Parish Consultation
18 November 2001

The purpose of this report is to provide a general sense of the views of about 60 people in the parish who either attended the workshop or have spoken or written to Nave Committee members. The more detailed report (8 pages) containing the specific comments is available from the church office and is also posted outside the Burke room. The numbers in brackets indicate the number of comments reflecting each point.

St. John's as a community of faith

• The nave should reflect how St. John's sees itself (e.g., caring, welcoming, open to all, serving the community). (7)



• The space should serve the wider community and continue to be sacred space. (3)

Tradition

• Mystery and tradition are important. (5)



• There is no such thing as an Anglican tradition. (1)



• There are surprisingly few "native Anglicans" in our church. (1)



• Don't lose memorials. (2)

General

• Support for some reconfiguration. (3)



• Present arrangement is satisfactory. (3)



• Support for new uses for the nave. (3)

Altar

• Altar moved forward is better - more feeling of community, etc. (5)



• Support for altar in the nave; different arrangements suggested. (8)



• Altar should stay where it is. (3)

Chancel/Choir

• Keep the chancel. (4)



• The chancel does not serve the people; examples given. (5)



• The choir should stay in the chancel. (2)



• The choir should be part of the congregation. (2)



• Suggestions for chancel changes. (4)

Seating

• Want flexibility of space. (2)



• Shorter pews are more flexible. (2)



• Keep present pews and kneelers and have them repaired. (3)



• Make some or all pews moveable. (8)



• Do not want chairs. (6)



• Some chairs might be useful. (3)

Lighting

• Improve the lighting. (5)



• The wood is very dark. Clean or paint. (2)



• The dark nave feels warm and welcoming. (1)

Heating/Cooling:

• Improve heating/cooling; some suggestions given. (4)

Acoustics

• Improve acoustics; some suggestions given. (5)
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• Everything is miked so good acoustics do not matter. (1)

Floor

• The nave needs a new floor; some suggestions re type of floor. (3)



• Is the condition of the floor really as bad as described? (1)

Other space

• Suggestions for the church entrance (narthex). (4)



• Need space for private prayer. (2)



• Can we do something with transepts (choir? quiet space?). (1)

Building in General

• (7 comments/suggestions)

December 19, 2001