St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

Why would we want to rearrange our furniture?

When we worship, our space seems empty. Only on Easter does it seem comfortable. Church sociologists define spaces as "uncomfortably empty," "comfortably empty," "comfortably full" and "uncomfortably full." Those percentages are at 20%, 40%, 60% and 80%. The hardest tipping point is between uncomfortably empty and comfortably empty. Once it gets comfortably empty, it is easier to build a parish. The church seats 400 people and we have a regular attendance of less than 30, which means that we need an immediate quintupling of attendance to make the place seem comfortably empty. By being able to seat only 200, a baptism now becomes comfortably empty.

In a church that has a large plant but low attendance, visitors encounter the church as a museum rather than as a place of worship. The space is intrinsically unwelcoming to those who have no history with the church. Although some stay because of the quality of preaching and welcoming, they have a connection to the people, less to the space.

Symbolically, the space represents distance between people and the clergy and laity. Much of this happens subconsciously. One reason many long-time members don’t come regularly is they find the open space oppressive. The open space inhibits the trigger that says there is something wonderful happening here.

Why do people enjoy concerts, sporting events or parades? Because other people are physically close. As we have been liberated from obligatory church attendance, it behooves us to change our space.

“Obligatory Church Attandance?” Are blaming me for not coming to church?

Not at all. We’re Episcopalians and recognize that life happens. No guilt here. If the family were together more frequently, however, moving the pews would seem less urgent and necessary.

But because I don’t come to church you’re punishing me by changing the space!

If that’s the way you want to look at it. Perhaps if you found the space a bit different you’d like it more.

Alright. As long as you aren't forcing me into this. What will we do with the floor?

The floor has been professionally washed and buffed.

What will happen to the pews?

More than half the pews will remain for seating. Some pews will be removed. Those in poor condition will be discarded and used for other carpentry projects. A few others may be sold to churches that would benefit from a few more pews.

What will happen to the wall?

Eventually we need to fix the wall. This will be part of the general capital campaign we foresee happening in 2009.

Shouldn’t we fix the wall first?

The wall needs fixing. Ideally we would do it all at the same time. The priority is toward building the community, and changing the space represents the sort of love St. Barts wants to be. People are the most important aspect of church, and that is where our money should go.

What will all the past generations say?

The past generations have paid for our ability to keep things as they were. We are reaching the end of the money past generations have offered, and most of them do not come to church. The endowment allowed us to keep the parish stable.

And the memorial plaques?

Memorial plaques will be placed on the remaining pews.

How will the service change?

It won’t change much. We will change the choreography and the laity will have a stronger role in the service.

If it doesn’t change, then why bother?

The use of space is the problem, not the order of service.

Who will pay for a new altar?

We are going to use the Norman Hall conference table as the basis for a new altar. We have a few handy carpenters in the church who are coordinating this.

Where will the choir go?

We’ll have to test out a few places to seat them. It’s more important that everyone be encouraged to sing. The grand piano will be moved into the sanctuary.

Does this mean we won’t be able to do weddings?

We will be able to do weddings. We’ll be able to do a wider variety of weddings. If we remove all the pews and resort to chairs, we'll even be more flexible and have traditional weddings where people face the front.

What will brides think?

Brides are welcome to make a life in the parish. They will take priority in the church’s life as they build a relationship with the church or fund the church’s capital expenses.

Will we vote on this?

Everyone’s suggestions are appreciated, and there will be ample time for people to discuss a variety of possibilities. In the interest of efficiency, harmony and clarity, the final decision rests with the rector, as the canons appropriately affirm.