ENHANCED WORSHIP

By Linda M. Linonis

Open, accessible and flexible describes the updated sanctuary of the century-old Canfield United Methodist Church.

CANFIELD — By sheer coincidence or by divine design, members of Canfield United Methodist Church will return on Palm Sunday to a remodeled sanctuary in the historic structure.

For this Canfield congregation, it means coming back to a sanctuary rich in history and updated for the future. But most of all, it means returning to a place of worship.

The meaning of Palm Sunday and other worship services will be brought to life through presentations by Rev. Don Christensen, senior pastor, and the Rev. Jennifer Williamson, associate pastor. Ancient places that Christians hold sacred will be showcased through the church’s new state-of-the-art audio/visual system as the pastors share photos and memories of a recent trip to Holy Land. “We’ve read about the Holy Land, but this gave us the chance to follow in the footsteps of Jesus,” the Rev. Mr. Christensen said.

For Palm Sunday, the Rev. Mrs. Williamson’s sermon will be “A View from the Mountain.” She will use slides depicting Christ’s journey from Mount Olivet into the holy city of Jerusalem, where he was met by believers who laid palms and garments on the road before him. The youth and adult choirs will sing and bell choir will perform.

Alan Thompson, chairman of the building committee; Jason Henry, building committee member, and the Rev. Mr. Christensen offered a glimpse into the new sanctuary and its possibilities. The two most significant updates are a state-of-the art audio/visual system and more flexible worship platform. There’s also new carpeting and fresh paint.

For the last two months or so, services have been held in the church atrium as the work inside the sanctuary began, progressed and concluded. The project got under way Jan. 7.

“It’s rewarding to get into the 21st century. Young people want to see this,” said Thompson. “If you want to attract young people, you have to market your church a little differently.”

Thompson noted that the whole front of the church has been “opened up.” Gone is the railing that separated the congregation from the altar area. “It’s more flexible. And the pulpit is not stationary,” he said. “There can be traditional services, but it definitely opens it up to contemporary services.”

The choir area is located on the left of the sanctuary and has been rebuilt. A praise band and bell choir will be able to use the more flexible space on the chancel.

Stained-glass windows in this area, previously obscured by a wooden facade, are no longer hidden from view. These windows flank the center stained-glass window that depicts Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

The last major renovation took place in 1958. The 2008 renovation engaged Tom Keller as project architect and Hively Construction was general contractor. CHECK Neteam AVI and Ron Bacorn, design engineer, installed the audio/visual equipment.

“Open, accessible and flexible” is how Thompson described the makeover, which cost nearly $250,000. Church members Frank and Norma Watson got the project going with a donation of $100,000. It was up the congregation to match or exceed it. “We had pledges from members,” said Henry. “We haven’t had to borrow money.”

The 800-member congregation’s support made the project possible. “We have a good mix of people,” said the Rev. Mr. Christensen, noting that the church has a many longtime members but has been able to attract young families with children.“The growth is there,” he said, adding that youth and children’s ministries are offered. He said the median age is probably mid- to upper 40s.

“We’re in a new century, and the new worship space meets the needs of its faith community,” Mr. Christensen said. “This offers many possibilities.”

“There’s excitement growing about worshiping in the new space. It will enrich worship,” Henry said. “It’s a blend of old and new.”

Mr. Christensen pointed out how the church has changed with the times. Many years ago, there were separate doors for men and women to enter the church. The doors remain, as part of the church history but are no longer used. “At one time, men sat on one side of the church and women and children on the other,” he said. That changed after World War II. “Families had been separated and didn’t want that anymore,” he said.

With the use of high-tech equipment, the entertainment element creeps into services. Mr. Christensen said this idea was discussed by Canfield UMC members. “One danger is using too much at the beginning,” Thompson said.

Because the church is aware of the pitfall, it hopes to avoid it. “I’m looking at this as more to draw on ... something that will enhance the worship experience for everyone,” Mr. Christensen said.

“I think it will help to emphasize points in a sermon. Or you can show Scripture text that relates,” Mr. Christensen said, referring to the capability of the screens on both sides of the sanctuary.

“Keeping it simple and short,” said Mr. Christensen will be key to success.

“Young people have the expectation of this,” Henry said of photos, videos and contemporary music used in worship services. “It makes it relevant for them.”

The Rev. Mrs. Williamson said, “I think this will draw more participation in the liturgy. It’s not about entertainment.”

“The core values, symbols of faith and traditional rituals remain,” said Mr. Christensen.