Shepherd's Heart 07/31/26
Can you believe it has already been five weeks since we reopened our newly renovated Sanctuary?
What a remarkable five weeks it has been. Every Sunday, as people gather to worship, we're reminded that while buildings can be renovated in a matter of months, God has been building His Church in this place for decades. Since the Sanctuary first opened in 1988, countless people have encountered the love of Christ here. Children have been baptized into God's family. Couples have exchanged wedding vows before God (including 19 years ago when my wife and I were married in the Sanctuary). Lives have been transformed through the preaching of His Word, the sharing of Holy Communion, and the prayers of His people. Those stories continue to be written, and by God's grace, they will continue for generations to come.
I'll never forget the first moments we gathered back in the room.
The very first words sung were, "Hallelujah, worthy is the Lamb, Amen!" As those words echoed throughout the Sanctuary, our congregational choir processed down the aisles, surrounding the congregation with a beautiful chorus of voices. It was one of those moments that reminded us what the Church truly is—not a building, but the people of God gathered together to worship the God who is worthy.
There is simply nothing like hearing God's people lift their voices together. I truly believe the Lord delights in the worship of His children.
As many have noticed, the renovation also brought significant upgrades to the technology throughout the Sanctuary. While these additions are certainly beautiful, they were never intended to be "cool" or impressive for their own sake. They exist to serve worship, not distract from it.
Throughout Scripture, God often used craftsmanship, beauty, and creativity to point His people toward His glory. When He instructed the Israelites in constructing the Tabernacle, He gave careful attention to every detail—not because the materials themselves were sacred, but because they helped create a space that reflected His holiness and invited His people into worship. That same prayer has guided every decision we have made. Whether through lighting, sound, projection, or design, our hope is that these tools quietly disappear into the background, allowing our hearts to focus more fully on Christ.
Of course, as with any new space or new resources, there is a learning curve. We continue to refine how we use these tools each week, always asking one question: How can this better help people encounter Jesus? Our commitment remains the same—to honor God in everything we do.
While the technology has certainly received attention, some of my favorite additions are the handcrafted pieces that will serve our congregation for many years to come.
We had the privilege of partnering with a gifted craftsman in Crystal Lake to design and build our new altar and two baptismal fonts—one in the chancel and another in the narthex. These aren't simply pieces of furniture; they are places where God continues to meet His people. Around the altar we receive Christ's gifts in Holy Communion. At the font we celebrate new life through Holy Baptism, welcoming people into the family of God. It is humbling to imagine how many people will gather around these sacred spaces in the years ahead.
We also partnered with a small business in Dallas, Texas, to create our new free-standing cross and Christ candle stand. The craftsmanship is extraordinary. If you have an opportunity, spend a few moments looking closely at the woodwork. The artisans intentionally incorporated the various wood tones found throughout the Sanctuary, creating a beautiful visual reminder that many unique pieces can come together to form something unified and beautiful.
Perhaps what I love most, however, is that the large cross overlooking our Sanctuary is still the very same cross that has stood there since the building first opened. Though so much around it has been renewed, the cross remains unchanged. Backlit with warmth and reverence, it continues to draw our eyes to the center of our faith: Jesus Christ, crucified and risen for the life of the world.
There is still more to come as we complete updates to the sound panels and carpeting, but already we are filled with gratitude. These renovated spaces are not an end in themselves—they are a means for ministry. They are places where people will worship, grieve, celebrate, grow, ask questions, discover faith, and encounter the living Christ.
As both the Chapel and the Sanctuary continue to welcome our traditional and contemporary worshiping communities, we are reminded once again of God's faithfulness and the incredible generosity of this church family. Thank you for investing in the future of this congregation. We cannot wait to see all that God will continue to do in these spaces in the years ahead.
Ryan Hammer
Creative Arts Executive Ministry
What a remarkable five weeks it has been. Every Sunday, as people gather to worship, we're reminded that while buildings can be renovated in a matter of months, God has been building His Church in this place for decades. Since the Sanctuary first opened in 1988, countless people have encountered the love of Christ here. Children have been baptized into God's family. Couples have exchanged wedding vows before God (including 19 years ago when my wife and I were married in the Sanctuary). Lives have been transformed through the preaching of His Word, the sharing of Holy Communion, and the prayers of His people. Those stories continue to be written, and by God's grace, they will continue for generations to come.
I'll never forget the first moments we gathered back in the room.
The very first words sung were, "Hallelujah, worthy is the Lamb, Amen!" As those words echoed throughout the Sanctuary, our congregational choir processed down the aisles, surrounding the congregation with a beautiful chorus of voices. It was one of those moments that reminded us what the Church truly is—not a building, but the people of God gathered together to worship the God who is worthy.
There is simply nothing like hearing God's people lift their voices together. I truly believe the Lord delights in the worship of His children.
As many have noticed, the renovation also brought significant upgrades to the technology throughout the Sanctuary. While these additions are certainly beautiful, they were never intended to be "cool" or impressive for their own sake. They exist to serve worship, not distract from it.
Throughout Scripture, God often used craftsmanship, beauty, and creativity to point His people toward His glory. When He instructed the Israelites in constructing the Tabernacle, He gave careful attention to every detail—not because the materials themselves were sacred, but because they helped create a space that reflected His holiness and invited His people into worship. That same prayer has guided every decision we have made. Whether through lighting, sound, projection, or design, our hope is that these tools quietly disappear into the background, allowing our hearts to focus more fully on Christ.
Of course, as with any new space or new resources, there is a learning curve. We continue to refine how we use these tools each week, always asking one question: How can this better help people encounter Jesus? Our commitment remains the same—to honor God in everything we do.
While the technology has certainly received attention, some of my favorite additions are the handcrafted pieces that will serve our congregation for many years to come.
We had the privilege of partnering with a gifted craftsman in Crystal Lake to design and build our new altar and two baptismal fonts—one in the chancel and another in the narthex. These aren't simply pieces of furniture; they are places where God continues to meet His people. Around the altar we receive Christ's gifts in Holy Communion. At the font we celebrate new life through Holy Baptism, welcoming people into the family of God. It is humbling to imagine how many people will gather around these sacred spaces in the years ahead.
We also partnered with a small business in Dallas, Texas, to create our new free-standing cross and Christ candle stand. The craftsmanship is extraordinary. If you have an opportunity, spend a few moments looking closely at the woodwork. The artisans intentionally incorporated the various wood tones found throughout the Sanctuary, creating a beautiful visual reminder that many unique pieces can come together to form something unified and beautiful.
Perhaps what I love most, however, is that the large cross overlooking our Sanctuary is still the very same cross that has stood there since the building first opened. Though so much around it has been renewed, the cross remains unchanged. Backlit with warmth and reverence, it continues to draw our eyes to the center of our faith: Jesus Christ, crucified and risen for the life of the world.
There is still more to come as we complete updates to the sound panels and carpeting, but already we are filled with gratitude. These renovated spaces are not an end in themselves—they are a means for ministry. They are places where people will worship, grieve, celebrate, grow, ask questions, discover faith, and encounter the living Christ.
As both the Chapel and the Sanctuary continue to welcome our traditional and contemporary worshiping communities, we are reminded once again of God's faithfulness and the incredible generosity of this church family. Thank you for investing in the future of this congregation. We cannot wait to see all that God will continue to do in these spaces in the years ahead.
Ryan Hammer
Creative Arts Executive Ministry