Zeigler Cooper Architects were hired by April Sound Church around November of 2022 and were given three primary focuses:

1. Sanctuary refresh

2. Facade update for 105 side

3. Master planning to increase functionality

Why Sanctuary Refresh?

1. Honoring God with our Best

How we prepare for worship informs how people should perceive and engage with worship. If the Israelites were told to build a tabernacle out of their spare fabrics, they would have thought less of the importance of worship and such liturgies would have affected their view of God. Maintaining and updating our space is both an act of worship and an act of discipleship.

2. Resonating With Our Community

By harmonizing with our neighborhood's aesthetics, we affirm our place as an integral part of this vibrant community. A welcoming space not only reflects our devotion to God but also serves as a beacon, inviting others to join in the shared experience of faith and fellowship. April Sound Church endeavors to see our sanctuary as a cherished, sacred space within our neighborhood—a place where individuals find solace, devotion, and inspiration.

3. Preparing for the Future

Someone once said that traditions aren’t only passed down and inherited - some traditions are meant to be started. When a family grows, new traditions are formed. Every season of growth brings with it new opportunities to see God add to the memories of His people - new works, new traditions, new stories of new life. A sanctuary refresh means (to borrow an old phrase), “new wineskins for new wine”. Kingdom work always involves doing something today that will benefit others later. We want to partner with God and prepare our space anew.

Proscenium Arch

A proscenium arch (Greek: proskenion) is a classical stage element which helps to emphasize and distinguish what happens on the stage from what happens off the stage. Incorporating this design into our sanctuary emphasizes the deep roots of our interdenominational heart and helps us to bridge our ancient faith with today’s world. Perhaps more importantly, it elevates the altar and the liturgy, helping to us to see the invisible reality of God’s transcendence.

Ceiling Treatment

Look up and you’ll notice several changes - new light fixtures (recessed lights and track lighting) for a brighter and more flexible/adaptable environment. Pendant lights that maintain the integrity of a sanctuary while giving a more modern touch. Linear HVAC vents that blend into the design of the ceiling. Wooden beams to add warmth, interest, and to help break up the large canvas. Removal of obsolete speakers that are no longer in use.

Chancel Area (on the stage)

The communion railing will be updated and removeable so that non-communion Sundays may have a more open and accessible feel. Handrails going up the center steps will also be removeable. The organ will be taken out of the “pit” and displayed more prominently at the side of the chancel area. The back additional altar will be removed (currently serves as storage and a barrier to keep from falling in the organ pit).

The lyric screens will be removed from the foreground and replaced with one large screen on the back wall. The back wall will also feature woodwork to tie in with the rest of the sanctuary, frame the stained glass, and create visual interest while providing a space for the lyric screen to fit in a native way.

The first step into the choir loft will be removed, making the choir area more accessible. The modesty wall will be removed, allowing for the altar to be more apparent, creating an open and more contemporary aesthetic, and allowing the space to more naturally accommodate multiple styles of worship.

The carpet will be removed from the stage and replaced with commercial-grade faux wood flooring.

Paint, Carpet, Pews

A new coat of paint (or two), new trim/molding, and a new carpet will go a long way in making this space feel refreshed and new. Refurbishing/reupholstering or replacing current pews has yet to be determined as we weigh benefits vs. cost. Some pews will be shortened to allow for wheelchair accommodations.

Choir Room, Storage, Hallway Expansion

The current choir entrance or secondary entrance located on the southside of the building will be expanded to create a new choir room. Upgraded storage will be built to provide for choir robes, liturgical vestments, liturgical banners & linens as well as instruments, music stands, and other worship supplies.

The choir’s current step entrance onto the stage will be replaced with a ramp for increased accessibility. The hallway between the library and the sanctuary will be enlarged and slightly more spacious.

New flooring, new paint, and new trim will be added.

FAQ

What about parking?

We currently have 145 spaces of available parking (if we include the area leading to the POA). If we factor in two people per car (recognizing that some come alone, some families bring several children, and some use golf carts), our parking currently accommodates 290 people.

Short-term solutions for increased parking would include exploring the option of paving new spots with the POA, and creating a golf cart greeter ministry to help transport people from further parking spots.

Long-term solutions for increased parking are included in our master plan, which suggests removing current medians and redirecting the flow, utilizing one entrance and one exit.

What about bathrooms?

Our board and guest services team are currently looking into updating our bathrooms with new paint, countertops, and fixtures. This is something that will happen separately from our Sanctuary refresh and master planning.