• Sanctuary Enhancement Project Q&A
• (Town Hall Meeting - held August 6, 2006. Click HERE for comments from that meeting)
• Bob Sanders: Continuing the Journey I - "Encountering God" (7/26/07)
• Bob Sanders: Continuing the Journey II - "Early Christians - Elements of Worship (8/15/07)
• Bob Sanders:  Continuing the JourneyIII - "Looking to the Future" (9/11/07)
• Bob Sanders:  Continuing the Journey IV - "A Missionary Church (10/4/07)
• The Plan:  from Congregational Meeting January, 2008 (Click HERE to view) (Note:  This is preliminary -- the actual plans may be subject to change somewhat before final approval is given)

Sanctuary Enhancement Project

Enhance:  To make greater, as in value, beauty, and/or effectiveness.

Restore:  To bring back to an original condition.

Renew:  To make new, or as if new, again.

1.    Objective:  The overall objective of the Sanctuary Enhancement Project is to collect input from the congregation, staff, Elders, choirs, Pastors, and others on opportunities to enhance, restore and renew our sanctuary and then to translate these opportunities into an affordable project plan with subsequent implementation.  The following schematically outlines the multiple phases of the project:

2.    The “Brainstorming” Process:  The first phase of the project is a “brainstorming” effort to elicit the hopes and dreams of the various stakeholders regarding enhancement of the Sanctuary.  To accomplish this, a blue-ribbon team will work under the direction the Worship & Sacraments Commission to accomplish this goal.    

3.    “Brainstorming Team”: 

a.     Objective:  The “Brainstorming” Team will collect input from the congregation with the goal of broad inclusion (i.e., “all input is welcome”).   

b.    Deliverable:  The Team’s deliverable will be a report for presentation to the Session and subsequently to the congregation that outlines critical elements of a project to enhance, restore and renew the appearance and technical capabilities of the Sanctuary.   

c.     Scope:  This effort will focus on our hopes and dreams for “enhancement, restoration and renewal” the sanctuary and narthex, including technical features such as light, sound, and video plus comfort features such as pews, chairs, cushions, etc.  Note:  this is not a “rebuild” effort. 

4.    Congregational Input:

The Sanctuary Enhancement Team and the Session would like to sincerely thank everyone for their participation in this phase of the project. We received a lot of excellent feedback. Please know that we did our best to capture everyone's feedback and post it on this webpage. If your feedback is not posted here, please accept our apologies. We did our best to incorporate everything we received. In some cases, we decided not to post some comments because they were duplicates of comments already posted. Also, we decided not to post some comments because they were not directly related to the project. If your comment is not posted here and feel that it should be, please contact Mark Evers, Executive Director of Ministries (503-636-5656) and he will ensure that the Sanctuary Enhancement Team receives your comments. Again, thanks so much to everyone who contributed. A final report will be available within a month or so.

The following is a summary of the input received to-date.  It is important to recognize that people’s opinions vary on what may or may not be important or valuable improvements to the sanctuary.  We value diversity, so all opinions are valuable!

A.   Features that make the sanctuary a special place for this community of faith:

1. What makes the sanctuary a special place…?

   The ambience of architecture, beautiful hangings and the music is so inspiring.  I like the light fixtures and hope they don't change with a remodel.

   The size is just right - not too small and not too big.  It is a welcoming, comfortable, special place of worship.  The altar is always meaningful with symbolic hangings.  Organ music is beautiful.

   If it ain't broke, don’t fix it.

   The symbols of the church - communion table, cross, Baptismal font, pulpit and coverings and hangings.

   Very good sound system; attractive communion table and pulpit area.

   The wooden cross, the banners, the ordained staff, raised chancel.

   Lighting is nice and subtle, runner, wood floor, and padded seats.

   We think the banners in the altar are beautiful and actually as far as we are concerned, nothing needs to be done.

   Ability to hear the message and the music; comfortable; good temperature; beautiful banners to ponder and enjoy; stained glass windows.

