We weren’t necessarily trying to make a theological point in closing the Sanctuary for repairs and renovations. The sacred space simply needed some fixing up after all these years, and it’s hard to worship when the pews have been replaced by scaffolding. None of us look very good in hard hats anyway.

But in moving Sunday services to Francis Chapel and Jubilee Hall for seven weeks, there is a lesson to be learned while we wait for our magnificent Sanctuary to be made even more magnificent:

As Minister of Discipleship George Ragsdale shared at the 9:45 a.m. service, he is reminded of that children’s song from Vacation Bible School: The church isn’t the building or the steeple, the church is the people.

Worship on our first Sunday out of the Sanctuary was just fine, thank you: Folks got where they were going. There were comfortable chairs for everyone. Minister of Worship & The Arts Ellen Robison says folks coming out of the 8:30 a.m. service loved the coziness of Francis Chapel, and those at the 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. services in Jubilee Hall appreciated the spacious seating arrangements. The music was as beautiful as always. I was lucky enough to sit beside new Director of Music Jimmy Jones at the 9:45 a.m. service. If he plays the organ as spectacularly as he sings, wow! Dr. Howell’s message provoked reflection, while noting that flexibility is part of our 85-year legacy – the congregation first met in a grocery store. And proving that precious babies will be precious babies, Margaret Payne Piasecki held out her arms for mama when it came time for Dr. Howell to take her to be baptized.

The point in all this is clear: We love our Sanctuary. (What’s not to love?) But we understand that we can connect with God no matter where we gather to sing His praises. And we understand, too, that what matters most is not just what happens in worship, but what happens when we return to this wounded world. That’s where our faith is called into action.

Whatever you think of the contemporary churches that have cropped up in movie theaters, school gyms and the like (I once covered one in a former Mexican restaurant, where you could still smell the tacos), they make a powerful point:

Inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere.

And so we reaffirm that principle this summer at Myers Park United Methodist Church, as workers take over the Sanctuary and worshipers take over Francis Chapel and Jubilee Hall.

How does that sweet old kids’ song go?

The church is the people…

A few reminders:

Look to www.mpumc.org and the Cornerstone church newsletter for updates on Sanctuary repairs and renovations, plus church member John Daughtry’s great photos of the work in progress. The Sanctuary is due to reopen for Sunday worship on August 8. Until then, traditional services are at 8:30 a.m. in Francis Chapel and 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. in Jubilee Hall. Church In The Round continues at 8:45 a.m. in Jubilee Hall. Holy Communion is at 9:30 a.m. in Francis Chapel. Need help on Sunday? Ask a greeter, usher or the friendly person sitting at the front desk in the lobby of the Parish Life Building. There are also signs to get you where you need to go.