The new sanctuary, that is. We moved in time for Christmas Eve services, courtesy of many last-minute helping hands, and a conditional use permit from the city. (The building is fine - our parking lot isn't completed yet...a weather-related snafu.)
We had a brief instructional period with the sound system - and found out we needed more. We had the opportunity for a few people to learn how to run the heating and lighting system. The chairs were moved into place with lots of room to spare. Red and white poinsettias graced the new chancel. And we went forward with worship. Three services Christmas Eve, at 5, 7, and 10 p.m. Three different congregations - the first one focused on the children - the second larger and grander, with bells and choir, and the third with communion, and more than double the number of people we've ever had at that service.
I felt - out of place. I am no longer in a space I have come to be comfortable in - that I inhabit almost as naturally in my skin. I am, truly, in New Spaces (as we have called this building project). I get lost trying to find my way around the chancel, and discovered I have to reconsider how to best connect with my musicians. I am a stranger in a strange land! The comfort in that is we're all in the same boat. Everyone is new in this space. No one has a designated seat, yet - not even me. We're all starting on the ground floor. I hadn't expected a building project to be an opportunity to level out who's new, and who's been around forever. But it seems to be just that! None of us - or all of us - have seniority in this new space.
Most of all, though, it seems to belong to God. It is grand, but austere, with little ornamentation. The space is large and inviting, with room to stretch out. I can imagine God settling into one of the seats and smiling at us, as we fumble our way through this new beginning. I can imagine Jesus inviting us to sit for a spell, and have a conversation in this space. I can imagine weddings, funerals, baptisms - all life-changing events - taking place in this space for years to come. I can even imagine that within a few weeks or months, we'll have most of the bugs worked out, and will be ready to settle in a bit ourselves. But because the space belongs to God, above all, I thank God, for making this possible - for offering us this new beginning, with room for our neighbors.
