The View from the Cross: The Sacristy

Behind the cross in the chancel will be a large opening and wall that will hide the sacristy. The sacristy is a room in which the communion ware, banners, paraments, as well as the pastors' vestments are kept. It is used by the altar guild to prepare for communion and baptisms, as well as acolyte robes and supplies.



We are served by an active and dedicated altar guild at St. John. They do their duty faithfully and joyfully. The new space will have cabinetry, storage, counter top space, and other accoutrements that will support their service. A sidewalk will come to the back door of the sacristy and allow access to the sacristy from the outside. In addition, steps on either side of the altar lead to what will be a walk-through storage area that will allow access to the sacristy.

I am thankful for the Altar Guild at St. John. They are responsive, creative, and faithful servants of Christ. Their work is regularly seen in the banners, preparation for Holy Communion and baptisms, parament changes and general altar care each week. But their work is often taken for granted. They are often the unseen servants of Christ for the sake of the worship life of the church. I thank God for the women of the altar guild! I look forward with them to this new space from which their work will continue to be done.

The View From the Cross - 2

Here are two important photos. One is of the steel plate to which the large cross in the chancel will be attached. The other is the view, from the cross of the A/V booth. If both of these areas and designs of the building do their job properly, you'll not have your attention drawn to them.


This steel plate is for the large cross to be erected in the chancel. If it does it's job well, we'll never give it a thought; the cross will stand as a strong visual image and a strong witness to the love of God in Christ. The attention will be on the cross, not the steel plate that holds it erect.
It's not obvious, but the A/V booth is pictured here--as seen from the cross. I think of the people who will staff that booth: sound techs, PowerPoint or worship presentation persons, video camera operators, and other folks who will help people to hear and see the message of the Gospel, and aid those who are in worship in singing praise to our God.

If both of these areas and designs of the building do their job properly, you will see the cross standing--it's strong silent witness--and you will hear the message or see the words of the hymns and songs. If we do our jobs well in the church people will glorify God, not the steel plate that holds up the cross, nor the sound system that broadcasts the sounds.

I'm thinking this morning of people who will gather to worship Christ and hear his word and sing his praise. It's not about the building, nor any of the features of the building; it's all about Jesus and the people for whom he died and in whom he lives. Jesus himself said, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:176- ESV)

A View From the Cross

I've been taking photos of our construction project since it began several months ago. Recently, however, I had an idea about some specific photos I am going to take from time to time, along with some commentary regarding them. The subject will be, "A View From the Cross." This is the first installment.


I will provide a photo of the place in the chancel behind the where the altar will stand from which these photos will be taken. There is a 4" x 10" steel plate in the concrete there on which will be placed a large cross. That marks the spot from which I will take photos of various parts of the building and offer some thoughts about the people who will be in those spaces.

These two photos are of the area to the left as you walk into the new worship space (the technical name for that is "Nave" which is the seating area of the church building). Walk in and head to the far left and you will be in these seats - which are on the opposite side of the choir area.

The ceiling above this section (and all the interior of the new worship space) is a light pine glue-laminated beam and tongue and groove decking. This is the same construction as our current sanctuary. The striking differences are the size and color: much larger and lighter in color.

The people who sit in this area of the new church will include both long-time members of St. John, as well as new members and guests. They will come for worship services, funerals, weddings, and programs of the Early Childhood Center, or other events - perhaps a high school choir or orchestra concert?

Have you thought of where you will sit in the new church building? Will you sit in the same place each week? Will you look for friends and family members? Will you look for guests and those who need a special word of welcome or encouragement? Will you spend time in prayer as you prepare for worship and examine yourself before the Lord's Supper? Will you sit in this area of the nave?

The view from the area shown above looking toward the chancel, altar and cross.