   Light from stained glass windows playing on heads of congregation; big back windows in the narthex.

   We're 8 AM people so don't see the sanctuary very often.

   Ability to see the speakers and musicians and vocalists; decent acoustics; fairly comfortable pews.

   Pipe organ, banners.

   The simplicity of the sanctuary is the most important feature so that "the church" does not become the facility.  If the space becomes too high tech with TV screens or too much technology, the sanctuary loses its appeal.  The ability to hear well and to maximize seating are important features.

   The organ; the sound system; the air conditioning; the banners.

   We actually find the current sanctuary perfect as it is.  We like having what some may say is a modest sanctuary as we like feeling that money is going towards more crucial missions.  But we are open to enhancements if others are.  50 years is long time!

   It is bright and airy and I enjoy sitting quietly before the service begins at 11 AM to contemplate my life, past, present and future, and how God has helped me so much all my life, so blessed me.

   Opportunities for children of all ages to learn about God and our Christian community.  I like the facility space for my kids and the services provided for them.

   I like the banners very much!  Flowers are special!

   The music is great.  The banners are lovely but somehow the sanctuary just doesn't do it for me.

   I adore the light that comes through the beloved stain glass windows.  The seating is pretty comfortable.

   Hear sermon and music; see speakers; should be a place of beauty but it is not.

   We both like the fact that our sanctuary is fairly humble and older, with lots of wood.  We don't feel it’s necessary to change much, if anything.  I like the old colored glass panels and my husband thinks it’s neat that it’s kind of "funky" - with the choir spilling out onto other areas.  I guess we both like it the way it is because of its history - it’s where we were married.

   Its simplicity and openness; its natural lighting; the organ, choir and alternative music; changing backdrops with the seasons.

   I feel it’s not the facility features that make the sanctuary that special place to worship.  It’s the people involved and God's presence.

   I feel the altar area is wonderful.  It lends itself to be used for so many things.  It is open and airy with the light wood and white background.  I love the banners also.  The sound system is another factor that makes worship and music very special.  The whole facility has a very pleasing and light feeling.

   High ceilings, simple clean lines of overhead arches.  Like the tapestries on wall in front - very vibrant and contemporary, yet tasteful.  Organ and our special organist.  And bell choir, too.

   I usually attend the 8:00 service and enjoy the lighter, brighter Fellowship Hall with the window above the focal point, showing the treetops and sky …I find the sanctuary to be a special place as is.  That said, I've thought of two enhancements.

   I love the traditional structure of the sanctuary, of the narthex, and the cross design.  I enjoy the traditional pulpit of our long protestant tradition, the friendly pews where families sit together, embracing the fellowship of others.  The traditional hymnals and easy to reach Bibles create a comfort that lasts forever!  The sanctuary feels like a comfortable refuge from the trying world.

   The mid-century architecture "got it right" - the high ceilings, stained glass windows, even the "Sputnik" light fixtures, all contribute to my enjoyment of the services.  I would like to see the integrity of the mid-century architecture protected.

   The pews make the sanctuary a place of traditional worship unlike individual chairs tht would make it a multi-purpose room.  I love the banners in the front that change from Sunday to Sunday.

   The traditional sanctuary feel.  We have kept the old, only updating as necessary.  I love the organ and pipes.  This is very special as many churches don't have this feature.

   The staff of ministers; the choir.

   We love the sanctuary just the way it is.

   I believe our church gives us the utmost in hearing the Word preached, worshiping in music, sharing in prayer and celebrating important sacraments.  I don’t have any more needs than that.  I prefer putting my money to helping the people in Africa, etc., instead of spending money for our comfort or beauty.

   There is little about the physical space that enhances my worship.  I do love the choir(s) and organ, the communion table, gold cross, flowers and candles.

   We worship at 8 AM but I love to attend the sanctuary services every so often.  The main sanctuary has a very peaceful, worshipful feel.  I love it when the sun hits the stained glass and turns everyone into a rainbow of colors.

