| As we get closer to breaking ground on our building renovations we need two new task forces to make sure we are ready when construction starts. The two new task forces are:
Oak Tree Task Force (led by Victoria Agnew & Frank Grossman)
Part of our Building Our Vision (BOV) initiative includes redesigning our front entrance to enhance clarity and accessibility. This will involve reconstructing the glass walkway between the Sanctuary and the Faith Formation Wing, extending it forward, and adding a new, accessible exterior walkway. However, this renovation necessitates the removal of the large oak tree that currently stands in front of the glass walkway. To manage this change respectfully, we are forming a task force. The primary focus of this group will be to oversee the removal of the tree and to find meaningful ways to repurpose its wood, ensuring that it continues to be a part of our church community. We are looking for individuals with two key interests:
- Exploring Creative Ideas: We need your creativity to decide what the tree’s wood will become. Your suggestions—whether for art, furniture, or something entirely different—will help shape its new purpose in our church.
- Research and Collaboration: This involves researching and liaising with companies skilled in tree cutting, drying, and processing, as well as expert woodworkers. Your role will be to ensure that the tree’s transformation is handled with care and expertise.
Organ Task Force (Led by Jon Lasselle, Ellen Fisher & Jed Holland)
Our planned renovations include leaving the large organ pipes that form the backdrop of the sanctuary in place.
However, our traditional pipe organ has been out of service for more than two years. We have been using an electronic organ that remarkably simulates the range and sound of our full pipe organ. The old organ is aging and increasingly expensive to repair. The traditional organ system, with its large, immovable console, hundreds of wires, and air tubes, presents logistical difficulties.
The current plan is to continue using the electronic organ for our services. This leads us to a few crucial questions: Does the current electronic organ have a sound that covers the need for the church? And if yes, what should we do with our old pipe organ?
This task force will explore viable options for the old organ, considering both its historical significance and practical challenges. We invite members of our congregation who are interested in contributing to this discussion to join this group.
If you are interested in participating in either the Oak Tree Task Force or the Organ Task Force, please send an email to bov@uunashua.org. Please indicate which task force you would like to join. We will be starting the task force meetings in the second week of January, sign up soon to be included. |
