts us on a straight and narrow path.

And our Capital Campaign Projects are no exception!

Some project delays have resulted in us returning

to Worship at our Bell Street Facility

starting Sunday, November 4, 2018

This is later than our hoped-for date, but we are responding responsibly

to the bumps and curves that have been placed along our path.

The good news? 

The projects will be completed

using only those funds, which are raised during the Rejoice & Renew campaign

 and we are blessed to have a beautiful Family Life Center available to us.

So, for now:

                                SUNDAYS                                                                            LOCATION

                                September 9th 10am                                Rally Day Worship and Picnic @ FLC

                                September 16th 10am                             Worship and Sunday School begins @ FLC

                                *September 23rd 10am                           Worship, Sunday School and Tour @ Bell Street*

                                September 30th-October 28th 10am   Worship and Sunday School @FLC

There’s been a tremendous volume of work, movement, dust, fire alarms, and crane activity happening at Bell Street! It’s been exciting, hectic, noisy, and occasionally warm or downright hot! We had a very large crane in the parking lot on August 8th. The crane was needed to move the different HVAC units here and there.  The steeple has been repaired and there is a new roof on the building.  The carpenters for the new Chancel area subflooring have come and gone.  They did a beautiful job accommodating our Reflect and Celebrate tribute opportunity and we are so appreciative. 

Pretty soon it will be time for the painting and new carpet installation.  Three bids for carpet and painting have been reviewed and the contractors for each have been selected.  The plaster/paint work in the Sanctuary is contingent upon the completion of the work in the attic and the placement of the last HVAC unit on the roof over the balcony area of our Sanctuary.  That unit has been manufactured and is in storage and waiting for the completion of a steel structure that will be put on our roof. The piece of steel, able to support the new 15,000 pound HVAC unit, will improve the structural integrity of our roof.  After that is in place, the internal plaster and paint work of the Sanctuary can begin, working from the top down.  And lastly, the new carpet will be installed.  All of the areas which one would normally consider as Sunday morning Worship Space will receive new plaster, paint and carpet.  Those areas include the Lobby, the Fellowship Hall, the hallway which leads to the Choir Room/restrooms, the stairwell to the Sanctuary, the Narthex, Sanctuary, Conference Room, Parents/Infant’s Room, the stairwell to the Balcony, and Balcony. 

Our Properties Committee and Capital Campaign Project Leaders are being good stewards of the funds that have been received-to-date.  They are scheduling each project as pledge payments are received and are coordinating start and completion timelines – as some of the projects are, as you have read, dependent upon one another.  The Rejoice & Renew Capital Campaign is a 3-year endeavor, so there are quite a few projects that will be completed later in 2019 and 2020 – like repaving the parking lot, new Conference Room chairs, and audio/visual and restroom upgrades.  Using various gifts of support, we are – together – making all of these projects possible.  That support continues to come in all shapes and sizes: praying, volunteering, leading, financially committing.  Each of them is just as important as the other and our church is blessed to be the recipient.  Thanks be to God!

Marcia Snavely received some exciting news from her contact at the TS Good Organ Company. The new Rodgers console is at the showroom and it is beautiful!  So many new features - the record and playback feature by itself is a revelation. Imagine, Marcia will be able to register the prelude, record it, and then go out into the sanctuary to hear it exactly as everyone else does. That alone will be an education in organ registration.

Music is such a strong part of our identity and we are fortunate that Marcia is helping to lead the way through this organ project.  She is excited about her surgery recovery - her cast comes off at the end of August - and is already getting back in the swing of things.

As you drive by the FLC, if you see Jake mowing the grass with our new tractor, wave HI!  It now only takes him 2 full days to mow the lawn on our 40-acre FLC property.

On Monday, August 20th, Federated will transition to the new phone system funded by the Rejoice & Renew Capital Campaign.  Our old phone system was over 20 years old, so the staff is looking forward to having some of the new features available in today’s phone systems.  During the cutover Federated phone service was down for a few hours that Monday afternoon.  After the transition we all will be adjusting to the new system.  We ask your patience and understanding during this exciting time.

The up-grading and renovation of the sanctuary provided our Federated Church family with the opportunity to honor those who have shaped our faith.  In the beginning of August, members came to the sanctuary and, on the foundation of the Chancel area, used markers to write names, draw, or otherwise express their gratitude to those who have been foundational in their faith journey.  There were even tributes from our far-away friends who still connect with us via Facebook.  These tributes will be covered with new flooring, but the names will stay as part of the foundation of our church.  Many thanks to Rev. Susi Kawolics for recommending this brilliant idea and for Paul Koepf for helping with the logistics to make this happen.

