The Room Where it Happens

Do you want to be in the room where it happened? Aaron Burr certainly did—or so the song goes. How could he not have wanted to attend dinner that night in 1790 between Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton at 57 Maiden Lane New York, New York? Somehow, over the course(s) of the evening, our country's capital shifted down to the Potomac and the federal banking system got its start. Burr, for all his connections and charm, was out in the cold while big things were happening. Of course this isn't the only room that has mattered in history. The Livadia Palace in Crimea hosted Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin and witnessed the organization of the post-WWII world order that persisted for decades. Or, for our music lovers, there is Studio A at Capricorn Studios where the Allman Brothers got their start. Our staff toured the studio for a Fifth Tuesday this week (thanks Larry!) and were blown away by the 70's time capsule we stepped into. Artists from all over come to record music in Studio A to reconnect with the history of the soul embedded in these carpeted walls.

The physical space we are in shapes our perception of reality. Perhaps they remind us of someone who has gone before or helps us to connect with nature. Rooms can make us feel claustrophobic or extend our awareness to heaven. They can also become common, or rote, or mundane. Sometimes we need to shake up where we are to experience a beautiful space in a fresh way.

This July we are shaking up our physical space of worship to experience God from a new perspective and perhaps appreciate our sanctuary all the more when we return in August. For the next four weeks, Sunday morning worship will be in the Great Room. Our social and family space throughout the year, hosting the attention of our minds and affection of our hearts for God. In this room where worship happens all are welcome into the warmth of community. May God give us the eyes to see and ears to hear from new perspectives this month.