Walls to Welcome: Creating Space for Connection
by Carole Schepers
Over the past several months, the Walls to Welcome team has been thoughtfully refreshing our church spaces to create a more welcoming, inviting, and functional environment for everyone who enters our doors. These updates reflect our desire to make this a place where people can gather, connect, pray, and celebrate the life of our congregation.
In the narthex gathering area, three high-top tables encourage conversation and fellowship before and after worship. The television shares announcements, ministry updates, upcoming events, and celebrations, helping everyone stay informed and connected. A fresh coat of paint on one of the walls has brightened the area, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Our prayer ministries have also received special attention. A new prayer wall provides a meaningful place to share prayer requests, offer prayers for others, and reflect on God's presence in our lives. We encourage everyone–including children–to use the new prayer wall. Whether you are seeking prayer, giving thanks, or lifting up someone in need, add your prayers. As the wall fills with prayers from our church family, it serves as a visible reminder that we walk alongside one another in faith.
The prayer shawl area has also been refreshed to better highlight this important ministry, making it easier for those seeking comfort and encouragement to receive a prayer shawl as a tangible reminder of God's love and the care of our congregation.
These updates are more than cosmetic—they are investments in the life of our church, ways of creating space–for conversation, prayer, hospitality, and connection–as we worship, serve, and grow together. Our hope is that Grace feels warm and welcoming to everyone who walks through our doors. As we continue looking for ways to enhance our church home, we'd love to hear your ideas. If you have suggestions for future improvements, please reach out. And, the next time you’re at Grace, take a few moments to linger in the narthex, add a prayer to the prayer wall, or pick up a prayer shawl for someone who could use a tangible reminder of God's love. Together, we can continue creating a place where all experience God's welcome, build relationships, and find a place to belong.
The Walls to Welcome team includes Jodi Banse, Abby Carlson, Jeff Meyer, Todd Nordquist, Carole Schepers, and Pastor Tania Schramm.
