Our Renovations and the Desert Tabernacle

Building the Tabernacle

I’ve been thinking about the renovations happening in our sanctuary.   Through our whole planning and remodeling process I have been very much thinking about the building of the tabernacle in the desert under Moses’ leadership and God’s direction.   In Exodus there are three chapters of specific instructions about how Moses was to build it (Ex. 25-28).  The process began with an offering, collecting gifts of materials from the people for the project.   The people gave willingly and generously.   In fact, they gave more than was needed so that Moses had to order them to stop giving (Ex. 36:6,7).   The Tabernacle was to be constructed well, and of durable materials, meant to last.   Its lavishness was a symbol of the value attached to worshiping God.  Great care and skill were required of the builders in order to follow the plan God made for it.  God appointed a man named Bezalel whom he had especially gifted for the task (Ex. 31:2).  

Our 50^th Anniversary Sanctuary Makeover Project

I see several points of similarity between our renovations in the sanctuary and the building of the Tabernacle.   Of course, we needed to begin with an offering too.   And we are praising God that pledges have come in sufficiently to complete the kitchen makeover and the sanctuary renovations including the lighting.  Cash offerings are on hand to cover the kitchen and the sanctuary renovation but not yet the lighting.   But there has all along been a great attitude of willingness to give just there was as in the OT.  

Another similarity is the desire I have observed in all our committees and boards to plan for durable changes.   We have been very conscious that we have enjoyed a sanctuary that was completed 45 years ago this Christmas.  The rug is the original and there have been few changes needed because the original builders built very well.  So our desire has been to make plans that will serve for another generation.   For example, this meant choosing a much better grade of carpet to achieve the goal.   

God has blessed us with a trustee chair, Shaun Harrington, who is able to map out the project and keep it on schedule.  He has also sent a helpful sheetrock contractor and is continuing to send willing volunteer workers so that we are looking to complete the carpet and wall renovations before Christmas.   

We are privileged to work on this project

Just like in the OT, I believe there is a sense among us that it is a privilege to be called upon to work on God’s house.    We are honored to be chosen to equip it to better fulfill its mission as a tool of the people of God for the work of God in worship, service to others and discipleship.  Our gifts and labor are investments in the spiritual well-being of the next generation.