September 2018
Dear Chalice Lighter,
For almost its entire 20-plus-year history, the Tapestry congregation in Lake Forest, California has dreamed of the day when it could move out of rented space into a building of its own.
Two years ago, when its landlord told the congregation its rent could increase by as much as 40 percent over the next three years, the congregation rallied its forces, launched a “Raise the Roof” capital campaign and, with the help of 17 investors, was able to secure a mortgage and purchase a 6,769 sq. ft. office building that could be renovated to give it twice as much space as its previously rented facility, more classrooms, a separate social hall, a better equipped sanctuary and a prep kitchen.
With the help of a $200,000 Spirit Level Foundation grant, Tapestry was able to complete most of the renovations to give congregants the home they have always wanted and will eventually allow them to host OWL sleepovers, regional UU gatherings and community events.
However, final compliance requirements from the city of Lake Forest surprised even the congregation’s architects and members have since invested hundreds of hours of sweat equity into stripping wallpaper, painting, repairing walls and doors, and doing minor electrical work.
But before the congregation can obtain an occupancy permit and begin holding Sunday services, some of the renovations required to meet building codes must be done by professionals, renovations that were unexpected and not budgeted.
The assistance of generous Chalice Lighters would help Tapestry complete those renovations, especially the installation of a fire and alarm and sprinkler system, and finally move into the home it has dreamed of for more than 20 years.
For almost its entire 20-plus-year history, the Tapestry congregation in Lake Forest, California has dreamed of the day when it could move out of rented space into a building of its own.
Two years ago, when its landlord told the congregation its rent could increase by as much as 40 percent over the next three years, the congregation rallied its forces, launched a “Raise the Roof” capital campaign and, with the help of 17 investors, was able to secure a mortgage and purchase a 6,769 sq. ft. office building that could be renovated to give it twice as much space as its previously rented facility, more classrooms, a separate social hall, a better equipped sanctuary and a prep kitchen.
With the help of a $200,000 Spirit Level Foundation grant, Tapestry was able to complete most of the renovations to give congregants the home they have always wanted and will eventually allow them to host OWL sleepovers, regional UU gatherings and community events.
However, final compliance requirements from the city of Lake Forest surprised even the congregation’s architects and members have since invested hundreds of hours of sweat equity into stripping wallpaper, painting, repairing walls and doors, and doing minor electrical work.
But before the congregation can obtain an occupancy permit and begin holding Sunday services, some of the renovations required to meet building codes must be done by professionals, renovations that were unexpected and not budgeted.
The assistance of generous Chalice Lighters would help Tapestry complete those renovations, especially the installation of a fire and alarm and sprinkler system, and finally move into the home it has dreamed of for more than 20 years.
Please respond now with your contribution to help our neighbor congregation in Lake Forest.
You can submit your donation online. You may also write a check and mail it to PSWD Chalice Lighters, 7511 Greenwood Avenue North, #414, Seattle, WA 98103-4627. If you send a check, please write PSWD CL in the memo line of your check and on the payment envelope.
Contributions for this call will be accepted through October 23, 2018. Any donations received after that date will go toward the PSWD Chalice Lighters Undesignated Fund. Ten percent of each call reimburses regional expenses to administer the program. If you have any questions, email pswdchalicelighters@pwruua.org. Thank you for your generosity!