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As we move into this period of transition, it seems like a good time for all of us to contemplate the core values of St. Barnabas. Our mission statement, printed at the heading of this newsletter, is our guide to what is most important to us. We accomplish this mission through many different ministries in this unique place; beautiful Episcopal liturgy coupled with progressive theology, inspiring music in our worship and community events, welcoming coffee hours and social events, youth and adult formation events, pastoral care, outreach and creation care. The beauty of our buildings and grounds help to transform and sustain us in this work. The Campus Stewards group has been investigating the detailed ways our buildings and grounds can continue to support our mission. This time of transition requires that our attention be focused on our communal life together in Christ, and the Campus Stewards group does not want to distract anyone from this focus. However, we do want to keep you informed of our discoveries. The older portions of our campus have been in service to us for nearly 80 years and are in need of some loving attention. The brick structure of our Sanctuary has had little maintenance since it was built. Some of the mortar joints are in need of repair and the entire exterior needs to be cleaned. We have also investigated the ability of the building to withstand an earthquake of magnitude 8 and have a plan to unobtrusively provide additional support to the tops of the brick walls and the roof. The stained glass windows are in need of repair to ensure their longevity. These repairs will allow the building to continue to inspire and sustain us and future generations for many years to come. The administration building (which contains the administrative offices, parlor, and the sacristy) was originally built as the Eagle Harbor USO during WWII and was moved to the site after the war. The structure has held up well over the years, but does not meet current energy, accessibility, or seismic codes. The sacristy area, where the altar guild works, clergy and lay leaders vest, services are recorded, and choir access are accommodated, has become overly cramped and not very functional. The addition of an elevator has been contemplated for many years but is impossible to achieve without demolition of part of the existing building. The level of work required to improve this building can be approached in several ways, including an extensive remodel and minor addition or a complete replacement. Either of these options require further study by consultants. The parish hall, day school, and meeting rooms are in fairly good shape. There are a few miscellaneous projects that could improve the functionality of these spaces, but these are a lower priority, in the grand scheme of things. We are also considering other projects, including solar panels, to improve our energy use and carbon footprint. You may have noticed some work that has been done on the grounds immediately adjacent to the buildings. We contracted to have some major tree and shrub pruning, replacement of dead or diseased plants, mulch, and additions to our irrigation system to alleviate the need for hand Understanding how we can prioritize, schedule, and fund all these projects has been a recent focus of our work and there are a couple of other projects working their way through the pipeline. We will be making a presentation to the parish to share our thinking at coffee hours (8 & 10) on Sunday, August 24. The Campus Stewards group, the Finance Committee, and your Vestry believe that strategically approaching this is an important consideration when calling our next rector. If you have questions or concerns you can contact members of the Campus Stewards group. Mary Anne Smith, Property Warden & Chair of Campus Stewards |