Our contractors have been very busy recently, both outside and inside.  Most of the work on the inside of the building involves the flexible layout of the Chancel and Choir Loft area in the Sanctuary.  Compare these pictures to the Color Rendering, which is displayed in the lobby of our Family Life Center each Sunday.

We thought you would want to know that our old organ console has been donated to the Parma-South Presbyterian Church.  Tim Hemry, our organ tuner and organ maintenance person for the past several years, was responsible for the transfer to Parma-South. There is peace of mind knowing it’s been put to good use by a technician who has been with us for a long time, rather than finding its way to a landfill.  Rejoice & Renew, indeed!

In the meantime, there are about 2,300 pipes in our organ and, eventually, each of them has to be hand-rewired.  Currently, each pipe is undergoing tonal regulation for speech and volume.  Did you know that pipes speak?  We know that when Marcia plays, they speak beautifully!  After the renovation is complete later this summer, the pipes will undergo a tonal finishing, or tweaking, as the pipes acclimate to the new wood and carpet surfaces in the Sanctuary.

Late June 2018 Rejoice & Renew Capital Campaign Update

So far, the Rejoice & Renew Capital Campaign has raised $2,915,141 and we are beginning to see the fruits of our labors. Repairs and renovations have started with the roof, the organ, and the HVAC systems.  Your piece of the puzzle may be project oversight, working with a group to brainstorm solutions, budget control, being a campaign faith witness, giving a gift which is used for the new roof, being patient while the staff and lay leaders adjust to daily changes, designing banners to announce our summer worship location, or offering prayers for the continued guidance of our volunteers, staff and contractors.  Every piece of the puzzle is important and we are blessed that all of the pieces are falling into place.  Thanks be to God!

Early June 2018 Rejoice & Renew Capital Campaign Update

Capital things are starting to happen with the campaign projects...and that’s exciting! It also means we will be dealing with construction and the cleaning of our church.  We are trying to keep the chaos to a minimum, but please excuse any clutter, mess, or inconveniences.  We promise it is only temporary and for a good reason!  This summer all Bell Street staff offices and meetings/events will be “business as usual,” as much as possible.

Hamilton Throckmorton, Joshua Konow and Paul and Maren Koepf unveiled a color rendering of our updated, flexible Chancel area in the Bell Street Sanctuary.  This layout was a masterful collaboration of teamwork from Joshua Konow, Thaddeus Quintin, Keith Mast, Hamilton Throckmorton, Marcia Snavely, Paul Koepf, Bruce Gigax, Bob Doxey, Gary Dole, Robin Harbage, George Clemens, Heather Harris, Maren Koepf, Nathan Kunst, Bill Lentz, Sunny Doxey, Tim Atkinson, and Heather Harris.  The rendering was produced by Nathan Kunst, co-founder/owner of Dojo Art Studios in Cleveland and a Cleveland Institute of Art graduate.  Our thanks go to Paul Koepf who connected with Nathan through a program at CIA.  We are delighted that Nathan was available to do the work we needed within our allotted timeframe.  The rendering was on display at our Bell Street building following the unveiling and then was moved to our Family Life Center, where our Sunday morning services are being conducted.

This project will be completed this summer, at the same time as the installation of our new roof and HVAC systems, and repairs to the steeple.

May 2018 Rejoice & Renew Capital Campaign Update

It’s spring cleaning time! Can you help? Ya know how your closets fill up with stuff (!) when you live in a place for a while?

Well, we’ve got 75 years of stuff that has accumulated!  As a part of renewing this facility of ours, the Properties Committee would like to clean out our closets (storage rooms, corners, nooks and crannies).

However, being good stewards of our properties also requires us to carefully ask:

1. Can we still use this?

2. Is this valuable to someone?

3. Is it part of an on-going ministry?

4. Can it go to Trinkets & Treasures?

5. Or, is it trash?

As a result, everything we clean out will be on display in Fellowship Hall for a limited time. If you want it, take it.

Clean-up days are Mondays from 9:00-11:00 am.  Please contact Paul Koepf and come help! (paullkoepf@gmail.com or 216.410.2101). Many hands make light work!

April 2018 Rejoice & Renew Capital Campaign Update

In addition to the weekly Properties Committee (PC) meetings, a PC Ad Hoc committee consisting of Joshua Konow, Thaddeus Quintin, Hamilton Throckmorton, Marcia Snavely, Paul Koepf, Bruce Gigax, Gary Dole, and Robin Harbage met to define the acoustical and logistical needs of our Sanctuary. As needs were refined, a second group, which also included George Clemens and Heather Harris, reviewed the layout of the chancel and choir loft areas to seek to improve the flexibility of those areas, while considering aesthetics and functionality. The inclusion of a newly upgraded Rodgers Organ (TS Good Church Organ Company) has presented an opportunity for us to enhance the layout and function of our sanctuary space. The organ will be movable and, therefore, will allow us to use the organ in ways not previously possible. Mainly, it will improve sight lines and integration with other musical events. The final project will create a vastly improved musical experience to better enable worship. Paul Koepf will render drawings of this group’s preliminary ideas. In addition, Sunny Doxey and Heather Harris have been gathering information about the needed renovations of the restrooms in our facilities.

