Celebration Chapel

“The Word became flesh and made His Dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) It is now that we are ready to pass through the heavy double oak doors into the Celebration Chapel. This the main assembly area, with its lectern, enthronement of the Word of God, and the main altar, all of oak and cedar. Its spectacular view of God’s nature and its vaulted ceiling reach beyond the limits of ourselves to upward skies. This spacious area is flexible in its function, and features the Risen Lord in celebrations of Word and Eucharist. It is also used for community prayer, public conferences and a variety of gatherings of God’s people. Here, too, the tones and materials are of the earth – gentle browns, brick and wood – subtly reminding us that God is at home among his people in the world.

This place of celebration was blessed and anointed with crosses placed on the walls to remind us of the gate of Jerusalem. In this place we honor the Word of God that is to be lived in our daily lives. As you enter and to the right is a painting, the symbol of the Risen Christ, the anointed one who sacrificed his life for all. Near the windows is the main altar and from this table our prayers and offerings rise to God. From this table we eat a banquet not of this world, but food that is divine. At this table we see Eucharist as the center of our life as Church. From this table we eat a banquet not of this world, but food that is divine. At this table we see Eucharist as the center of our life as Church. From this table we move on, always people nourished for the journey.

The Stations of the Cross are ranged along the south wall. The artist has used small carvings of hands and feet, images we can quickly recognize. We are encouraged to prayerfully travel with Jesus his painful journey toward his crucifixion and eventual resurrection to fullness of life.

This is the third of four major areas of the Chapel.