Displays & Images
Word from Wiese
31 July 2024
The countdown is on until COS traditional worship services move back into the refreshed sanctuary on Sunday August 18! Praise God.
Thanks again to all who financially and prayerfully contributed to this amazing God-glorifying effort. On the 18th swing by the Shepherd’s Window for some celebration goodies.
One feature captivating the “Team of Twenty” congregational design team was the possibility of two vertical LED displays alongside the cross, where banners used to periodically hang. Well, that possibility is now a reality. How special that Carol Jenson Linton’s son, Chris, an expert in this technology, traveled all the way from Texas to oversee the installation and help us stretch a dollar.
Already, the staff is imagining all kinds of liturgical possibilities for the LED images. Works of art or nature scenes that tie into the weekly gospel? We’re ready! Pictures of stained-glass windows from cathedrals around the world? It’s possible. Images that resemble banners? Yes. Art that ties into the moment of worship, such as baptisms and communion? Indeed.
Click this link to see how these two LED panels can show video images as well.
In this example’s case, a flowing mountain stream. Maybe Moses had to cross a stream like this hiking down the mountain with the 10 Commandments. Perhaps Brad and our AV team will prepare videos of vineyards or a breeze blowing in wheatfields for our communion time.
Speaking of our Director of Technology & Worship Presentation, please pray for Brad Milburn and his AV Team as they quickly learn the software and procedures required to use these displays well. It’s quite a feat! Consider how our worship teams need to simultaneously oversee quality sound for the sanctuary, quality sound for streaming worshipers, Powerpoint images as we move through the liturgy, four different cameras for streaming worshipers and now . . . images for the LED panels. Wow! We’re so grateful for their ministry. AND if you would like chip in once every month or so to make this ministry go, Brad is a helpful teacher and super-encouraging coordinator. Reach out to him at [email protected].
In older sanctuaries, static stained glass was used to tell the stories of faith, typically to an illiterate populous. In these modern times, we praise God for the evolution of visually inspiring and instructive possibilities like LED arrays to supplement the gift of being able to read the Bible at any time, even from our phones.
In older sanctuaries, some congregations tried to show all 12 apostles. I chuckled learning that each LED array is actually composes of 12 smaller panels. Our 12 “apostolic arrays” on each side of the cross will certainly share the 12 disciples’ mission to boldly point to the Lord of our faith.
Here are a couple of insights from Scripture about images:
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into Christ’s image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Colossians 1:15
So, as Scripture advises, as with any innovative art, technology, or ability, we look forward to not getting too fixated on the means of communication, but on the Good News of the message itself, which is our Savior, Jesus. May the Holy Spirit bless COS and all our leaders on the front lines of planning how our refreshed and renewed sanctuary can dynamically and faithfully point all of us to the gracious arms of Jesus.
Ready to get into the sanctuary with you,
Pastor Fritz
Let us pray:
Dear Lord, thanks for our new LED displays in our refreshed sanctuary. Even more, thanks to each of us can “display” the love of Jesus in our own lives. Empower us to be vibrant examples as those in our lives watch us. Be with Brad Milburn and all those working hard to prepare our worship future. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Questions for reflection:
- LED actually stands for light-emitting diode.What spiritual acronym might be used? Lord’s Expression Display? Do you have a neat idea?
- Do you have a suggestion for what might be displayed on our LED panels?
How do YOU “display” the Good News in your life? When are you in “picture mode”? When are you in “video mode”?
