First Presbyterian Church of Boonton, NJ

First Presbyterian Church of Boonton, NJ

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Sanctuary Renovation – Done!

Posted by on September 4, 2010 · Leave a Comment 

When I last wrote (back in late June) for the summer newsletter, I described the short-term future of worship for our summer, because we were at the beginning of our plans for the sanctuary and organ renovation.

The actual process began by a meaningful worship service on July 18th during which, with great care, we removed all of our important worship aids/items from the sanctuary and brought them to Reighart Hall for summer worship. We likened it to the Israelites after the Exodus where they carried with them the Ark of the Covenant, which was a large box that contained the tablets of the 10 Commandments as well as Aaron’s rod and manna for the journey. This is often nick-named: “God on the Move”

And we were on the move, worshiping in Cool (!) Reighart Hall for the better part of the summer while our sanctuary and our organ (“The Beast of Boonton”) were under renovation. While some of us were unsure how the worship space, the air conditioning, the locale, the loaner (roller-skating-rink-esque) organ, the hard wooden seats, and the juggling of hymnals were all going to work out, I am delighted to report: we had the best Summer attendance in 8 years!

Those of you who attended know that we enjoyed the worship space and all of its elements much more than many of us expected! We also introduced craft-time for children ages 3-8 with great success — so that parents could enjoy some quiet in worship. We also tried a new children’s sermon method called “Stump the Pastor”… and was I ever stumped! I still don’t quite know what a “Bop it!” is — but I’m sure I’ll get one for Christmas…

Meanwhile, God was also very much present to our SRC (Sanctuary Renovation Committee): Bruce Middleton (Chair), Susan Arena, Dan Carhart, Joe Hordnes, Connie Kelley, Lois Schaefer, Marilyn Ward, Sarah, Rev Jen, Louie and Norma, and
the very hard-working and highly professional: painters, wood workers, organ uninstallers/ reinstallers, electricians and carpet-men all who treated our sanctuary like the Holy and precious space it is. Lastly, so did the very faithful and patient fire department who responded to 2 false alarms with speed and ardor.
It was truly a very impressive and very blessed renovation which, I am happy to say is perfectly completed and on-schedule for September 12th — RALLY DAY/ REDEDICATION SUNDAY. We hope you will be as awed by the beauty and craftsmanship of the many people who did the work and the many who assisted tirelessly in this huge undertaking.
Worship on September 12th, will begin (On Time! At 10 AM) with an exciting procession of moving back into the sanctuary (to the sound of our new organ and choir) just as was accounted in Exodus (35-40) — although on a smaller scale. There will be banners, and instruments and choirs and children and the ringing of the church bells and some other surprises to commemorate God’s refreshed tabernacle where God will dwell for many years and centuries to come.
Please come on this joyous day to witness how blessed we have been and are, in this newly renovated tabernacle and learn what is in store as we worship, pray and discern how God is calling us next to be witnesses in God’s world.
Giving thanks with you,
Jen

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About Jen
Rev. Jennifer Van Zandt is the 13th pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Boonton, NJ. She has a Masters in Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary.

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