Over the past few months, the Chancel Group has been meeting with builder Richard Helgeson to create and craft a new pulpit for our chancel. You may be asking, why a new pulpit? Or, why now?

When the Chancel Group convened two years ago, in collaboration with the ministry team, we decided that two goals would make a dramatic difference to the beauty and power of our service. The first was to paint the chancel. This was completed in 2014. The second was to replace the pulpit.

Our current pulpit has served this congregation well. It was built for the chancel at our church on 50th & Girard, and traveled with us to 3400 Dupont in 1993. Although it is graceful and open, it is showing signs of wear and tear. Also, with an expanding vision of shared ministry, the worship team has longed for a pulpit from which two people could comfortably speak, as well as a pulpit that resonates more strongly with the scale and architectural gestures of our chancel.

Richard has done some beautiful work creating a trio of pieces (pulpit, bell stand, and chalice stand) that reflect our dreams. He built a cardboard replica of the pulpit and is honing his design under the direction of the Chancel Group and ministers. At this date, the design is approved, the majority of the building materials have been chosen, and the build should start in a couple of months.

Members of the Chancel Group will be in the social hall on Sunday, April 17 so that you can ask questions, see small replicas of the pieces, and learn more.

See more of Richard’s work on his website.