   I like to worship in the sanctuary.  It is a special place when the sun streams in through the window slits along the sides of the room.  I like the music, color and space.  The room feels “cold and dark" sometimes.  I think hardwood floors would add warmth.

   The organ.

   Love the church.

   Familiarity, cool banners, air conditioning, being squished in the pew with my family of faith!

   I love the soaring feeling of the high sanctuary ceiling and even the soft and natural light to enhance the feeling of worship and peace.   I also like the natural wood and brick for the wall coverings.

   The chancel "altar"; keep it as it is complete with cross, candles, open Bible, flowers.  All these give the presence of the purpose of this area.  The pulpit also.  The organ and choral pews immediately let worshippers know this is a church of WORSHIP and MUSIC.  The roof design and rafters and the wooden symbolism at the rear of the sanctuary should remain.

   Music, instruments, Bible, Cross, vaulted ceiling; altar.  Music to prepare for and focus worship; scripture reading and interpretation; prayer to allow introspection, praise and petition; sacraments; missions shared by all through reports; banners and symbols to focus attention.

   I think our sanctuary is beautiful.  The only thing I can think of is to make the cross bigger.  I would hate to see us put too much money into an improvement rather than missions or even salaries of our church staff.

   The stained glass windows, the red of the pew cushions.  Also the large, beautiful banners when they are hung in the altar area.

   The “simpleness” of our sanctuary is wonderful because it does not distract from a relationship with God.

   I like that it shows the beams.  Similar to a boat.  I like the simplicity.

   The shape and size of the sanctuary (not too large or spread out to the side); it helps me feel in touch with the pastors' messages and the choir, bells and instrumental music.   The subdued color of the walls.  If the color is made lighter, please no extremes!  The colored glass inserts in the east wall and other adjacent areas; they're unique to this church and quite beautiful.  The simple wooden cross on the sanctuary screen.  Please take care of it if it is moved.  It was hand crafted and is part of the church art collection.

   Entrance to narthex is visitor friendly.  Central focus on the cross.  Bright and cheerful - a room that welcomes us.

   We thoroughly appreciate and enjoy the beautiful sanctuary as it is now.  There is nothing about our present sanctuary that hinders its primary function, the worship of God and/or the celebration of Christ's incarnate body.

   The sanctuary is traditional, like the traditional service I choose.  When the sun shines it's fun to watch the splashes of color from the windows, especially on the gray heads.   Like the colorful banners the best.

   Everything!

   I love the windows.  The sanctuary brings me closer to God.  It gives me a feeling of peace.

   Love the church; appreciate the atmosphere of dignity, peace.

   Please keep our sanctuary a "house of prayer" and not make it an "entertainment center"

   Otherwise, the sanctuary is perfect for me.

   The space is "airy" but not overwhelming.  I like the lack of distractions - makes it a place for contemplation.

   Our interesting sermons from all our four pastors are helpful.  The colorful windows.  We can see the huge evergreen trees through the back window when we leave the sanctuary.

   The sanctuary itself is a very special place.  The choir loft is in the right place but is now too small.  The pastor's podium might be in the center but is fine where it is; organ is in a good place unless seating for the choir is increased, then the organ might be in the center.   I love the sunlight coming in the "stained glass windows".

   It is not facility features that make Lake Grove Pres. a special place for me.   1) faithful preaching of God's word in a dynamic manner, 2) inspiring music by the choir and the singing of great hymns, 3) praying to the Lord, and 4) celebrating the sacraments can be done in the most simple environment and be special.

   Overall I like the church, but it seems a bit dark.  Love the stained glass, especially when the sun shines on it.  Good visibility of the pastor; good sound system.  Has an overall welcoming feel.

   Pipe organ, banners, fiber art, altar cloths in keeping with calendar, liturgical themes.  Appropriate lighting.  Window treatment which fosters contemplative moods.

