11/30/07

Renovation Projects Will Enhance
the Temple Experience

The Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, has served as sacred space for members and visitors from around the world since its dedication in 1994. Thousands have toured, worshiped, and participated in World Church events there during the past 14 years. Countless more experience the ministries of the Temple as they resonate in their own communities in all the places where members and friends are sharing the peace of Jesus Christ.

The Temple Ministries Team designs and delivers creative ministries and maintains Temple aesthetics. For example, this team planned the two healing services held in the Temple Sanctuary during the 2007 World Conference and commissioned new art pieces to enhance the experience along the Worshiper’s Path.

Using Revelation 22:2 as a foundation, the Temple Ministries Team commissioned the Tree of Life stainless steel, copper, and brass sculpture by Florida artist Suat Gurtan. It was added to the Worshiper’s Path in March 2007.

 

The Temple Ministries Team continues to create new ways for the Temple and its ministries to serve as a source of spiritual encounter with God. This guided decisions about how to refurbish worn flooring in the Temple Sanctuary and Worshiper’s Path, where daily use has led to significant wear.

The new carpet, tile, and wood refinishing will be integrated with existing design to emphasize both the inward and outward journey of discipleship. While the 195-foot spiral sanctuary draws our eyes up, new elements will symbolize the grounding required to pursue our call to share the peace of Jesus Christ on earth. When the Worshiper’s Path and Sanctuary are reopened, worshipers will have a renewed opportunity to holistically experience of the Divine.

Generous contributors created an enduring fund that’s exclusive purpose is to provide upkeep for the Temple and ongoing support for its ministries. Thanks to those who created and have contributed to the Temple Endowment Fund, we are able to undertake this project. Today, earnings from this fund will pay to refurbish the flooring.

The rostrum will be sanded and refinished during December, following the Advent service on the ninth. Beginning January 8, the Sanctuary and Worshiper’s Path will be closed. The Daily Prayer for Peace will be in the Temple Meditation Chapel at 1:00 p.m. and public organ recitals will be in the Auditorium on Sundays at 3 p.m. Tours will be adapted so guides can visually represent these areas in other ways. The project is expected to be complete near the end of April. Updates will be shared as the project advances.

The Temple is a house of prayer for all nations that reminds the church throughout the world that we are called to share the peace of Jesus Christ wherever we have opportunity. Plan to experience the Temple by visiting with family, friends, and congregations, and participating in upcoming events with other worshipers.

—Wim van Klinken reporting
International Headquarters director