The Sanctuary

View a Floor Plan of the Sanctuary

The Narthex

The narthex was designed to be an area of gracious welcome as a prelude to worship and an arena of fellowship at the conclusion of the service. It is separated from the sanctuary by a wall of soft drapes which provide a backdrop for the handmade table and benches which dominate the room. This table sets the theme of worship for each Sunday. Sometimes it holds memorial flowers, but often it is the site of a creative interpretation of our liturgical season. A gifted member may provide atree of Christmas angels or a special interpretation of the seven last words of our Lord. A free-standing narthex display center promotes our church's ministries. It is of a trinitarian design including a bas-relief of the Presbyterian Church (USA) symbol.

The Windows

Made of faceted glass, each window has been the gift of a member in honor or memory of a loved one. There are three windows on each side of the nave with clerestory windows above them. In addition, there are two clerestory windows in each transept. Their colors add warmth and beauty to the room. While the design is abstract, those with a creative imagination may discover Christian symbols such as the white fishing boat with a red mast and blue fish, both of which are in the right transept.

The Pulpit

At the end of each center aisle six brick steps lead up to the pulpit. The pulpit is elevated not only for visibility, but because the congregation wished to symbolize "lifting up the Word of God." It is from the pulpit that we hear the scripture read and interpreted. Churches of the Reformed tradition typically symbolize the importance of the Word by a central pulpit. A sounding board is overhead.

The Communion Table

Although built in two sections, the massive communion table appears as one unit, a second cross beneath the one overhead. The base of this table (and the table in the narthex) suggests, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing" Uohn 15:5). Twelve benches placed along the length of the table reminding us of the twelve apostles are used by elders

The Baptismal Font

A separate piece, but an integral part of the total design, the baptismal font stands at the front of the communion table. Its location signifies that baptism is a means through which God's grace brings people into the fellowship of believers. Carved on the face of the fish-shaped font are the traditional baptismal symbols of a dove, a shell, and drops of water. It is believed that the apostles used a scallop shell to dip water from the Jordan in their baptism of first-century converts. "And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven, said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. III (Matthew 3:16-17)

The Kneeling Bench

The creation of one of our members, the kneeling bench is provided for a variety of sacred occasions: private meditations, ordination, confirmation, and marriage. (A special needlepointed cushion for marriages features ivy, a traditional wedding symbol.) During these moments we seek to be drawn into oneness with God through prayer. The symbol carved in the kneeler suggests that the one who kneels is like an empty communion cup seeking to be filled by the presence of God. The candle flame reminds us that it is God who illuminates our darkness and enables those seeking wisdom to understand more clearly. From beginning to end (Alpha and Omega) we recognize God's perfect will for our lives and strive to know God's blessing and presence through Christ. We focus upon Christ (the cross) to know our God. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life " (John 8:12).

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