The architect responded with a design which embodies the concept of a village clustered around a town square – the traditional meeting place of a community. Rather than a literal imitation of a small town, the concept is suggested by the choice of materials and the spatial organization.

Thus, the various functional spaces of the church, such as classrooms, offices, kitchen, art and music rooms, are gathered into distinct “houses” which are linked by a fellowship arcade surrounding the “square,” or worship space. In keeping with the concept, the worship platform occupies the head of the “square,” much like a European cathedral or a New England Meetinghouse. This worship center, containing the table, font, and lectern, stands beneath a translucent skylight dome supported by the slender branches of a structural steel “tree.” The image of the tree is reiterated in the design of the pulpit furniture, as well as in the bas relief of the chapel door. As is customary for the congregation, communion is celebrated in the round, ringing the tree, under a canopy of light.

Materials throughout the interior and exterior of the building are simple, common materials: exposed steel, burnished concrete block, gypsum drywall, clear birch hardwood and plywood, standard residential windows, textured plywood siding. These unassuming and unadorned materials are ‘dignified” in their employment, coming together with grace and care to glorify God and serve His people.

Colors in the interior are muted, the better to support seasonal liturgical banners and paraments, as well as changing exhibits of contemporary ecclesiastical art executed by members and friends of the congregation. In contrast, colors on the exterior are striking: shades of forest green, golden brown, periwinkle blue, ash gray, and mulberry purple. These colors are derived from the foliage and wildflowers sown on the site, the bark of trees, native grasses, the sky…and are echoed in the banners lining the entry drive. In addition to helping to break down the considerable bulk of the building mass, these colors are a celebration of our diversity. They boldly declare to visitors and the community that we, the Church of the Servant, are people of a covenant promise which leads, ultimately, to joy.

Stewardship Initiatives