   The high arches and ceiling, the wood color of the ceiling, the large window you see as you exit the sanctuary, the wood floor in the chancel area.  The banners when they are displayed down the aisles.

   I don't see the need for major or expensive changes (especially considering the recent platform changes and air conditioning).

   We especially enjoy the organ and its placement within the sanctuary.

   Flowers on the alter.

   I love the light and sunlight coming in the stained glass windows.

   I enjoy the tradition of the sanctuary.  Its simplicity and lack of high tech features allows me to feel more connected to the word of the Lord, especially in these high-tech, over-connected days we live in.

   The organ and choral pews immediately let worshippers know that this is a church of worship and music.  The roof design and rafters and the wooden symbolism at the rear should remain.

   Keep the stained glass windows - do not change or add

   Love the wood floor - do not paint

   Sound system fine - need to train more people on how to use it

   Seating fine - if you can't see move to front of church

   Choir may not always be as large, so don't change structure

   Like floor plan - do not have tilted wood floor!

   Do not hire an architect that is a church member

    

   
   

   What facility changes might enhance the worship experience for you?

   The floors are in great disrepair, pew cushions are old, lumpy and dusty.  Why not get rid of the pews and replace with NICE chairs?  This would allow great flexibility to form circles, side sitting, better congregation participation, partial or full use of the sanctuary.  Get Creative!!  Look at how many times the sanctuary is NOT used during the week.

   If pulpit were centrally located some of wouldn't get "cricks" in our necks :)   The "open" window in Fellowship Hall is an uplifting feature/focus for the 8 AM worshippers.  If the sanctuary could have a similar open light - welcoming - perhaps oval or round window.  Flooring should be kept clean more easily and without toxic cleaners.  It should be acoustically appropriate.

   Let’s invest in a new, improved kitchen!

   Reconfiguration of seating \___/  instead of parallel pews; Change hanging chandeliers

   Replace linoleum on floor; refinish pews darker, cushions need some "help"; some pews aren't stable.

   Lighter color walls and ceiling - darkness feels depressing; more comfortable pews - seats are uncomfortably shallow; room for choir to sing in place - too much shuffling back and forth; designated place for hand bell tables seems a waste.  Choir could use that for seating and set up tables when hand bells play in front.

   We need a larger choir loft.

   Place a large, wooden cross in the front.

   Windows - lots of glass.  I so enjoy his creation of trees, sky and even rain!

   Unless one sits on the front rows or center aisle, seeing is very difficult.

   Light fixtures are too space age; fix cracked linoleum under pews; bell loft is functional but unattractive; seat all of choir up front with more space instead of first pews.

   Add thicker pew cushions with a back; more light; overflow seating problem; overflow parking problem; overflow choir members.

   A fountain would be lovely; dividing wall between sanctuary and overflow area which could be retracted.

   New flooring needed in some spots; new lighting; new backdrop to replace white screen behind the altar.

   Floor should be top priority both for aesthetic and safety reasons; hanging balcony in back.

   Elevate pulpit.  There are some tall men in the congregation and this can block the view of the pulpit.  Not necessary to raise whole platform, maybe just pulpit and communion table.

   Better lighting - it’s a little dim to read at times (but, then again, I'm in my mid 40-s so it may be my eyes).

   A place that is large enough to accommodate the full sanctuary choir.

   Upgrade the sound system so that no matter where one is sitting, they can hear well.  Upgrade lighting in the pew area might help some.  In the winter it can be fairly dark.

   New carpet in sanctuary - front to back; new seat cushions.

   The stained glass windows are VERY 1950.  Update them.  More visibility of nature like in the Fellowship Hall.  Clear glass windows behind the altar.

   Lighten up sanctuary; wood floors throughout; slope floor for better visual; improve organ; more seating for choir; improve sound system and lights; improve recordings

   Carpeting up the steps to the chancel; a handrail up the very middle for people to hold onto if necessary when serving the sacraments

   I would like an American Flag displayed on special days like Memorial Day, or July 4th.

