As you may have read in our mission statement, Incarnation prides itself on providing a “warm and open Christian welcome in the heart of New York City.” We do this in big and small ways: from creativity in worship, to the ministries of our Usher Corps and Hospitality Committee, to user-friendly church bulletins and welcome bags for visitors, to the Pride flag hanging outside our doors. It all goes to support a culture of belonging and the “big tent” ethos of the Episcopal Church, which prizes inclusivity, community, and unity over uniformity.
Our church building plays a large part in our mission as well. The beauty of our sacred space alone is an invitation that draws us in for spiritual rest and renewal. Functional considerations are also important. For example, we are all missing the air conditioning right now! To continue making our worship space as accessible and welcoming as possible, the Vestry has decided to make an alteration to increase fellowship and community engagement. We will be removing the back two rows of pews on either side of the center aisle. The back pews next to the walls will remain in place.
This decision was not made lightly. The Vestry undertook an extensive, prayerful discernment process over several months to evaluate how our physical space can best support our daily mission. As part of this journey, we held valuable discussions facilitated by Bishop Allen Shin and our own Archdeacon Denise LaVetty, whose guidance helped us see the spiritual and practical benefits of this change.
There is also historical precedent for adjusting sanctuary seating to enhance our worship and community life. In the 1970s, the church successfully removed pews from the front of the nave. That modification allowed us to introduce the freestanding altar that we use during our weekday services. It also provides generous space for choral and orchestral concerts.
Once the two back rows of pews are removed, that area will remain a completely open, flexible area. This intentional layout will provide gathering space generally and much-needed breathing room for receptions held in the nave, such as our annual Parish Christmas Party. It will also allow us to improve our children’s area, which provides toys, books, and quiet activities to keep little ones occupied before and during worship.
The physical removal of the pews will take place during the week of July 27. Following that, a task force of Vestry members will evaluate hardwood and other flooring options to ensure the project matches the historical aesthetic of our worship space. The flooring work will occur in late August, and the space will be fully completed and ready for us to celebrate together by Homecoming Sunday, September 13.
We are blessed to handle this project with excellent financial stewardship. Community Church, the congregation that rents our space on Sunday afternoons, fully supports this vision and will be generously covering the lion’s share of renovation costs.
We are a landmark church with a living faith, always seeking to serve the evolving needs of our community. I am grateful for the wise leadership of our Vestry on this project and for all the ways our parish makes Incarnation a true sanctuary of connection and Christlike welcome.
Adrian+