Worship Space

The worship space is the most important area within the church - it is where the community gathers on a weekly basis as well as for special moments in the life of the congregation (holidays, weddings and funerals). In the narthex a Deacon will greet you and provide you with the day’s worship bulletin. From the narthex you will pass through two doors as you enter the Sanctuary. A red carpet leads you forward to the Altar. You are invited to sit wherever you wish.

Once in the sanctuary you will notice “pew” spaces for wheelchair accessibility. One is available on each side of the aisle and additional space is available at the far front right in front of the pulpit.

At the very front of the sanctuary is the “tomb” Altar where the Lord’s Table (also known as Holy Communion and the Eucharist) is consecrated. Communion is held normally on the first Sunday of the month and is open to everyone including young children if their parents believe their children have some understanding of the sacrament. The elements include bread, wafers, grape juice, and wine.

A view from the crying room. Note the handicapped accessible “pews” located on both sides of the aisle. The organ and piano are located at the front left and the choir usually sits in pews at the far front right. The stained glass windows which grace the Sanctuary are from our original 1884 church which was located in Chicago (we moved to Berwyn in 1954).

At the front is the chancel. On the far left is the organ and piano. Next to the organ is the lectern where the liturgist will lead the congregation and read scripture. On the right is the pulpit which is reserved for preaching and teaching. At the front right is the baptismal font where children and adults are baptized into the Christian family. At the rear of the picture is the “tomb” altar reminiscent of the tombs that early Christians used to celebrate worship around in the catacombs.