   Are there interior decorators that specialize in church facilities?  Our sanctuary could really use a make over.

   We could do something about those large beams that block the view of the stage.  I feel our stage could be more inviting - colors - more light - a bit better sound.  Maybe camo the sound equipment so we don’t sit right next to them?

   Update overall look - light fixtures, wood, add more windows, continue hardwood floors throughout; add seating for SC so there is more room for congregation; replace poor sound system and lighting; improve recordings; add box for organ pipes for better projection; remove white screen in front; remove carpet and tile and replace with hardwood as on chancel; replace pew cushions; replace stained glass with clear glass for more light.

   Maybe more seating or better use of existing seating (in terms of how and where people sit as they come in).

   Significantly improve sound system, make it less visually intrusive, distribute the sound around the room, improve mixing, monitoring capabilities and move this out of the sanctuary to a remote location; Add full video, Hi-Def production capabilities to send DVDs to shut-ins instead of cassettes, have ability to add full streaming video to web site; Add coordinated visual banners along sanctuary walls.

   Add a crying room so mothers who don’t feel comfortable with new babies in the nursery and still be a part of the service.  Would it be possible to put it above the narthex or like a balcony room in the back of the sanctuary?  I know the Lord loves little children but sometimes fussy babies make it hard to hear and to stay in tune to the service.

   More windows with clear glass (as choir member and occasional worshiper there, I can barely read the hymnal!  It is also too somber and uninviting.  Replace carpet with something more contemporary and lighter in color.

   1) Paint the walls (and ceiling?) a lighter color.  The sanctuary is pretty dark.   2) Changes to the sound system so contemporary musicians can "plug in" with a cleaner look.  As time goes on, we should be prepared for the possibility that our children and grandchildren will want "contemporary" instruments more than we do.

   More stained glass windows with Bible story representation.  Lighter carpet color, lighter wood colors and paint to uplift the worshippers special time together glorifying God.  Special attention to the acoustics of the sanctuary to enhance the traditional choirs, soloists and music.

   The "white box" beneath the organ's pipes is ugly.  It needs to be redesigned to blend more harmoniously in the room.  This is the focal point of the sanctuary and should be more attractive.

   From a décor point of view, I would update the walls to a natural grain and replace the stained glass to a clear leaded glass that lets the natural light shine through and gives us a view of the beautiful world God has created for us.

   It would be nice if we have something similar to the large window above the altar that the 8 AM worshippers enjoy during the service.  I think we should do away with the organ pipes and large white screen and make something very special and beautiful.  Stained glass windows need updating or redoing.  Possibly higher windows instead to let the outside in at the front altar.

   A little more "natural" lighting.  We love our sanctuary, its "home".

   Improved lighting with controlled light; new carpet for safety; new pew pads; different window treatment.

   Improved sound system would be nice.

   The lighting is low when you read the words from hymnals or bulletins.  Maybe the pew pads need replacing.

   Lighting that enhances worship and fits the style of the space, i.e., not contemporary (?) white balls.  Substance, design, beauty.  I would love it to be brighter - paint or stain the wood.  I would love to see permanent, gorgeous pieces of fabric art to being color, design and texture to the space (in effect like stained glass did of old.)  I would especially like a large baptismal font with presence that reminds us always of our baptism.

   There could be more light.  High windows on the right wall as you face the altar could let in light.  A permanent projection screen that mirrors the backdrop behind the organ, but frame it and put it behind the bell area.  Then when concerts such as Zambia take place projection can be seen on something other than a pull up screen.  Carpet and seat covers could be updated.  But ... lets keep our focus out (on missions) not in.  We have been blessed with a great facility.  Let’s keep on blessing others in need.

   I think the lighting needs to be updated.  It would be nice to have more control (dimmers) to change the amount of light.  The light mobiles are outdated - something more classic, maybe a craftsman feeling.  The floors would be nice in hardwood and a more earthy toned carpet, if needed in certain areas.

