While we look over window mullion styles and paint samples at my church, I dream of a church with these features:

*During worship, the street doors to the sanctuary stay open. Anyone walking or driving by the church will see worshippers in the sanctuary and think, "I could worship there and not be afraid". Our sanctuary exterior doors open into a tiny narthex and the old exterior doors creak. Dream church has doors open whenever the sanctuary is being used with no loss of heat, cool air or any flying bugs getting inside, entering the sanctuary is easy and quiet.

*Perfect acoustics for the preacher so that she can be heard by anyone in sanctuary regardless of hearing abilities. All congregational shuffling, snorting or chatting silenced by magical acoustics. Any preacherly snorts, coughs or sighs silenced, too.

*Silent raising and lowering of pulpit to accommodate height of preacher. Soft carpeting behind pulpit for preacher to remove her shoes if necessary. Bare feet or stockinged/socked feet never seen by congregation.

*Great lighting so that the congregation is in beautiful light. No spot light on the preacher. The sanctuary is not large enough to need a Preacher Spotlight.

*Beautiful hangings in the church reflecting the liturgical seasons. The antependium, table coverings and etc. we own now I purchased at the Goodwill. No kidding. Top that one, folks! I'd like to have the art used by a UCC congregation in Chapel Hill for baptism. The entrance door to the sanctuary was hung with varying lengths of ribbon and other textiles in blues and greens. People walking through the doorway felt as if they were entering a beautiful space of water's colors. The hanging didn't touch anyone's head but moved gently when walked through. Various textures of ribbons and cloth along with yarns gave this door piece an ethereal look. A similar piece in reds would be great for Pentecost and the tongues 'o fire.

More later,

St. Casserole