and so lent begins. we designed an ash wednesday worship that focused on our human brokenness with a call to confession …for christianity has nothing to offer us until we come face to face with our need for a savior.
moving into our lenten message series we are sensing the need to accelerate the participation
factor and minimize the performance factor of worship. sometimes the best way to reconfigure our hearts is to start by reconfiguring the room, so we asked for chairs to be set towards the center of the room – in the round. nick cunningham spoke from the floor – and we all received ashes from a common table much like when we receive communion. the band was laid back, just right – and provided an ambient backdrop without getting in the way. our new stained-glass windowesque stage design feels just right for the season of spiritual renewal...time to repent and refocus.
the first thing I noticed was the seating and that Nick was speaking from the floor. I loved getting away from the “performance” appearance even tho’ it is always worshipful. The entire setting made a huge space filled with people seem very intimate. I definitely sensed God at work and the environment contributed to that but didn’t over power it! Hopefully the seating can remain (I know there are lots of seats to “fit in”) as it made a huge impact. Thanks to the site team for their efforts as this is a big deal for them too! blessings on all who participated in design and set up too.