As we further refine our understanding of what a new building might contain and look like, it is useful to consider the context in which this project is occurring. This is not a new idea. In 2017 we undertook a process to define our future campus facility needs. We held extensive small and large group meetings ultimately determining that fellowship space was clearly the top priority. The Board then commissioned an architect’s rendering of two distinct options for a new facility. After much further discussion, we decided, for a number of reasons, not to proceed with a building project at that point. You can see the summary of that whole process here

This year we restarted deliberations about campus infrastructure improvements. A Town Hall was held in the Spring of 2025 which reiterated and solidified the congregation’s need for a larger, more functional fellowship hall and other spaces for connection. You can see the results of that deliberation here. As mentioned in an earlier post, a summary of the results of both processes was given to Reynolds/Ash architects and are being incorporated into proposed conceptual drawings for further review.

We are aware that we are making a potentially bold step at a challenging time in our nation. Our president, Tim Miller, addressed this in his homily on October 5. His remarks are worth another visit, and you can view his talk here. This project, should we decide to move forward, will better equip us to live into our Mission: To Love Courageously, Inspire Spiritual Growth and Work for Justice.

As we continue moving forward in our deliberations in the coming months, let’s reflect on how much we have to offer to each other, to the community and to future generations who will make UUFD their spiritual home with Love at the center.