Custodial Services Update - September 2021

Hello friends,

​It has been a while since I have had a chance to sit and chat with you all and give an update on the building status and a noteworthy change to our beloved sacred space. I hope everyone is well, and that you’ve had a good summer. I can say, for me, working through this pandemic has been all over the map. I’ve spent days scared, anxious, worried, angry, and many other unpleasant feelings that still surface every now and again, but as time went on, I developed a deep sense of calm about the situation. Knowing that times like these have occurred in our past and the earth kept spinning and folks worse off than us suffered very trying times yet humanity persisted has helped. Mostly I think my connection with you all, my work within the church building, and the Facilities Board has brought me a sense of peaceful purpose and has helped me pass the time. But enough of that, this is about you, this is about the building and our Church.

Earlier this summer we said goodbye to some very good friends. Nancy and Jenny Holmes, who have cleaned our building for many many years have moved on to devote time to other interests. They have provided years of outstanding service to our congregation cleaning our spaces which helped us achieve the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that greets us and our guests when walking through the doors. I hope you will all join me in a heartfelt thank you to the Holmes ladies for their hard behind the scenes work. True unsung heroes of our operations staff.

Nancy and Jenny were gracious enough to stay on as we sought a replacement cleaning contractor, this provided the much-needed time for us to a seamless transition to our new friends. Marta’s and Son Inc. has been selected to fill the big shoes left by Nancy and Jenny. They are a well-respected company, with an ever-growing footprint in the area and I am grateful for the time Cesar spent with me during the bidding process. making me comfortable and confident that he and his crew will provide outstanding professional service. So, if you see new faces in our halls, working feverishly to provide a clean and tidy church environment feel free to say hi, and most importantly welcome them into our First Congregational family.

​If its one thing that I’ve learned this past year it is that change is inevitable and its how we react to that change that determines the outcome. I will be providing more frequent updates to the building related changes now that we have resumed some in person activities. Stay tuned for some very exciting news! (they wont all be plumbing related I promise)

Yours in service
​Steve Bishop, PO, Board of Facilities

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