Elevator Update

Recently the Trustees pursued options to fix our broken elevator and an update was shared after worship on August 31. Watch the elevator update here and please read more in this report from our Trustees.

After helpful feedback from the congregation, we have decided to pursue the retrofit/modernization repair option. Keeping in mind that the three-floor elevator option is a long-standing dream of many in our congregation, and we are continuing to explore ways in which it could be possible in the future, with funding such as matching grants.

A company has provided us an estimate for a retrofit of $140,000, although it could be a bit more if additional repair needs are discovered in the process. The trustees are gathering additional quotes for the work to share with the congregation.

As you can imagine, this repair will require all the funds pledged for our capital campaign and a loan from the Florida United Methodist Foundation. It is important to us to be transparent about that reality and change in priorities. To agree to the loan for this project, a church conference vote will be required. We will share widely the date and information of the church conference and all church members will have a vote.

This repair will take a minimum of six months after a decision is made and a contract is signed; we will have to make due without an elevator for the rest of this year. Ideas are being brainstormed and tested to create accessible worship opportunities in the meantime.

Please know we are hear to hear your thoughts and concerns. Please feel free to contact us at office@semheights.com, contact Pastor Nicki, or speak with our trustees.