From the Board of Trustees:

Important Construction Updates & Our Path Forward

Info Session & Campaign Launch

Dear Cedar Lane Members and Friends,

It is with hearts full of gratitude and excitement that we write to share important updates about the progress of Cedar Lane’s building renovation, and a significant step we are taking to ensure its success.

Your Cedar Lane Board of Trustees is thrilled to report that construction is in full swing and proceeding exceptionally well. For those who have been on campus recently, you have seen our beautiful space taking shape. We remain on schedule for a grand reopening in Spring 2024, when we will unveil a transformed and inspiring spiritual home for our Congregation.

However, we must also share some challenges Cedar Lane has encountered along the way. The delay in construction led to increased costs caused by production and shipping delays, high-interest rates, and inflation, creating a funding gap that together we must address to ensure the completion of this important project. In addition, Cedar Lane is contending with a long-standing annual budget shortfall that affects such items as staff salaries, programs, and costs for the upkeep of our facilities. With these financial constraints in mind, Cedar Lane’s Board of Trustees has carefully considered our path forward.

After thoughtful deliberation, the Board has made a decision that reflects both our commitment to transforming Cedar Lane’s building to better meet the needs of current and future members and our dedication to our mission and ministry. We are excited to announce the launch of our special fundraising campaign, "Elevating Our Vision" on Sunday, October 8.

The goal of “Elevating Our Vision” is to raise $950,000. The campaign will serve two essential purposes:

• Closing the construction funding gap and completing the renovation in style. "Elevating Our Vision" will help Cedar Lane secure the additional funds needed to cover the increased construction costs, and allow us to install modern AV equipment to integrate online broadcasting for all those who have come to love worship-in-their-PJs (or who have been joining us from out-of-state or out-of-country!), purchase furnishing for key areas including the sanctuary, and refresh classrooms on the lower level. The priority is to close the funding gap. It is anticipated that approximately $400,000 will be needed to do that.

• Supporting long-term operating costs. By enhancing the building and its amenities, Cedar Lane aims make our campus safer and more accessible, to increase rental income, helping to alleviate the annual budget shortfall. As we can take on additional fundraising efforts, we will continue to move towards creating welcoming and accessible spaces that support spiritual growth, serve the community within and beyond the walls of Cedar Lane, and embody our commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive religious community.

“Elevating Our Vision” will ask us all to step up. The good news is that we can do this – together. And the best news is that Cedar Lane can make love work and dare to embody a vision for Beloved Community where all are welcome!

To kick off the "Elevating Our Vision" campaign and celebrate our progress, the Board invites you to join us on Sunday, October 8. During our Sunday service and at a reception following, Cedar Lane will officially launch the campaign. We will share our vision, the goals of the campaign, and how each and every one of you can be a part of this exciting journey. Together, we will elevate our vision and strengthen our beloved community.

As we have moved through the process of planning for and launching this construction project, the Board has heard from many in the Congregation. Cedar Lane is fortunate to have so much support for this project, as illustrated by the congregational votes and generous financial support to continue to move forward at key points. The Board also recognizes the concerns that have been raised. Is the timing right? Is the scope of work meeting our needs – current and future? Do we have the financial capacity for this project?

The Board invites you to join us for an online information session on Thursday, October 5 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. We'll discuss project progress, fundraising efforts, and have opportunities for you to ask questions. Register here to receive a Zoom link.

We want you to know that all the decisions that have and are being made along this journey are in the best interests of the Congregation foremost in our minds.  

In the coming weeks, you will receive more information about the campaign, ways to get involved, and how to support this important endeavor. We encourage you to share your thoughts, questions, and ideas as we embark on this journey together.

Thank you for your unwavering support, dedication, and love for Cedar Lane. With your help, we are confident that we will achieve our goals and continue to thrive as a community of hope, love, and inspiration.

With gratitude and love,

Roger Santodomingo

President, Board of Trustees

boardpresident@cedarlane.org

Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation

9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814

301-493-8300 | office@cedarlane.org | cedarlane.org

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