We completed and dedicated our new kitchen and restroom facilities and did some touch ups on our east entry area. We debated early in the remodeling project about replacing our water heater, but decided to let it finish its life at Grace. One fall morning it failed. We are now the proud owners of a new on-demand hot water system that delivers hot water only as needed. This should translate to conservation of gas and energy of over 25% over the old system!
Other projects we tackled this year included a replacement of the concrete sidewalk entryway and seal coating and stripping the parking lot. To close the year outside we again tried to repair the leaky corner of the roof and re-graded and expanded the North drainage ditch. The drainage issues we have experienced are finally resolved.
We have added to our cleaning staff and divided the church into sections. This strategy seems to be working well for all. Many thanks to all who labor to keep our church ship-shape. Special thanks to Dottie and Beth and the teams, who shovel, mow, weed, dust and straighten. Our committee has begun to contract out the big cleaning jobs such as window washing and floor stripping and waxing. A special thank you to the Tatlock family for providing us with a brand new commercial vacuum cleaner. Thank you all very much for your donations of time and equipment.
We are fortunate at Grace to have so many people who share their talents to keep things running smoothly. We continue to see our building and grounds as a mission tool in our community. We are blessed to have the funding and support of all to carry out our duties to maintain and create a welcoming presence in Cambridge.
Submitted by: Hope Oostdik
