Approaching the Sanctuary

In 2004 GCPC completed new construction of a sanctuary and fellowship hall. The sanctuary was designed to be both practical and inspirational. The sanctuary is a sacred place. Not holy, but sacred. That is, it is set apart for a sacred purpose - the worship of God. As sacred space, it is approached differently than we would approach any other room. We enter in as family, but also in the reverence of God.

Much work has gone into the sanctuary design:

• From the great entrance hall to the foyers, you will realize that you are approaching sacred space.
• The artwork and design of the entrance provides for fellowship and also ushers us into the sanctuary and sets our attitudes on worship.
• The single doorway into the sanctuary sets the sacred space apart from the world outside and reminds us that straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to eternal life. The sanctuary is designed to draw our focus heavenward from the moment we enter.
• The top of the stained-glass window represents heaven and the River of Life flows down from the throne.
• The cross stands between heaven and earth and reminds us that Jesus is the one who bridged the gap of sin between God and man through the cross.
• The waterfall reminds us of the grace and mercy flowing down from God through the cross. The Temple of Solomon had a ceremonial fountain for cleansing. Here, we are reminded that sins can be cleansed through Jesus’ blood.
• The pillars in the sanctuary remind us of the heavenly temple and as Rev. 3 tells us, we will be pillars in God’s temple.
• The shape of the sanctuary reminds us that we are family. Here we can sit around a common table and we can see each other. Worship is a family affair.
• The centrality of the communion table is no accident. This is a communal meal. It is what makes us one.
• Also central to the sanctuary is the pulpit. The pulpit is elevated and central to remind us of the importance of God’s word. Hearing His word and responding is the heart of our worship.
• The rich color of the sanctuary reminds us that this is a place where we meet royalty.
• The craftsmanship of the furnishings and the altar area are designed to remind us that though the sanctuary is new, the faith we walk in is ancient and rich. The arches throughout the building are traditional shapes used in sacred space, especially true in Presbyterian history. The sanctuary has the flexibility to allow for a variety of worship activities, traditional and new, and one cannot help but feel reverence for God as they enter.