Remember the Pre-Bid meeting in early February attended by 13 General/Sub-Contractors that we mentioned last month? Well, the bidding process for the HVAC/roof project closed on March 7. The Properties Committee members reviewed the submitted bids and made a recommendation to Church Council on March 15. Because dumpsters and a construction trailer are expected to arrive in our Bell Street parking lot around mid-May, we will move only Sunday worship services to the Family Life Center beginning Memorial Day Weekend Sunday, May 27. 

And finally, one funded gift opportunity has now been completed at our Bell Street facility: new wireless access points. Access points allow visitors, staff and members to connect to the Internet anywhere within the facility. Federated Church has an active online presence with both our website (fedchurch.org) and Facebook page (facebook.com/TheFederatedChurch). Access to those resources within our facilities is very important, as we work to keep folks informed about our church events and ministries via their phones, tablets or laptops. In addition, we are pleased that more and more meetings and events are taking advantage of our wireless capabilities for their own presentations. The six Bell Street access points have been replaced with newer ones with a stronger signal, which means that folks throughout our large Bell Street building will have better access to our wireless system.

Federated’s congregation is blessed with so many members and friends talented in a variety of fields. And we are so thankful to the Properties Committee for getting so many stakeholders involved! All of this could not have occurred without such a successful Rejoice & Renew Capital Campaign. Thanks be to God and you!

March 2018 Capital Campaign Projects Update

As you will notice in the 2017 Properties Committee Annual Report  submitted by Bob Doxey, John Giles, Paul Koepf, Bill Lentz, Bill Mason and Keith Mast, capital (!) things are starting to happen around here! In the first full week of February, they hosted 13 general contractors, HVAC, and roofing contractors at a pre-bid meeting and site visit. Our parking lot was full of pickup trucks! The meeting was an opportunity to clarify any questions bidders may have with the solicitation documents, scope of work and other details, as well as a chance to tour the ins and outs of our Bell Street facility. The committee was very pleased that 13 of the 14 invited general/sub-contractors attended the meeting, although a second meeting may be scheduled, if the committee deems it necessary.

In addition, you may have seen a new cornerstone displayed on the reception desk. As noted in the Capital Campaign Projects Start Date List, the parking lot canopy entrance will be renovated this summer. This will include the new cornerstone and brick surround. Another item mentioned on the list is technology integration. In February, the church staff (thanks, Melinda!) worked on organizing the current location of phones and our future needs in both facilities. And finally, the Properties Committee met with an expert in the audio visual field to discuss ideas about our other technology integration needs. With this added information, they will be able to make informed decisions about any changes to be implemented.

During the Annual Meeting, Paul, Keith and Bill shared more exciting information: the Properties Committee expects that the dumpsters, as well as a construction trailer, should arrive in our parking lot around mid-May in preparation for tearing off the old roof. Dust will be flying! For this reason, they are recommending that summertime Sunday services be held at the Family Life Center.

And finally, Paul Koepf also mentioned during the Annual Meeting that the committee will be looking for volunteers for small projects that can be completed in, let’s say, a single morning or afternoon. Please be sure to contact Paul, or any member of the committee, if you have some time and talent that you could devote to our renovations. All of the members of the committee are doing such a wonderful job being good stewards of the money raised to renovate and upgrade our much-loved facilities. We are so thankful to be in such good hands!

March 2018 Rejoice & Renew Capital Campaign Update

If you couldn’t attend Federated’s Annual Meeting on February 11, you must have missed Robin Harbage’s happy dance! What exciting news he shared! It was confirmed that, since Federated has raised more than $2.9 million in pledges, Church Council passed a motion at the January meeting to fund all campaign items included in both the $2.2 million “Minimum” and $3.0 million “Challenge” goals with the exception of $100,000 of funding for deferred major maintenance.

On the next page of this edition of the SPIRE you will see a listing of those projects submitted by our Properties Committee, along with proposed start dates. This is a wonderful starting point and, just like any renovation project, we’re sure that items will be moved around as funds arrive or when it becomes obvious that projects are linked and need to be coordinated with one another. A lot of work has gone into this Project List and we are grateful to Paul Koepf, Bill Lentz, Keith Mast, Bob Doxey, and Bill Mason!