why reconfigure the sanctuary?
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While its other uses are also important, the primary purpose of a sanctuary is for facilitating weekly worship. The goal of this proposal was to create a seating arrangement that reflects the composition and values of the current congregation. Toward that end, about half of the pews will be removed. This will provide us enough room to arrange the remaining pews in a semi-circle around the communion table and baptismal font. Preaching and worship leading will also be done at floor level. The new arrangement, barring unforeseen circumstances, will go into effect September 11.
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QUESTIONS THAT HAVE COME UP
What about large events like weddings and funerals?
Our current seating arrangement can accommodate over 200 people. While this far exceeds the needs of Sunday worship, it may be required for a funeral or wedding. The proposed arrangement will be able seat half that-- at most. However, we suspect that, when chairs are added, we will be able to seat close to 150. This should suffice the vast majority of events for the foreseeable future.
Why make this change if no one had a problem with the current arrangement?
The proposed arrangement is not an attempt to address "a problem." The point is not that there is something "wrong" with the sanctuary as it currently configured. The sanctuary is beautiful. It is a wonderful setting for conducting worship, weddings, funerals, and other events. However the first priority is weekly worship. The proposed arrangement reflects that priority in ways the current arrangement cannot.
Does removing pews indicate that we're giving up?
No! On the contrary, the proposed arrangement is an attempt to highlight who we are and what we value. For example, we value things like community, congregational singing, and the sacraments. Arranging seats in a semicircle underscores community by making us more visible to one another. Consolidating seating helps to enhance singing. And we can bring out the font and table from off to the side to the center.
Won't removing the pews make the sanctuary look empty?
It shouldn't. Bringing the table, font, and lectern out and down will take up a good deal of space. Positioning the pews in a semi-circle also takes up more space than rows.
Will the new arrangement allow for social distancing?
Obviously that would depend on attendance on a given Sunday. If the infection rate would demand stricter enforcement of social distancing, many people would likely stay home. In that case there would likely be ample room. If not, we'd bring additional chairs in.
Why are you making such a big deal about how pews are arranged? Videos, meetings, postcards, a webpage devoted to seating? Don't you have more important things to focus on?
It really isn't "a big deal." It is just a seating arrangement. But it is a big change for anyone who calls First their church home. We want to do all we can to ensure everyone is fully informed, and that takes some effort.
What are we going to do with the pews after they're removed?
Various things. Most will be stored in the basement. That is a temporary solution-- only because it is too soon to make a permanent decision.
How do you plan to move the pews?
We are hiring movers.
Won't the carpet be discolored and matted where the pews have sat for decades?
There is some discoloration and the imprint is likely to remain for some time. But, given that the new arrangement still fills much of the space, the vast majority won't be visible. You can still see where the sound board used to sit. If you've never found that distracting, chances are this won't draw your attention either.
What if the new arrangement is an utter disaster?
Nothing that we are doing can't be undone. We're moving the pews not setting them on fire.
What if there is explosive growth and we find ourselves short of seats?
What a great problem! We consider our options. One is to bring pews back up. Another option would be to hold a second service.
Won't bringing the pulpit/lectern to ground level make it difficult to see the pastor/liturgist?
At this point, that is not likely to be an issue. If and when it is, we will consider our options. The most obvious would be to build a platform.
Our current seating arrangement can accommodate over 200 people. While this far exceeds the needs of Sunday worship, it may be required for a funeral or wedding. The proposed arrangement will be able seat half that-- at most. However, we suspect that, when chairs are added, we will be able to seat close to 150. This should suffice the vast majority of events for the foreseeable future.
Why make this change if no one had a problem with the current arrangement?
The proposed arrangement is not an attempt to address "a problem." The point is not that there is something "wrong" with the sanctuary as it currently configured. The sanctuary is beautiful. It is a wonderful setting for conducting worship, weddings, funerals, and other events. However the first priority is weekly worship. The proposed arrangement reflects that priority in ways the current arrangement cannot.
Does removing pews indicate that we're giving up?
No! On the contrary, the proposed arrangement is an attempt to highlight who we are and what we value. For example, we value things like community, congregational singing, and the sacraments. Arranging seats in a semicircle underscores community by making us more visible to one another. Consolidating seating helps to enhance singing. And we can bring out the font and table from off to the side to the center.
Won't removing the pews make the sanctuary look empty?
It shouldn't. Bringing the table, font, and lectern out and down will take up a good deal of space. Positioning the pews in a semi-circle also takes up more space than rows.
Will the new arrangement allow for social distancing?
Obviously that would depend on attendance on a given Sunday. If the infection rate would demand stricter enforcement of social distancing, many people would likely stay home. In that case there would likely be ample room. If not, we'd bring additional chairs in.
Why are you making such a big deal about how pews are arranged? Videos, meetings, postcards, a webpage devoted to seating? Don't you have more important things to focus on?
It really isn't "a big deal." It is just a seating arrangement. But it is a big change for anyone who calls First their church home. We want to do all we can to ensure everyone is fully informed, and that takes some effort.
What are we going to do with the pews after they're removed?
Various things. Most will be stored in the basement. That is a temporary solution-- only because it is too soon to make a permanent decision.
How do you plan to move the pews?
We are hiring movers.
Won't the carpet be discolored and matted where the pews have sat for decades?
There is some discoloration and the imprint is likely to remain for some time. But, given that the new arrangement still fills much of the space, the vast majority won't be visible. You can still see where the sound board used to sit. If you've never found that distracting, chances are this won't draw your attention either.
What if the new arrangement is an utter disaster?
Nothing that we are doing can't be undone. We're moving the pews not setting them on fire.
What if there is explosive growth and we find ourselves short of seats?
What a great problem! We consider our options. One is to bring pews back up. Another option would be to hold a second service.
Won't bringing the pulpit/lectern to ground level make it difficult to see the pastor/liturgist?
At this point, that is not likely to be an issue. If and when it is, we will consider our options. The most obvious would be to build a platform.