Committee Minutes

Sacred Space Committee, Feb. 3, 2010

Present:
Susan Arnspiger, Mimi Arnspiger, Julie Bryant, Gale Francione, Lois Davis, Kathryn Gutz, Ron Hanson, Janet Leary, Steve Meehleder, Martha     Rogers, Jim Spencer, and Phil Thomas.

Absent:
Doug Anderson, Mary Lee Meehleder, and Ian Montgomery.

The meeting began with introductions all around and an opening prayer service. 

Gale Francione, liturgical consultant, outlined the task before us.  The discussion that followed included an overview of the process to be undertaken.  This includes reviewing the historical decisions that have been made, spending time learning about worship (and its relationship to the space), involving the congregation, and creating recommendations for action to the vestry. The group will make its decisions in the context of prayer, discerning the work of the Holy Spirit and by consensus agreement rather than by voting.  Everyone was challenged to seek the needs of the Body of Christ before their own personal likes and dislikes.

In order to review our history, the group will look at the recommendations made regarding the worship and gathering spaces by the Visioning group. 

Mimi agreed to be liaison with the Visioning group to learn about their recommendations from several years ago.  She will report back what has been accomplished, what has been set aside, and what still needs to be implemented,

There was lengthy discussion about the adult formation component of the process.  Gale will present several workshop/presentations highlighting topics such as “Hospitality and Gathering,” “Baptism,”  “Holy Eucharist,”  “Music in Worship,” and “Weddings, Funerals, Other Devotions.”    Because the church schedule is very full, and in order for the most people to benefit from the information, it was determined to place this component within the weekend worship itself, perhaps once every three or four weeks.

Martha and Gale will work together to develop a format, schedule and present the material together.

Because the final disposition of the old organ is very pertinent to the work of this group, there was some discussion about it.   Also discussed was the unexpected vibration of the chancel while the organ is being played.

Martha will look into what can be done to alleviate the vibration. 

Lois agreed to look into the possibilities for a final resting place for the old organ.

After some discussion of the characteristics required of a chairperson, and a prayerful selection process, Ron Hanson agreed to the role.  He has the full support of the members of the group.

Also needed for this group will be a secretary/note taker at meetings and someone to help the group get the word out to the congregation regarding our work.  Transparency is very important in order to minimize conflict and rumors.  Julie Bryant agreed to lead the communications needs.  For the time being, a note taker will be assigned at each meeting.

The schedule for meetings cannot be set consistently because of the active schedules of the group.  So for now, meetings will be scheduled at different times in order to accommodate the most people (even if it means attending part of this meeting, then going to another). 

NEXT MEETING:       Wednesday, February 10 at 5:30 p.m.

It was noted that there is a simple casserole supper in the undercroft at 5:15, and for $2 anyone can enjoy a quick dinner before the meeting.

(Ed. Note:  Kathryn agreed on Thursday to do the prayer for February 10.)

To do before the meeting:         As our name, “The Liturgical Space Team” is quite cumbersome, and “Space Cadets” doesn’t quite give the correct sense of purpose, we are looking for a name.   Please come to the meeting with some ideas to name ourselves. Also, be thinking about how we can communicate our work to the congregation (and others?).

Respectfully submitted,

Gale Francione

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