Uplift Accessibility Project
Uplift Update - March 20, 2023
March, 2023
Dear Friends of UCRP,
Greetings from United Church of Rogers Park! March 14 th marks the second anniversary of our Uplift Accessibility Project campaign and we want to update you regarding our progress.
As people of faith, we talk about living in the “already but not yet.” We believe God’s realm is manifest among us, and yet God’s promises are not fully realized. The dynamic nature of God’s realm speaks to our Uplift Accessibility Project.
New Acessible Entrance
We already worship in an accessible sanctuary; we have not yet celebrated the completion of Phase One.
We already walk through our new at-grade entrance; we have not yet installed the automatic opener for the exterior door.
We already have new lights for our new ramp; we have not yet installed new exit lights to bring the building up to code.
We already use our new lift; we have not yet been able to reopen our main entrance doors.
We already received over $246,404 in funding for this project; we have not yet had everyone fulfill their three-year pledges.
We have already spent $218,176 for Phase One; we have not yet raised the additional $241,500 for the increased costs of Phase Two.
The “already and not yet” nature of God’s realm means that we must actively take part in what God is doing in the world. During this time of waiting, we continue to apply for grants and look for ways to fund Phase Two of the Uplift Accessibility Project that will include replacing the steps to our main entrance. Many of you have already given. Thank you! If you are able to give toward Phase Two, we need
your support.
New Lift to Sanctuary
We look forward to a formal dedication of the new lift in the coming months and we hope you will join us. As we clarify the details and cost for Phase Two, we ask that you continue to keep us and all of the ministries that happen in our building in your prayers.
Thank you to all who have given to help us live into the “already and not yet” of God’s promises.
In Ministry Together,
The United Church of Rogers Park
Uplift Update - November 28, 2022
A lot to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving weekend. We have had our final inspection and we will plan to be back
in the sanctuary on SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER
Uplift Update - October 2, 2022
These pictures were taken on Sunday 2 October 2022.
Not only the doors are installed [left picture], so are the working components of the lift [right picture].
Uplift Update - September 7, 2022
These pictures were taken on Wednesday 7 September 2022.
First picture - Outside on Ashland Avenue side by the Peace Garden, and new driveway paved with the open doorway leading to the lift;
Second picture - Lower Level right as one enters the outside doorway. Drywall finished. Just waiting for the mechanical parts of the lift to be delivered and installed.
Expected completion operation date on October 30th
Uplift Update - July 30, 2022
These pictures were taken on Saturday 30 July 2022. First picture - Upstairs by sanctuary - frame for lift; Second and Third pictures - Lower Level Ramp to new door at the end of the new hallway
Fourth picture - Lower Level by new door - frame for lift; Fifth and Sixth pictures - New door by the Peace Garden on Ashland Avenue.
Uplift Update - July 17, 2022
This picture was taken on Sunday, July 17, 2022. The box-frame in the sanctuary is ready for the lift to be installed on the ground level.
Construction projects in Chicago and beyond are facing delays a few weeks after 300 heavy equipment operators in Northern Illinois went on strike over alleged unfair business practices. Into the third week, this strike has impacted the supply of concrete and may affect the timeline of our UpLift Project.
Uplift Update - May 26, 2022
These pictures were taken on Thursday, May 26 2022. More of the second floor exposed [back of the sanctuary]. The foundation base’s wood is gone and is now harden cement.
Uplift Update - May 19, 2022
These pictures are from Tuesday 17 May to Thursday 19 May. The northwest stairs are removed, an opening is made in the lower level ceiling, and a foundation wooden base is made for the lift before pouring cement. It is progressing very fast for the lift installation.
Uplift Update - March 20, 2022
In 2022, a special donation pledge of $50,000 was received to honor the work and legacy of those who first helped make UCRP accessible by installing an elevator and building the exterior ramp. (Find out more about these early accessibility improvements on our website.) We are excited to invite others to join us and build upon this legacy, as we raise the last $70,000 we need to make the building fully accessible now!
After many delays, all the permits have been approved by the City of Chicago and construction shall go forward soon.
October 16, 2021
Having reached 75% of needed funds, work begins on phase 1 of our Uplift Campaign on Monday 18 October.
We ask that everyone avoid parking in the church spots and driveway between the church and the Peace Garden so the crew will have the space they need to work.
Keep in mind UCRP still needs to raise the rest of the 25% of our goal to complete this project. Praise God and thank you to all who made it possible with your donations and pledges!
Uplift Update - September 2021
To date we have raised almost $180,000 in donations and pledges! God is good and we are moving forward to apply for permits and hope to break ground this fall.