   New floor covering, carpeting and linoleum.  Removal of scuff marks on backs of pews.  New pew pads, color coordinated with the carpet.

   Somehow bring the beauty of the day into the sanctuary!  The vertical glass on the south sanctuary wall gives a colorful appearance when the sun is shining.

   Redesign chancel so choir can have permanent seating on both sides, freeing up pews for congregation.  Put bell choir in front of altar when they play.  Modernize lighting, getting spotlights out of the eyes of the choir.  Lights directly over the choir rather than angling in from the sides would be a real blessing.  Install state-of-the-art sound system, which might be able to kill feedback from hearing aids.  Upgrade the organ digitally to expand its capabilities and bring it into the 21st century.  At the least, add a chime and celeste.  A balcony of the narthex would be a very wise investment considering the rapid growth of the congregation.

   New carpet in the sanctuary.  Color is beautiful but damaged and faded.

   Getting some of the sound kinks worked out.  Glue the loose tiles down and call it good.

   The tile in under the pews needs to be replaced.  The Upper Drive wall is dark and forbidding.  If it could be opened up with much larger and more traditional stained glass windows, the room would be lighter, more inviting and more inspirational.  A much lighter stain throughout the sanctuary would visually increase its size and greatly add light.  The panel behind the communion table is dated and unattractive.  The table needs to be replaced.  Once the wall panel is replaced, the organ half wall and the lectern would also have to be replaced to match.  An Arts and Crafts style would blends with the current sanctuary.  Pews need to be refinished and end pieces replaced to match the organ wall, etc.

   More stained glass will create a contemplative ambience.

   Improve sound, lighting, ingress and egress.

   Install handrail on chancel steps; larger organ; maybe a handicapped seating area.

   Don't paint the walls!

   Give the choir ample seating on both sides of chancel to eliminate disruption of the service and eliminate seating in congregation.  Improve lighting throughout.  Direct a light on the pulpit only.  Stained glass windows depicting Biblical scenes.  Improve sound system to match in pulpit voices, particularly ministerial staff.  Increase use of displaying banners on walls, but not so much as to give it a cluttered, closed-in feeling.

   Leave sanctuary as is.

   Video recording system for services, special events, overflow, broadcast to remote facilities.  Video/audio upgrade.  Lighting upgrade, elevate spots to reduce glare in chancel.  Integrated single speaker sound system centered high above.  Wireless amplification for hearing impaired.  Lighter wood walls (paint or coverings).  New light fixtures that don't cast shadows.  Soften colored glass; curve front pews to allow for larger front area.  Lower sanctuary floor, slanted to front.  Add power risers for choir and piano, organ console (or pull out from wall).  Use both sides for choir with flexible seating that could be adapted for bell choir.  Replace beams with floating roof using skyhooks and faith!  Suspend Wendy from platform lowered from ceiling for special events.

   The light fixtures being replaced, the current ones detract from my experience.  Also the altar area being enhanced. I'd love to see a much larger, richly crafted altar table upon which larger bouquets could rest.  I'd also like to see the backdrop of the altar changed or more richly colored vs. the neutral wall that exists now.

   The lighting could be improved.  When I sit in the middle section of the pews, often shadows are cast on what I am trying to read.  I think soft spot lights might be better.  I love the colored glass windows but some need to be fix or replaced.  Floor could use an update.

   Lighting?  I wonder if there could be lighting on the pews.  I struggle to read the words since my neighbor shadows may block the light during hymns.   My view is usually between necks so it is hard to see the pulpit.  Maybe I should bring a booster seat!

   Change the light fixtures hanging from the ceiling; they are too white and too busy for this sanctuary - they distract from the peaceful environment.  Replace the shiny white plastic covering on the sanctuary screen - with something off-white, perhaps a little textured, or better quality fabric.  It should be fairly plain, however, to always be a good background for the banners.  Replace worn out seat cushions and floor tile.

