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.