Subcommittee Contact Person:

Kristin Jones | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 301-572-0896 (work, direct line)

Subcommittee Members:

Clinton Anderson, Greg DuRoss, Timothy Elig, Jan Fetter-Degges, Marc Ford, Jeffrey Franke, Christian Garcia, Doug Hansen, Matt Jarvis, Timothy Johnson, Kristin Jones, Phillip Kronstein, Brad Latham, Hardee Mahoney, Kevin Montgomery, David Park, Jason Rios, Jean-Luc Santos-Sansfaute, Stephen Schembs, Katie Sell, Robert Sheavly, Amy Whitford, Gregory Zitterkob, and Emil Zuberbueler.

Topics Addressed at Last Meeting:

The meeting was attended by Christian G., Kristin J., Hardee M., Kevin M., Jason R., Katie S., and Amy W. The subcommittee welcomed two new members, Katie Sell and Christian Garcia. We reviewed floor plans of worship-in-the-round churches for ideas, discussed areas we had not covered in detail including green building practices and accessibility, and reviewed and amended the Worship Space final report.

Kevin had contributed several pages of architectural plans.We discussed the seating arrangements, placement of altar, ambo (lectern) and baptismal font.One comment was that worship in-the-round on a large scale can feel like a mega church. We confirmed again that we want chairs rather than pews for greater flexibility.Two committee members said they prefer the baptismal bowl we have to a large fixed font.Others commented that in the half-round we can see other people, but no one has to sit looking at the celebrant’s back.In plans with the altar at the center, this is an issue.

The subcommittee reviewed the draft final report in detail.Regarding creating an uplifting space (a sense of spirituality), members felt that high ceilings were the most important factor.Katie asked about the use of stained glass and whether that is planned or might be considered as a later addition.The recommendation of a flat floor (to accommodate multiple use) was balanced by the need for visibility and the primacy of the Eucharist.We decided not to rule out use of a fixed or movable dais.

A side altar or separate chapel for healing, private prayer and one-on-one consulting was discussed at length.There was also a request for this space to accommodate small services. The committee decided that we did not have to choose “either” a small space with separate entrance for privacy “or” a space that is more open for a larger group, or that may open onto the main worship space.If we do have a side altar or chapel, it was pointed out this would be the appropriate place for the reserved sacrament.Jason agreed with the idea previously put forward that this space might also double as the Taize devotional altar.

We discussed the ambo (lectern) and baptismal font.A good number of us see a need for a fixed location for ambo and baptism, but we also recognize that movable pieces provide for more flexibility. We feel this needs further study.Regarding the entrance, Kevin pointed out that we need an entrance that is easy to find and easy to get through.The entrance to the worship space should be close to the entrance to the church.We acknowledged this might disturb the ruins and concurred that if they come down, we would like to see elements of the ruins incorporated into the new space.

The worship space subcommittee has not dealt in detail with green building issues or accessibility (although we touch on some accessibility issues).It is our understanding that these issues are being addressed by other discernment subcommittees.

Next Meeting:

Monday, June 30, 7:00-8:30, St. Thomas’ Upper Room

Agenda: Final review of Worship Space Final Report.

Feedback Needed:

We are about to move to the next phase of discernment.Now is the time to share your thoughts, ideas and/or concerns about future directions in worship space.Make your mark!Send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or speak with anyone on the Worship Space subcommittee at coffee hour.Look for our “Talk to Me About Worship Space” badges. Our final meeting is this Monday (time/location above).Come and join us as we review our final recommendations!