An invitation to worship...

The center sanctuary of College Church was built in 1955. The south transept along with the educational unit was added in 1960, and the north transept was added five years later. The sanctuary was designed from the beginning to be in the shape of a cross and it took ten years for the sanctuary to be completed.

The reason for the shape was because the original members of College Church wanted the building to express continuity with churches of the past. Christians began building cross-shaped churches as early as the fourth century, and most of the notable cathedrals in Europe are in the shape of a cross. (FYI, the center section of a cruciform sanctuary is called the "nave," and the top of the cross is called the "chancel." The other seating sections are called transepts, as they cross the main sanctuary.)

College Church also faces east, or as east as they could make it. (It's 10 degrees off of true east, facing just slightly north.) This also is in alignment with traditional church architecture, as most medieval churches face east. They faced east to symbolize looking toward Jerusalem and the rising sun, which represented Christ's resurrection, and they faced east in anticipation of Christ's return, since Jesus said "Just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."  (Matthew 24:27)

So, throughout history, every time people went to church, they were reminded of Christ's sacrifice, and they were reminded that their Lord was coming back, by virtue of the shape of the building they worshipped in and the direction they faced! They were given, in the architecture of the worship space, the reason for gratitude and the reason for hope. He had not only already come; He was coming again.

We probably don't think about such things when we come to College Church, but this Sunday, as we participate in the worship service, let's allow even the architecture of the church to prompt both gratitude and hope.  Because of what our Lord has already done, and because of what our Lord will do, we worship Him with grateful and hopeful hearts. Even the building says so!

Let's express our gratitude and hope by being faithful to the worship of our Lord on His, the Lord's Day. I believe it is going to be a very good day!

Pastor Mark


IN OTHER NEWS

MEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST: We meet the first Saturday of every month at 8:00, at Family House Restaurant on Kennedy Ave. All men are invited.

SECOND BREAKFAST: Following the morning worship service, you are invited to the CLC for brunch, prepared for the church by Pastor Joel and the teens. You won't find better food and better company than Second Breakfast at College Church.

CHURCH ON MISSION: Sunday evening, you will have an opportunity to hear from Pastor Jesse and Christine Spencer about their work at Center of Hope and the new partnership with Salvation Army.

MEMBERSHIP SUNDAY: We will be receiving new members on Sunday, November 15th. If you would like to join, please let us know. We would love to receive you.