We enter through baptism. As baptism began our life in Christ, so through baptism and forgiveness, we have a place as part of the people of God. The organ loft provides a canopy as we enter the renewed room. The room is reoriented, facing the distant places where our Lord was born, died, rose, and will return. Pews greet us and welcome us to sit and hear Jesus. Kneelers provide the opportunity for repentant reflection and prayer. Eyes focus to the altar where the former cross that graced the front of the sanctuary is suspended, wooden beams added, reminiscent of Christ’s cross. Our altar crucifix, a gift to our former mission from a Lutheran congregation, is repurposed, reminding us of our confession as Lutherans of Christ’s incarnation, not a spiritual presence on the altar, but that His body and His blood shed are here, the center of our lives. As we enter, the colors shift from narthex grays (the colors of earth) to the whites and blues and golds (the colors of heaven). We enter heaven itself as angels and archangels come here, God speaks, and we listen. New pulpit, lectern and altar portray the symbols of Christ (the altar), the four evangelists and St. Peter (the pulpit), and St. Paul (the lectern). Our life here at Mount Calvary is centered on Christ and the teaching of His holy apostles. The 8-foot rose window tells the story in symbols of Christ’s birth, salvific death, holy resurrection, and glorious reign and rule. Three arches take in the shape that we see around Mount Calvary, reminding us of the crosses of Calvary. An altar rail provides a place to practice our confession, unique to our practice, that we come to kneel with the shepherds before the cradle of the manger where Jesus becomes flesh again for us to receive life, joy, and salvation. Renewed lighting provides an opportunity for warm glows in a bright space. Quiet heating and cooling and a new sound system allow us to hear the truth. Hard surfaces lead to robust singing. The pipes on the organ loft now come from the rear, leading us forward in the praises of the Lord. The choir area is in the left transept. Our choirs are here to lead us in worship. As we exit, the shape of the 8-sided floor under the baptismal font reminds us of the number of the new creation. In 7 days God made the world, and the world fell quickly into sin, but 8 is the day of Jesus resurrection, the new day of our remaking. We carry this new baptismal life into the world.

The project began due to the need to replace our ageing HVAC system. It provided the opportunity to make a temporary worship space into a permanent sanctuary home. Using faithful stewardship, we reimagined and repurposed the space given for our use. Our present space is oriented towards future growth. All the variances for moving the front wall forward are in place should that need arise. We carry the torch forward having received it from the blessed ones who gave it to us in the past.