   Paint the ceiling white.

   Improved chancel lighting.  Better light on person in the pulpit.  Update chandeliers.  Upgrade organ, bring into this century.  Provide cleaner/expanded platform to accommodate expanding music ministry.

   Other than a few inexpensive colorful contemporary Christ-oriented wall hangings, the only necessary enhancement of the sanctuary is one of repair and refinishing.  The lumpy pew cushions could be replaced, the pews refinished, as well as all the woodwork including the walls (maybe a lighter wood tone), but not at the expense of removing the focus from the chancel and communion table, with its lighted candles, cross and open bible.

   Put large, long clear glass windows in the wall that separates the sanctuary from the narthex, or half-high walls with windows above.   This would give people in the narthex a view into the sanctuary and give the congregation a view of the beautiful courtyard and statuary as they leave the service.

   Could we cushion the back of the pews?

   More beautiful chandeliers than the ones that are hanging from the ceiling now.  Also brighter lights toward the front.  It is too dark to read.

   I would like to see the décor/style changed from "70s" "modern" to something mre classic / traditional "Gothic" maybe?  Lose the white panels at pew ends and pulpit.

   Hand rails in the chancel area.  Also, this area is very noisy when communion is being served from women's heels.  How about some carpeting?  Fear of falling is expressed by many - particularly the older members.

   Improvement in the consistency of the sound system.  Trained operators of the system are essential and the training needs to be by a professional sound operator.  An analysis of the quality of the existing system should be done first.  Then purchase if necessary.  Then training.  Potential subcommittee work: Choir loft analysis, flooring analysis in sanctuary, exit and entry traffic flow analysis from sanctuary into entry and fellowship hall.

   Repair the linoleum and keep doing what you are doing.

   Slope floor.  Refinish dark brown wall to ceiling color.  Clean cushions but keep them.  I like the current lights (could add brighter bulbs).  Acoustic panels, cloth OK.  Small, non visible speakers.  Draperies in Fellowship hall to absorb sound.  Add two small windows in sanctuary but don't disturb acoustics.  Keep old feel.  Not totally modern.  Add drop down screen.  Raise pastor level.  I like pews & cushions.  Hide wire/cables.  Carpet but not red.  Doors are okay.  No skylights (leaky, too bright).  Heat vent off floor.

   Lighten walls - suggestions from professional decorator.

   1. More banner all the time.  2. Better sound system. 3. Make the bells move and use that area for choir members to allow more seats in the sanctuary for worshippers.

   Change color of screen behind altar area from stark white to softer, neutral color-coordinated with lighter wall color.

   Move banners behind altar and place choir on the left, right and center, with exit door on right hand side for choir.  When bells are used, use roller tables in front of church.  In Fellowship Hall add a large screen - TV-like for overflow people.  Use this every Sunday so they can see if no seats are available in regular service.  Quiet down the organ.  It overpowers the singing and playing as a background organ.  It should be background music.  Add speakers in sanctuary so that sound can be heard but not too loud in any one place.

   Make the Narthex wall/doors an interior glass wall and the gathering area/sanctuary also a glass wall.  With a good PA system people could still see and hear.  Drapes could be added on the glass walls for flexibility of use.

   Remove white wall behind altar and relocate choir room door to one/both sides.  Enlarge altar space to allow entire choir/ bells to be in altar area (flexible space for different services).  Improve line of sight by raising the pulpit or entire altar area.  Improve sound system.

   Please pad the backs of the pews.

   I would appreciate choir seating across a "stair stepped" raised platform the width of the sanctuary.  Where to put the bell choir?  I don't know.  Communion table: in the front as servers go up the stairs.  Where to hang the beautiful banners - as far as possible on the right and left.  Orchestra:  where organ is if organ goes in the center.

   If facility changes enhance the service for some I have nothing against making them or refurbishing as necessary.  My only change at church does not fall under facility enhancement but "Parking".  I have had Sundays when there was no place to park!  I call it "my Sunday drive around".

