On Saturday, April 20th, a whole host of disciples descended upon the sanctuary to provide for changes to make the sanctuary a more welcoming place to all.  Keeping with our mission statement of, “Loving others in Christ for outreach to all; while providing for God’s diversity”, multiple changes were made.  A special thanks to our Boy Scouts who showed up and helped out.

Most churches today that are being built or renovated, look for a way to provide an atmosphere that is mindful of Scripture, Reverence towards God Tradition, to reach the unchurched or under-churched (ones who have left organized religion).  The changes done, the council believes will bring about the changes needed for resurrection at First Lutheran, carrying us into the 21st century of worship.

In response to those who could not reach the communion rail to take communion due to the nature of the location, a new rail was installed.  An offset color carpeting was installed in place of the old rail, to be symbolic of the traditional rail that had been in place.  A new communion rail was installed.  This rail is flexible and can be put in place and be removed as necessary, for such things as musical performances, VBS plays and Christmas Plays.

If we have communion at the rail, the ushers will dismiss from the pews in the same manner as we did with flow through of two lines.  Each side of the sanctuary will go to the rail and divide from the center of the rail, towards the side they were dismissed from.  After receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, then can then exit in their own timing, towards the outside of the sanctuary and go back to the pews.

The old railing was removed, and it is stored in the basement.  By the removal of the rail, this opened up space for an altar table.  As you may have seen, the altar built into the wall, remains in place and is used.  The Eucharist is first placed there and moved to the table in preparation for the words of institution and distribution.

The altar table now allows for the leader to lead by facing the congregation.  A Roman Catholic tradition is to face away from the congregation.  Making this a vertical prayer when leading prayers and when speaking the words of institution.  With the introduction of the altar table, there is flexibility on how to lead.  This also does not put a focus point on the leader/pastor as the one to carry and lift prayers to God.  We, the body of Christ are the ministers (priesthood of all believers), keeping with Lutheran tradition and all participate in the worship service.

The priesthood of all believers has no qualification on race, age or sex.  Making a holy space to be welcomed into and participate in the worship, the “Pray Ground” was created.  The Pray Ground is not a new concept but has been brought into many ELCA congregations and other denominations as well.  The first three pews along the pulpit/lectern side were removed to make this sacred space.  The families with children are welcomed into a space that allows them to worship, not excluded from the congregation but within the rest of the congregation as a community of believers in the body of Christ.  Children are given a space they can call their own.  They have a place that they can see and hear what is going on in worship.  They tend to be quieter when they can see and hear what is going on in worship.  They learn from other children, the appropriate behaviors during worship.  They learn to be in worship by being in and part of worship.

The lectern was removed and now what was the pulpit will serve in both capacities, in many cases.  A lectern, according to the Oxford dictionary is, “A tall stand with a sloping top to hold a book or notes, from which someone, typically a preacher or lecturer, can read while standing up.”  Its origin is from the medieval Latin lectrum, from legere ‘to read”.  (https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/lectern)  A pulpit, according to the Oxford dictionary is, “A raised enclosed platform in a church or chapel from which the preacher delivers a sermon.”  Its origin is from Latin pulpitum ‘scaffold, platform’, in medieval Latin ‘pulpit’.  (https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/pulpit)  The pulpit will now serve as a lectern and the lectern will serve as a pulpit, since the structure can serve both needs and is designed as such to fit both needs.  Some of the space used by the lectern removal was used to provide space for the communion rail and the band.

With the removal of the lectern, the band was given an additional two feet of space.  The space was important for a couple of reasons.  The lectern structures no longer blocks the band from leading the congregation in the service.  There is a little more space for them to be able to comfortably move and lead.  There will be a reconfiguration of where instruments and band members are placed to assist in leading more effectively.  The band area also had a small covering wall placed in front to help hide some of the microphone cords, music cords and monitors used by the band in leading worship.

First Lutheran’s sanctuary has been resurrected into the 21st century of worship of our risen Lord.  Through this we welcome not only those that are worshiping today but those who want to worship tomorrow.  God gives us all a mission to reach the least, last and the lost.  This newly resurrected welcoming space can provide for some of that.  Now it is up to us, the disciples of Jesus the Christ, to welcome guests, friends and members alike, into this space.  Get the word out.  Go invite.  Tell them the good news of Jesus Christ and where they can hear that Gospel, First Lutheran at 8:15 am, 10:30 am both in person and online!

Welcome to the resurrecting First Lutheran

Peace in the name of Christ who welcomes us all.

Pastor Doug