A message from Stacey

Dear friends,

As we move forward with possibilities for our buildings, the Trustees and ‘Deficit Dogs” have been meeting together almost weekly to make progress towards a decision that will sustain us in the future. We have added the expertise of some professionals to our team:

Tom Bennett is an attorney with over 40 years’ experience in business, real estate and commercial finance. He knows our community well, and is familiar with FUMC, since he is Jim Bennett’s father. We are grateful that Tom has offered to represent us on a pro bono basis.

John Bulman is a real estate broker with Brad Hutchinson Real Estate. He has experi- ence in both residential and commercial real estate. He’s a lifelong Melrose resident.

Chip Sloane and Jeff Wetzel of William Sloan Associates, an architecture firm based in Winchester have experience working with houses of worship in our area (including Temple Beth Shalom in Melrose). Chip and Jeff are conducting an assessment of our facilities and our needs, to help us understand what the implications of selling the An- nex and living in the Sanctuary building.

As we work together, we ask you to keep this work in your prayers.

In God’s love,

Stacey