   Make it brighter.  More stained glass or clear glass to view our beautiful environment.  Update floor and cushions.  I pray for the group tasked with this assignment.  Coming to a "middle ground" on all the issues won't be simple.

   I miss seeing the US flag and Church flag in the sanctuary.

   By building another choir loft where the hand bell tables are we could gain sometimes four more pews for the congregation.  Bell tables can be put up as needed.   The choir sings all but one Sunday.  Bells are much less frequent.  More windows and larger colored glass panes.

   1.  Paint the interior of the sanctuary a light color, preferably a cream or white tone.  It currently is dark and gloomy.  2.  New light fixtures - a face lift.  3.  Replace the colored glass side windows with either a beautiful stained glass, artful Biblical image or a beveled, frosted glass feature which would allow for non-glaring light.  If using stained glass - back light it for evening services.  4. Arrange better seating for the sanctuary choir by including the bell choir area or build a choir loft above the narthex in the back of the sanctuary.  5.  Upgrade or replace the organ with another pipe organ.  6.  Improve acoustics; improve sound technology for services and for recording.  7.  More artful treatment for the wall behind the altar.  8.  Provide the opportunity for creative, innovative and decorative liturgical compliments - metaphors in art.  9. Baptismal font needs to be prominent and issue an image of the solid foundation for which it stands.  Its placement should be an emphasis of importance - perhaps where the congregants enter the sanctuary.

   Improve sound system for audio and recording, include more seating for choir to open up seating for congregation, replace all asbestos tile and carpet with hardwood flooring, replace light fixtures, improve lighting for congregation and choirs, install box for organ pipes so sound will project to the back of the sanctuary, raked seating for congregation, update interior look of sanctuary.

   Design storage space for bell tables located near the chancel area (e.g., beneath the choir loft).

   Add space for the entire choir in the chancel area such that the choir could sing without moving around.  Add more stained glass, maybe in a Chagall-like style.  Add more clear glass window with views of the towering trees.  Commission some glass panels from a glass artist like Linda Ethier, that can let in light but have depth and symbolism embedded in them.  Replace linoleum with hardwood floors.  More light overall but I like the light fixtures.  Improve sound system especially for recording services.  Those getting service on tape/CD really miss the beauty of music. Add another set of doors into the gathering area.

   Install a state-of-the-art sound system looking at everything including things that might seem insignificant such as the size of the current speakers.

   Digitally upgrade the organ to vastly expand its capabilities and bring it into the 21st century.

   I would love it to be brighter - paint or stain the wood.  I'd love to see a permanent gorgeous piece of fabric art to bring color, design, and texture to the space.

   I would especially like a large baptismal font.

   Any expenses, other than repair and maintenance, would not be good stewardship.  To turn our sanctuary into a theater or auditorium, as some suggestions indicate, would be a travesty and the expense would be unjustified.  Any changes made need to reflect a consensus of the congregation as a whole and not the wishes of a few with deep enough pockets to fund their preferences.

   It is difficult at times to see the front of the sanctuary, when seated mid-way back or further to the rear.

   Install more higher toilets in the restrooms.

   Please don't redo the cushions on the seats.  When they were added my feet no longer reached the floor.  Thick ones would make this worse.

   In my opinion, LGPC ought to sell this property and move to another location.

   I have visited other sanctuaries that utilized big screen monitors in place of hymn books and the Bible.  I feel like I am singing with a karaoke machine rather than with my church family.  If a big screen monitor is installed, consider one that is retractable.

   Could buy sturdier tables for bell choir and take down for 3 weeks (they don't perform & choir could sit there) -- bell tables would have to be set up for bell choirs' weekly practices.

   Change lights that hang down from ceiling

   Change white background behind cross to a more natural color -- grass cloth or something simple

   Replace floor tiles with floor tiles -- don't spend a lot of money on anything else