Your support is making this all possible. Below are a few ways you can continue to help us see this project through to groundbreaking and completion:
1. Please continue to keep our church and this project in your prayers. Here are some ways to direct your prayers: We are planning to return to inperson worship in Overdier Hall on September 12. Pray that the Uplift Accessibility Project moves forward in a timely manner and that we can soon worship in our fully accessible sanctuary! Pray for our contractor and for the funding to continue to come in. Pray for permits and for construction to go smoothly. Also pray for our ministry and building partners who will have their space and operations disrupted during construction. Pray that the impact is minimal.
2. Check out our Merch! Tee Mart, a local business, has partnered with us and we receive a portion of all sales. (For some items over 40% comes back to the UPlift Accessibility Project!) UCRP masks, mugs, tshirts, sweatshirts and more are available. You chose one of our designs and get custom merchandise! Check out the website here: https://ucrp-fundraiser.company.site/
3. Lastly, consider sharing this campaign with your friends and family. Help us as we reach out to the community and invite your friends and family to give and join us as we raise the rest of the needed funds to see this project through to completion.
UCRP Fundraising Team
There was a launch party on Sunday 14 March 14 for reaching outside the church and toward the public in our fundraising effort for a new lift into UCRP sanctuary and lower level. The bottom of this page goes into more details about why, when, and how this lift is needed.
Acknowledgment went to our foundational donors [those who made pledges before the public launch to help us launch with momentum!]. There is still time for your pledge to be included!
Use this link to record your pledge: Pledge Form
We are excited to share that the project has raised up to $110,860!! The Launch party was a celebration on the current dollars raised, as well as to continue toward the goal of $300,000. Please help us spread the word about the project. It will take all of us!
Here is a link to the FaceBook event: https://fb.me/e/3scembdoC
update 30 march
Good news! In order to make our building accessible to all, we need to raise $300,000, but we have already secured over $124,715! We are so grateful to God and to all who have made it possible for us to start this campaign on such a strong note!
$60,000 - Seed money from Big Shoulder’s building sale tithe
$51,860 - Foundational gifts from individual donors
$12,855 - Gifts and pledges from Uplift launch on March 14th
As your situation allows, we hope you will consider a contribution above and beyond your regular support of our church and ministries:
You can still make a pledge here
Sign up to help out with fundraising efforts here
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROJECT
Information Sheet
Description of the Uplift Accessibility Project Capital Campaign
Our Uplift Accessibility Project expands access to our building, services, programs and communities by including and welcoming a previously underserved, and in some cases, unserved population. Please note some of what it will accomplish:
Add an accessibility lift and ramp to expand our community services and impact by, for the first time, supporting anyone in need regardless of physical ability.
This is the first priority because it fills a known gap in the population we serve.
A lift and ramp demonstrate our love and care as they expand our community outreach and support.
Repair crumbling stairs leading to the west entrance to our Sanctuary.
This is the second priority because alternative entrances (with stairs) already exist.
Here is some background information explaining why this accessibility project is so vital:
The United Church of Rogers Park [UCRP] congregation has been serving Rogers Park since 1872, where we started meeting at a train station at Lunt & Ravenswood [a place of intersection and community]. Since 1905 the UCRP family has called our current building home [at the corner of Morse and Ashland]. In the 1920s, it survived a fire and reconstruction that later gifted us with a new west entrance and stairway. In the 1970’s an outdoor access ramp was added. From our beginning in 1872, UCRP has always put the needs of the community first. Because of this noble intent, the aesthetics of our building has generally received less attention. But since ministry to the community has been and will always be our top priority, we need to tend to our building now! This is not a vanity project. It is a central component of our worship.
Currently outdated physical structures are keeping us from serving all who need us. The entrance and stairs at our Ashland Avenue entrance have deteriorated [see photo at right]; and the existing sanctuary-level outdoor accessibility ramp leaves visitors exposed to the [at-times-harsh] elements, and has received only minor attention since it was built. The proposed Uplift Accessibility Project removes any barriers to the heart of UCRP—our sanctuary—and for the first time makes our church fully accessible to everyone!
Creating a new state-of-the-art entrance on our southwest corner, building an accessible ramp to our library and classrooms, as well as making space for a lift to take people up to our main floor for service, finally opens much-needed access to our sanctuary and community services and support. These improvements will also provide safe and accessible pick-up and drop-off while protecting patrons and guests from inclement weather. This vital investment in our building will allow our outreach programs to grow and expand in ways that will impact more people in the community. We will be able to open our doors to new participants through our various ministries and partnerships.
United Church of Rogers Park is committed to remaining a diverse, reconciling congregation where all are welcome. While we eagerly await the time—post pandemic—when we will be able to gather and fellowship in our building, it is our hope that the Uplift Accessibility Project will be well under-way so both the able-bodied and those with disabilities can worship together as one happy throng!