June 2008: Renovations are still underway in the Temple
sanctuary. A reopening date has not yet been established. Updates will be
shared as the project advances.
11/30/07
Renovation Projects Will Enhance
the Temple Experience
The Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, has served as
sacred space for members and visitors from around the world since its
dedication in 1994. Thousands have toured, worshiped, and participated in
World Church events there during the past 14 years. Countless more
experience the ministries of the Temple as they resonate in their own
communities in all the places where members and friends are sharing the
peace of Jesus Christ.
The Temple Ministries Team designs and delivers creative ministries and
maintains Temple aesthetics. For example, this team planned the two healing
services held in the Temple Sanctuary during the 2007 World Conference and
commissioned new art pieces to enhance the experience along the Worshiper’s
Path.
Using Revelation 22:2 as a foundation, the Temple Ministries
Team commissioned the Tree of Life stainless steel, copper, and
brass sculpture by Florida artist Suat Gurtan. It was added
to the Worshiper’s Path in March 2007. |
The Temple Ministries Team continues to create new ways for the Temple
and its ministries to serve as a source of spiritual encounter with God.
This guided decisions about how to refurbish worn flooring in the Temple
Sanctuary and Worshiper’s Path, where daily use has led to significant wear.
The new carpet, tile, and wood refinishing will be integrated with
existing design to emphasize both the inward and outward journey of
discipleship. While the 195-foot spiral sanctuary draws our eyes up, new
elements will symbolize the grounding required to pursue our call to share
the peace of Jesus Christ on earth. When the Worshiper’s Path and Sanctuary
are reopened, worshipers will have a renewed opportunity to holistically
experience of the Divine.
Generous contributors created an enduring fund that’s exclusive purpose
is to provide upkeep for the Temple and ongoing support for its ministries.
Thanks to those who created and have contributed to the Temple Endowment
Fund, we are able to undertake this project. Today, earnings from this fund
will pay to refurbish the flooring.
The rostrum will be sanded and refinished during December, following the
Advent service on the ninth. Beginning January 8, the Sanctuary and
Worshiper’s Path will be closed. The Daily Prayer for Peace will be in the
Temple Meditation Chapel at 1:00 p.m. and public organ recitals will be in
the Auditorium on Sundays at 3 p.m. Tours will be adapted so guides can
visually represent these areas in other ways.
The Temple is a house of prayer for all nations that reminds the church
throughout the world that we are called to share the peace of Jesus Christ
wherever we have opportunity. Plan to experience the Temple by visiting with
family, friends, and congregations, and participating in upcoming events
with other worshipers.
—Wim van Klinken reporting
International Headquarters director
