What we have…

The first thing you will notice as you approach the building is the balance and integration of the addition with our current building.  The tower offers a nice counterpoint to the roofline of the current building and balances out the two ends of the joined structure, providing a pleasing and harmonious combination.

The new addition is sided with HardiePanel vertical siding, which is virtually maintenance free.  The rest of the building has been re-sided as well to create an integrated look.   As you approach the new entrance, the ADA-compliant, level, decked and lighted walkway — actually, a bridge — transports you through the trees to the new front door, which is protected from the elements by a generous overhang.  The expanse of glass all across the front and rear of the addition allows you to look into the spacious lobby area and actually through the building to our woods beyond. 

The 670-square-foot deck, outfitted with simple benches, is a perfect place to greet friends and possibly serve coffee on nice spring and fall days.  The lighting on the walkway and deck makes it available for use during evening hours as well.  On the right side of the deck are two steps down to ground level and to stone walkways that connect with our current entrance as well as the sidewalk.  The project budget includes funds for much needed landscaping in this area.

What it does…

Perhaps most of all, the exterior of the new entrance, with its inviting walkway, gathering area, and view of the spacious lobby glimpsed within, effectively conveys the welcoming spirit to be found just inside.  The entrance’s many features suggest an active and engaged membership.  The landscaping, which will incorporate the “Mangold garden” and use native plantings, will reflect our congregation’s reverence for nature; the two oaks at the present corner of the wooded area will be a prominent landmark.  The bridge-like walkway, in its connection between the world and our spiritual home, represents the link spoken of in the church’s statement of identity.  In sum, the exterior says, as does our mission statement, that here is a “progressive, vibrant, and active congregation, serving the intellectual and spiritual needs of its community.”

What we have…

As you enter the building through the double glass doors, you step onto stone flooring in the vestibule, a touch which effectively continues the “outdoors” feeling.  To the right is a railing and, unobtrusive but accessible, the stairs going down to the lower level.  To the left, tucked into the corner, is the ADA-compliant elevator to the lower level.  Next to the elevator, windows stand in the place where the future door into the future new sanctuary eventually will go.  The flooring throughout the upper floor, except for the stone vestibule, is wood.  The view as you enter the doors is straight through the large lobby and out the windows to the woods beyond. 

The spacious 385-square foot lobby area is large enough for tables to be set up for special occasional displays and comfortable seating for visiting with friends and enjoying coffee after services.  This lobby area has a coat closet,  and walls are available for name tags and artwork.  The gently slanted and lofty ceiling is wood paneled, with skylights to bring even more light into the area.

The upper floor also contains a large conference room for board meetings or other gatherings of church committees or outside renters. A conference table and chairs are permanently set up and left in place.  Windows on two walls of this conference room afford views of the woods beyond.

What it does…

The lobby is the crossroads of the church.  It is a place for reconnecting and engaging, for handshakes and hugs.  The new lobby’s size enables us to greet visitors with thoughtfulness and care.  It has corners for conversation, and an area to greet newcomers and display our brochure rack.  If the entry is also the “face” of the church, a pleasing entry experience is the smile on that face. The conference room will be a place where our church can serve “the intellectual and spiritual needs of its community” and those whom we would invite to join it.

What we have…

The stairs leading down from the lobby take you to a corridor which runs the length of the new space.  To the right is the entrance into the large classroom of the existing space; to the left are two ADA-compliant bathroom, properly sized and configured for wheelchair access and equipped with a baby-changing table.  Continuing to the left, you will find the entrance to the elevator, a window to bring daylight into the corridor, and finally double doors that lead outside.  These doors will lead to additional classroom, office, and adult meeting room space in the future addition.  The flooring in the corridor is stone matching the upstairs lobby.

Across the hall from the stairs are two classroom/meeting rooms.  One room is 285 sq ft, with windows on two walls that look out to the woods beyond.  The other is 300 sq ft, with windows on one wall and a closet.  The floors in these rooms are carpeted.  These rooms are equipped with adult-sized furniture appropriate for adult meetings, adult education classes, and rental to outside groups for meetings. 

What it does…

The two classrooms offer a learning space that is not currently available as we strive to “…serve the children, youth, and adults of our congregation through creative, stimulating programs and activities that reflect and promote the principles of our faith.”  One of the spaces is furnished with soft seating for adult education and convenant group meetings.  The adjacent room can be used for adult education meetings before, after, during, or between services upstairs.  It will also serve as our Director of Religious Education office.