Our new UUFCO spiritual home will be:

  • situated on the west edge of Bend, on the southeast corner of Skyliners and Skyline Ranch Roads;
  • well-integrated with the natural surroundings of the high desert;
  • sited on the north portion of the 22-acre property with extensive solar access from the south and glimpses of Cascade peaks to the west;
  • approached gracefully under towering ponderosa pines with a curving driveway and paths from parking areas;
  • connected to nature with windows that take advantage of the light and views, and with doors leading to terraces, our own nature trails, meditation areas, picnic tables, and access to public biking and hiking trails;
  • universally accessible inside and out;
  • constructed with local materials and energy-efficient technologies to the greatest feasible extent;
  • adaptable, with most spaces having multiple uses.

While the master plan envisions a full and sweeping array of spaces for fellowship and community use, the preliminary estimates indicate that the first phase can include essential components that will serve our Fellowship’s spiritual and communal needs in the upcoming years while seamlessly providing the anchor points for succeeding additions. Priorities for the first phase include:

  • a welcoming entry, inviting us to a warm and spacious gathering space or foyer for conversation before and after Sunday services and for other social events;
  • a beautiful sanctuary, a sacred space full of natural light and flexible enough that it can be converted to a performance or social space to be used by the greater community as well as by our own congregation;
  • a fully equipped kitchen to function for a range of cooking activities, from after-service coffee to communal banquet meals serving large numbers of people;
  • a religious education area for children and youth with ample, safe and dedicated spaces that inspire wonder, spiritual growth and creativity;
  • a multi-purpose room to serve for choir rehearsals, as a green room for performers, and as a meeting place for adult education;
  • a fireside/library off the foyer space that could also be used for adult education, meetings, and social gatherings;
  • a quiet minister’s study for reading, writing and counseling;
  • an administration office area to include work spaces that can be used as meeting spaces for now and as offices for more staff as we grow.

 

As important as the building is, the process we follow will bring it to life. Participation by our UUFCO community in the many decisions to be made is vital to achieve beauty and function in our New Home and a broad sense of ownership in it.