Sanctuary Notes

Christmas Eve Services at 2, 4, and 11 PM

The Elder’s prayed this morning that our entry back into the sanctuary would enhance our worship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit on Christmas, and not distract us from worship. To that end, I thought it might be helpful to talk through a few items before we “enter his gates with thanksgiving.”

Welcome: Trinity’s theme verse is Ephesians 2.22, “In him [Jesus] you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” WE are a dwelling place for God! No matter how beautiful or interesting a building is, the heart of a congregation is the presence of the Lord and a warmly hospitable people. Trinity, you almost always do a terrific job of thinking beyond yourself. As you enter the sanctuary for the first time in a long time, remember there will also be guests on Christmas Eve and in the weeks to come who are there for the first time. Let our “welcome home” be warm and authentic as God gives us eyes to notice others first.

Media Booth: The sound, projection, and live-stream functions have moved from the middle toward the back of the sanctuary. It is clad in fiberglass and covered in butcher paper. We are not finished with the sheet rock and installation of all the technology yet. It will look more finished soon. Except for media booth workers, please don’t enter this area as it is still under construction.

Technology: Technology will return at a simplified rate. That is, everything won’t be back fully functional right away. Like our bodies, all of the tech systems in the sanctuary are interconnected. Lights affect projection affects livestream affects sound, and vice versa. So, you might notice some simplifications, especially at the beginning.

Chairs: The chairs have arrived from New Holland Church Furniture. We are very happy with how they turned out. The book holders are located under the seat in front of you. We will alternate Bible and hymnal with the stems facing out so you can see which book is which. The chairs are very sturdy and do not need to be ganged (tied together) to remain steady. We ordered 16 of them with arm rests. Anyone is welcome to sit in them, but they are particularly for people with mobility issues. It is easier to sit and stand with the help of sturdy arm rests. If you see someone with a walker or who is recovering from surgery, offer them a seat with arm rests. 

Prayer Chapel: The old narthex (entrance under the steeple) is being transformed into the new prayer chapel. Some demo has started, and we are waiting for some structural engineering to help make sure it is stable for the long term before we continue with sheetrock, flooring, lighting, and the artistic additions. Be patient, it will be worth the wait. Please leave those doors shut, as it is still under construction.

Lighting: The lighting project is half done. Because of supply issues, we are waiting on the new fixtures that will give brighter more equally dispersed light to the whole room.  

Sacristy: The sacristy is getting close to completion, but it is still under construction. Except for Altar Guild members, please don’t enter this area.

Chancel: Will there be communion rails and kneeling pads? Eventually, we hope to have rails that are solidly integrated into the first level of the new wood floor, but, along with kneeling pads are able to be removed when they are not needed. 

Trinity Arch Installation: I love the simplicity and clear proclamation of the Trinity, presented on our front wall. A few notes on the burnished bronze looking metal arches. The three overlapping arches are a clear presentation of our namesake—the Trinity. Each arch is made of three parallel metal structures and when they overlap, the detail reminds me of a Celtic pattern or Norwegian hardanger embroidery. Unfortunately, because of supply issues, we were unable to have the permanent solid acrylic panels installed at this time, so we have lexan (plastic) panels that we plan to change sometime in the future.

Communion Distribution:

We will continue to serve the Lord’s Supper in a similar manner. Communicants will receive a cup from the usher as they leave their chair. Make your way up to the front where there will be two stations, each with the host (gluten-free available on request), and wine in the chalice or non-alcoholic in the small pouring vessels. After you receive the Lord’s Supper, you may place your empty cup in the receptacle before returning to your seat.

Offering:

You may still give to the ministries of Trinity in the three ways we have grown accustomed to: 1. Bill Pay through your bank. 2. Online (one time or recurring) www.trinitysanpedro.org/giving 3. In person. Starting on Sunday, Dec 26th we will resume passing the plate.

What about the Christmas Eve offering?

There will be offering plates in the entrance to the sanctuary. 50% of the Christmas Eve offering will go to His Nesting Place, a home with “room in the inn” for women and their children who are facing what seem like the impossible. The other 50% will go to the exciting work of Vincent and Julia Leiyoole with World Mission Prayer League in Kenya.