Open Sanctuary
Open Sanctuary is a new mission begun by Federated Community Church during the Fall of 2004.
A Committee of interested members of the church met regularly throughout the Summer to prepare a program plan which they presented to the Church Board of Trustees at their September meeting.
After some discussion mostly concerning safety issue, the program was given approval by the Board. Since October 12, 2004, the church's sanctuary has been open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
Two voluntary monitors open the sanctuary at 3 p.m. and remain there until 6 p.m. to close the sanctuary. These volunteers are responsible for setting a sign at the bottom of the steps at the front door which announces that the sanctuary is open for silent prayers. They also light candles at the alter inside, turn on the music box to play quiet reflective tunes, set out prayer request cards, prayer candles which may be lit by visitors, a visitors signature book, and place a prayer bench at the front of the alter where visitors are welcome to kneel. The monitors sit quietly at a side pew, speaking only when a visitor asks a question.
This prepared place for silent prayer or meditative time is to offer a setting where people may visit with their God. It is for people passing by, as well as for our own church members. The volunteer monitors are not there to teach or preach, but to provide a place for individuals to meet God on their own time and in their own way. As light shines through the beautiful stained glass windows, as background sounds of quiet music is heard, as the flickering candles remind one of ancient truths that the central cross represents, the prayer bench at the front alter welcomes those who want to kneel there.
To date, enough visitors have stopped by to pray or meditate that the volunteers feel their time has been an important contribution. The Open Sanctuary Committee are hoping that enough volunteers become available so additional Open Sanctuary hours, and/or days, become possible.
Persons who would like to volunteer for this program are urged to contact Gail Bromgard at 714-0796 or duanegail@gmail.com.
Open Sanctuary is a new mission begun by Federated Community Church during the Fall of 2004.
A Committee of interested members of the church met regularly throughout the Summer to prepare a program plan which they presented to the Church Board of Trustees at their September meeting.
After some discussion mostly concerning safety issue, the program was given approval by the Board. Since October 12, 2004, the church's sanctuary has been open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
Two voluntary monitors open the sanctuary at 3 p.m. and remain there until 6 p.m. to close the sanctuary. These volunteers are responsible for setting a sign at the bottom of the steps at the front door which announces that the sanctuary is open for silent prayers. They also light candles at the alter inside, turn on the music box to play quiet reflective tunes, set out prayer request cards, prayer candles which may be lit by visitors, a visitors signature book, and place a prayer bench at the front of the alter where visitors are welcome to kneel. The monitors sit quietly at a side pew, speaking only when a visitor asks a question.
This prepared place for silent prayer or meditative time is to offer a setting where people may visit with their God. It is for people passing by, as well as for our own church members. The volunteer monitors are not there to teach or preach, but to provide a place for individuals to meet God on their own time and in their own way. As light shines through the beautiful stained glass windows, as background sounds of quiet music is heard, as the flickering candles remind one of ancient truths that the central cross represents, the prayer bench at the front alter welcomes those who want to kneel there.
To date, enough visitors have stopped by to pray or meditate that the volunteers feel their time has been an important contribution. The Open Sanctuary Committee are hoping that enough volunteers become available so additional Open Sanctuary hours, and/or days, become possible.
Persons who would like to volunteer for this program are urged to contact Gail Bromgard at 714-0796 or duanegail@gmail.com.
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