05/15/2026
In this week’s “From the Pastor” note Rev. Ethan shares a safety update to the MICAH Worship Center:
Friends,
Our century+ year-old buildings that make up our Salem First campus seem to always retain their mystery and, with regularity, never fail to offer a surprise or two. Just a week ago while meeting with our Facilities Manager Alicia Taylor and a small group of Trustees, I discovered a new room in the lower level of the MICAH Building that for two years I have believed to be a closet. To be fair, while it is the size of a room, it is mostly used for storage. Among the room’s contents is our electric lawn mower, which people like Don Kirkwood, Bill Cummins, and Craig Wagner so graciously take turns using to help take care of our lawn (if you, too, would like to take a turn mowing the Salem First lawn, Alicia would love to hear from you!).
Along with a surprise room, several weeks ago, we had a surprise visit from the fire marshall’s office. This visitor would make a great Methodist, given his attention to detail and passion for upholding and following the rules. He and Alicia spent almost two hours walking through both buildings. As is usually the case with visits like this one, we had a small list of safety-related fixes and concerns to attend to. Our local church Board of Trustees, chaired by Susan McNaught, Alicia, and myself all have a duty of care when it comes to the safety of all of us in our community and for all who walk through our doors. For this reason we are always happy to comply when the fire marshall or other safety inspector gives a directive.
Ordinarily, things like this don’t rise to the level of interest to make it into my channels of communication with the congregation. However, there was one safety change that we had to make this week that is quite noticeable, particularly to those who worship in the MICAH Worship Center on Sundays.
The large black curtains that make up the backdrop of the stage had to be removed this week. Large curtains like this, whether they be in auditoriums, theaters, or in worship centers like ours have to have a fire retardant coating. The coating is not permanent and degrades over time. This coating was applied to our curtains over a decade ago when they were first installed and has now reached its decay point. Former theater teacher and our now Director of Traditional Music, Jeff Witt, Alicia, and I got to perform a fun science experiment on Tuesday by testing a piece of the fabric cut from the backside of one of the panels. It did, in fact, go up in flames. The video is posted on our page.
And so, we look forward to gathering for worship as usual in the MICAH Worship Center this Sunday. The room is actually a bit brighter, as there are hidden windows behind the curtains, offering lovely views of the Historic Building depending on where you are sitting in the room. And, during a test on Wednesday morning, the projector seemed to still be plenty bright.
The Trustees, the MICAH Worship Team, chaired by Jan Morgan, and our staff will take some time to consider whether or not the curtains need to be fully replaced (currently estimated to be a $15,000 expense) or what our needs for the space may be.
As always you can share your feedback directly with any of us, by email, or using the communication cards on Sundays [*A reminder about the Sunday morning Communication Cards: they are always a place to share prayer requests, joys, and concerns. They can also be a place to share feedback; however, a name and contact information must be included. The staff and I have no way of responding to anonymous feedback in this form.]
Friends, I look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Our friend, Rev. Jenny Smith is preaching. Our friends at Las Naciones are making crepes for sale during the 10:00 hour. And, we have the chance to celebrate our friends, Alicia and Adam, as we wish them well on their wedding this summer.
See you Sunday!
Ethan
