Q: What impression does our church give to first time visitors?
A: Look around with “New Eyes”!

Q: How do we raise congregational awareness about the importance of creating a budget line for regular and preventive maintenance?
A: Look around with “New Eyes”!

After thirty years of pride in their “award-winning” sanctuary designed by an architect who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright (Bob Broward) the Build-ing and Grounds committee of the UU Church of Jacksonville had to overcome an attitude of “taking for granted” be-fore spending money on refurbishing and renewal could be approved by the congregation. Progress was excruciat-ingly slow—a new carpet here, a new coat of paint there. Until, that is, “new” Building and Grounds Chairman—a transplanted UU from Gainesville and admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright, David Henderson—got the attention of the congregation with his “new eyes” and enthusiasm. Inclusion of the words “sa-cred space” in the newly adopted mis-sion statement help involve the congregation in thinking about our buildings—sanctuary, classrooms, and social room—as an expression of our community spirit. As the congregation “sees” the impact of work and the dra-matic improvement in our community’s self-image, a keen interest is growing in building stewardship.

New members and visitors notice what old-timers don’t see anymore. If only we could get the entire congrega-tion to see through new eyes! What we needed was a New Eyes Walkabout. Some Sundays later each order of ser-vice contained a color-coded map of the grounds and a form for note-taking. Congregants were invited to: 1) Bring their coffee and join the others who had the same color insert. 2) Put in New Eyes, and look at different areas of the building and grounds as if they were a member of the group identified by the color of their sheet. (Yellow/Single Adult, Blue/Children, Red/Parent, Green/Senior, Pink/Physically Impaired, Orange/committee leader or member). 3) Move around the grounds clockwise 4) At each numbered station on the map, imagine how a person in their described group would use this area, noting needed maintenance, improvement, and suggesting possible future projects. 5) Hand comments to members of the B &G committee. 6) Re turn to the social room for rewards (extra special treats) and thanks.

Over 25 pairs of New Eyes noted two typewritten pages of group comment, possible improvement, and needed improvements. Suggestions and ideas ranging from “bathrooms not handicapped accessible,” “frayed carpet in adult discussion meeting room,” “new lines needed in parking lot,” to “clearer signs to RE classes” are now found on the building and grounds committee agenda. An added excitement for the finance committee—a plan to include funds for predictable maintenance and replacement emerged!

If your building could use a face-lift (what color is your building?) you may want to consider a “New Eyes Walk-about”— it’s fun. It will payoff in new enthusiasm, and enhance your church home.

— KATHY CONVERSE, UUCJ