New Digs

We gather excitedly in the Fellowship Hall to begin our trek together down the corridor and into the brand new sanctuary. The level of conversation is heightened with anticipation. The pastor gives us instruction and we begin by singing "We Are Marching in the Light of God" as we move en masse towards the long awaited newness of fresh paint and carpet, roominess, better sound, better lighting, better platform layout, handicapped accessible space.

I am struck by how much easier it is to hear the congregation sing once we have entered the room. The words are now projected onto the front wall with clear and large lettering. Heads are lifted, voices bold now that the piano soars freely all the way to the back pew. Tech people keep pace, changing sound levels and screens, keeping the service moving well.

The choir no longer has to jockey about, moving out to sing, stepping down steps to reach the congregation. Now we can stay put to sing the anthem, just standing in the same place, and later we will walk down a ramp when the service ends, not worrying about stairs. We have monitors and can hear what the congregation hears. Nice.

I know the choir has been praying for this service to go well, and I can tell that their prayers are effective. Everything seems to flow as it should. The pace is comfortable. Now that we don't have to expend so much energy attending to every little detail, perhaps we who serve will be freer to enter into worship as we ought, to connect with God as we want, to sense the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding and directing.

Perhaps with the congregation better able to see and hear, more comfortable in their roomier pews, they too will be free to hear the word of the Lord, to touch the hem of his garment, to partake of the things of God in such a way as to sustain their journey through the upcoming week.

I believe we will encounter God in stronger and more direct ways with fewer distractions. This is good! Let us hear the plans he has for us, plans to prosper us and advance his kingdom. It is a wonderful beginning. I can't wait to see what unfolds next! Hallelujah!