Report of the Sanctuary Task Force 4/1/2022
The Sanctuary Task Force would like to thank all those who participated in the recent round table meetings regarding the improvements to the Sanctuary. Prior to the meetings, we went through an extensive process of discernment to understand the needs and requirements for the Sanctuary to serve the congregation for the next thirty years. Your feed back in the meetings was important and resulted in further refinement of the potential scope of the project, which is still being designed. Here is how we are responding to the feedback:
We are planning to stay with restoring the existing side-aisle stained glass windows. We will study whether to add an energy panel inside or outside.
The window project will be separated from the rest of the Sanctuary design and done on a phased basis going forward based on the condition of the windows. Bids will be sought from several stained glass companies to provide best value to HPC. This project will be overseen directly by Building and Grounds which will reduce the architectural design fees.
The one window that will be restored as part of the Sanctuary project will be the one related to the reconstruction of the wall at the former exterior doors to the prior ramp.
We believe that there was general affirmation on the elimination of the closets at the front of the Sanctuary and the design of appropriate and functional new case work.
With the positive feedback, we will proceed with closing off and flooring over the stair to the basement. There will be a new ramp to provide full accessibility to a raised platform at this location.
There was affirmation on making significant improvements to lighting and sound which will continue to be refined during the design with assistance from the architect and their expert consultants.
The ratio of chairs to pews will be weighted more heavily to pews, which will enhance seating capacity.
The number and size of TV monitors will continue to be studied along with possibilities for retracting them when not in use or needed.
The replacement of Sacramental Furniture is being removed from the project and can be addressed in the future on an as needed basis.
The design and placement of the Cross and Christ candle will continue to be addressed in this project.
Bell storage and storage of sound equipment will remain a high priority in the planning.
We will continue to emphasize flexibility to provide for the many ways that God may lead us to use the Sanctuary space, including possible changes in capacity depending on the usage.
In addition, we have asked Session to prayerfully discern how God might be calling us to pair this work on our sanctuary with an act of generosity, recognizing once again that this amazing gift we have isn’t simply for us but for the expanding God’s mission—near and far.
Thanks again to all for their participation and feedback.
Michael J. Mills
for the Sanctuary Task Force