Our Gathering Spaces

Presentation at Christ Church February 27-28, 2010

Gale Francione, Consultant for Liturgical Space

“How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings...” Luke 13:34

Jesus was all about gathering people – especially those who didn’t normally mingle.

We gather everywhere

We gather with family and friends

Sometimes we act as the host: “Come on in, let me take your coat, would you like some coffee?”

Sometimes we are the guest, enjoying the conversation and the food. Maybe even helping clean up afterwards.

And sometimes, we are a stranger, even in a room full of people.

at Christ Church?

How have you experienced being

• Host

• Guest

• Stranger

In the House for the People of God...everyone is an invited guest

In the House of the People of

God

Everyone acts as the host – how else can we experience

God’s welcome except though the touch of one another?

“We affirm the people of God as the primary symbol of Christ.”

-“The Church for Common Prayer”-an Episcopal statement on worship space

Our Gathering Spaces

• To offer a place of welcome and hospitality

• To provide transition to the sacred

• To form us as the Body of Christ

Santo Nino Chapel, New Mexico

Trinity Church, West Yorkshire

All churches,grand and humble, gather Sunday after

Sunday

The primary entrance: clearly visible inviting to visitors and strangers the first impression of your community.”

- The Church for Common Prayer

in proportion to the worship space identify and reach other parts of the building easily.

- The Church for Common Prayer

A gathering area

We mark entrances

This door invites entry. What’s on

the other side?

(Especially when it is etched with the words “Seek” “Knock” “Ask”)

Some doorways

offer a tactile experience

that says “no ordinary entrance”

Doorways should lead to a gracious space where people feel comfortable. Grandma can be dropped off and wait in a soft chair, maybe chat

with a friend.

Gathering spaces should not feel office-like or institutional.

Does this space help me transition

into a sacred activity when I walk through

them?”

A gathering space: warm, light, comfortable

(Soon to be a baptismal font

on the tile in the center)

Gathering spaces should include the activities of a busy

parish

But clutter is not necessary

This parish’s solution was a six-sided kiosk

(also hiding a supporting pillar)

This parish keeps noise (from visiting friends to

fussy babies) from disrupting the service with

sliding glass doors

Where do we gather? What happens in these places? How do they help us become the Body of Christ? What would enhance our gathering spaces?

Christ Episcopal: