The Worship Committee has enthusiastically endorsed the proposal of renovating the chancel area of the sanctuary. Renovating worship space has emotional dimensions that we should not take lightly. People who are used to seeing it the way it is—some for thirty or forty years—may not like such changes. The feeling of "sanctuary" is mediated by the architecture. For a brief description of different architectural styles and how they correspond to corporate "personalities," please read the flyer that is available in the Narthex.

A limited renovation has been in place since Advent, allowing for returning the furniture to its original location if necessary. However, the committee feels that the open chancel area provides flexibility.

The sanctuary was designed with a particular understanding of worship in mind: the ministry of Word and Sacrament. This emphasis is evident in almost all churches. Listening to the spoken word in preaching and the reading of scripture is paramount, indicated by the size and prominence especially of the pulpit. The communion table stands in the center of the chancel, reflecting an understanding of the spiritual center of the gathered community. The triangular shapes mirror the motif that dominates the sanctuary, an architectural symbol of the Trinity. (Renovation would not disturb this symbolism; in fact, it might enhance it because of the more visible diamond shaped chancel.)

There is a growing awareness in churches and among liturgical scholars that worship can be significantly enhanced by the use of various visual media, in addition to the spoken word. Numerous times we have shown slides or PowerPoint presentations using fine art, or for celebrating high school graduates, or for short film clips. The chancel does not have adequate space for placing our stand-up screen, and people sitting on the far right of the sanctuary (when facing forward) cannot see the screen (nor can they see the communion table). We have had skits on various occasions, with the same problem of visibility. We had a wonderful Advent series of skits two years ago, and all the characters had to crowd together on the steps. In addition to enhancing the use of visual media, the renovation would also provide seating for musicians in addition to a pianist, making possible musical performances that we currently cannot accommodate. Imagine a string quartet there playing Mozart. Imagine all those kids playing their instruments and singing there on Christmas Eve.

Here is what the renovation would entail:

The vanity screen and choir pews would be permanently removed. Assuming building code regulations allow for it, some of the pews could be used in the back of the sanctuary in place of moveable chairs, in the Narthex, and elsewhere (as they are now). The choir has already noticed that singing at the front of the area enhances the acoustics, in contrast to singing in the pews at the back of the chancel. At some point in the future, we might want to purchase moveable and stackable wooden chairs with upholstered seats. The railings could remain, but the area probably would be even more useful if they were removed.

There are at least two alternatives for the pulpit and lectern:

Chancel Renovation Proposal 2