Advent/Christmas/Epiphany Layout

Advent/ Christmas/ Epiphany Physical Layout a message from the Rector- ​

In our new orientation, four directional points branch from the altar. If we consider the altar the central hub, the bishop's seat is located in the North, and the Eastern point where the Advent wreath is lit, as well as where the ambo/lectern is placed, the children's area (and the creche will be) is on the southern point. I plan to preach facing West (towards the choir).   If anyone would like to see my face during preaching (head-on), please sit in that section.  

A special note about worshipping "in the round". There are no rules that say that folks who attend worship can't move around the worship space during the service. If it is helpful to move with the ministers as we move through the space, feel free to do so. 

Laying out the space like a compass is a physical way to break up expectations about what folks may have previously experienced in worship. 

By reorienting during different aspects of liturgy, having ministers face in different directions, it gives worshippers the opportunity to consider what, if any, aspects of liturgy draw and hold one's attention, as well as which parts are not engaging. 

For instance, what do "The Word," "The Table," music, or another aspect of coming together for sacrament feel like? When we use the prayer book, the hymnal, or the bulletin, is the focus on the words on the page, the stirring in your soul,  or the voices in the space?   What parts of the liturgy inspire and connect or distract and distance you from God, your neighbor, and yourself?  

Some folks dislike this arrangement, others are uncertain, while others are enjoying the new perspective. 

I hope that any concerns, thoughts, feelings, or ideas you have about worship will be shared either with me directly or that, when there are opportunities to discuss and plan worship going forward, you will consider joining the conversation as a member of the worship committee. Plans for the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany are in place, but input will be needed soon for the upcoming seasons of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter.  

Kimberly April Reinholz