We Have Work to Do

Thoughts from Jeff and Bridget Nelson which appeared in the June 6, 2004, issue of Steeple Notes.

Being newer to the FUMC congregation, we do not yet have stories of significant life moments happening in our sanctuary. But because we are new, we have had the opportunity to bring family and friends through the building a lot in the last year. One of our favorite places to show them is the sanctuary. It's best if we can show it to them twice. First, alone, just us in the dark-just being in the sacred space in the quiet demonstrates an important part of our faith: quiet interaction with God. And second, on Sunday morning, in a worship service where the place is packed and the sermon is powerful and the music is inspiring. This too demonstrates something important about our faith-the gathering, the community. These experiences tell our family and friends a little about who we are and why we are here. The sanctuary is about both a personal and communal connection with something bigger than ourselves. In that space we learn about God and about what it means to be a community of faith. One of the greatest challenges of Jeff's ministry at FUMC so far was moving Sunday Night Alive into the CLC. Not that the congregation wasn't helpful or willing and able to do whatever it took, but the details and logistics of the service for November 23, 2003 were daunting to this "big picture" preacher. We both remember standing in the CLC the Thursday before the opening, listening to the Praise Band rehearse for the first time in the new space. Members of the tireless Building Committee stood back with tears in their eyes. "We never dreamed it could sound this good," they were saying. And it did. Since that time, we have been amazed at what improved sound and lighting can do for a worship service-and not just for the band. The preaching, the group singing, the scripture; all these things benefit from better sound and light. We can only imagine that the same will be true in the sanctuary. Even though we are younger and newer than many in the congregation, it is important to us to support the renovation of the sanctuary. Part of any project- this one, the one fifty years ago, or the CLC-is the hope that future generations will continue to care for the space the community gave of itself to create. We have pledged as generously as we can right now. We know it may not be as much as others can do. But it is important to us to do our part to help this project succeed. We are pledging our support in honor of those who worked to create the sanctuary fifty years ago, and with great hope for those who will benefit from our work in the next fifty years. In peace, Jeff and Bridget Nelson