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Setting Aside a Holy Space
Written By: - NONE - | Issue: 2019/08 - August
Over the past year, the clergy and Vestry at The Church of the Incarnation (Episcopal) have been working on a master plan for the church’s facilities.
This effort arose initially as part of a search for ways to expand the capacity of the Sanctuary to accommodate more people due to increased attendance on Sunday mornings.
The project began in November 2018, when the church engaged the historic Massachusetts-based firm Cram and Ferguson. Soon after, a committee appointed by the Vestry began work with the architects to develop a unified plan encompassing the Fifth Street entrance, the main traffic path up and into the parish hall, and the main Sanctuary/Nave.
“What began as a simple discussion to add seating space and pews to our sanctuary is becoming a spirit-filled time of discernment seeking to respond to the work of God in this place,” said The Rev. Bentley Manning. “The result is a Glorious Vision, a master plan and capital campaign to enhance our sanctuary space, to support the growing number of families coming each week, to expand our presence into the community, and to open our doors to invite all to share with us in the Body of Christ.”
On Sunday, June 30, parishioners from Incarnation gathered in the church’s garden for a Kick-Off Celebration to formally launch capital fundraising efforts. The campaign seeks to raise $6 million, $3 million of which was already raised during the quiet phase of the campaign.
“From the very beginning, Christians have set aside holy spaces where the presence of God can be experienced in worship and shared through the bond of Christian community,” said Manning. “Sanctuaries of worship, at their best, provide comfort and transcendence, beauty and grace, inspiration and peace – a sacred home uniting heaven and earth. Our hope is that Incarnation is such a place and will continue to be so for generations to come.”
