Even as work continues on the “finishing touches” for our Chapel, workers from St. John’s are turning their attention to another upgrade in our main sanctuary.

After work in the chapel was completed, the team realized that the leftover porcelain tile would be “just enough” to provide an upgrade to the chancel (where the communion rail and altar are located).  The existing red carpet on the altar platform (where the pastor and assisting ministers walk) will be replaced with a combination of tile and wood trim. The red carpet will remain throughout the rest of the chancel (where worshippers come forward for communion).

The unique worship schedule that accompanies our National Lutheran Schools Week provides a great opportunity for us. There is only one communion service in the sanctuary in the final weeks of January (that being on Saturday, January 20). Currently, work is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 15, at a time to be announced in worship that weekend.  If you would like to help, especially if you have experience setting porcelain tile, be sure to speak with Al Vollmer or Pastor Albers.

During these weeks, work continues on the new tri-fold doors that will eventually separate the chapel from the main sanctuary. These new doors are designed to match the reredos (that’s the wall behind the altar) and will (hopefully) include some stained glass similar to the windows in the back of the sanctuary (between the nave and the narthex).

These upgrades like so many other recent changes are designed to be historic “renovations.” Like the restroom and chapel renovations, our hope is that the changes look like they COULD have always been there. We aren’t restoring our church and other facilities to the way they were 70 years ago but, rather, planning on its use for the NEXT 70 years!