Sanctuary Remodel Survey Results

Sanctuary Remodel Survey Results: Listening Together

If you were at our Annual Voters Assembly Meeting last December, or if you’ve seen some of my newsletter articles posted recently, you’re aware by now that Holy Cross has been working through the planning stages of a remodel of our worship space. Quite recently, we took time to listen to your thoughts through our Remodel Survey.

The responses we received were thoughtful, consistent, and deeply rooted in a shared desire to honor Christ and serve His people well. What emerged is not just a scattered set of competing ideas, but a remarkably unified vision for a space that’s clearly Christ-centered, warmly welcoming, and thoughtfully designed for guests and future members at Holy Cross.

Following is a summary of what we heard together from the survey, and what these responses are communicating to those who will be focused on implementing the remodel work.

Survey Summary

The Remodel Survey offered a clear and consistent picture of what matters most to Holy Cross members as we think about our worship space. Across the responses, there was strong alignment, not only in what you value, but also in how you hope those values are reflected in the worship space itself.

At the center of that clarity is a shared commitment to Christ-centered worship. The cross and altar were overwhelmingly identified as the most important visual and spiritual focal point, reminding us that our space is at its best when it clearly directs our attention to Christ and His gifts.

At the same time, many responses pointed to the condition and feel of the space as an outdated area ready for renewal. A desire to make the sanctuary more warm, welcoming, beautiful, and updated came up frequently. There is a desire for a space that feels cared for and intentional; one that reflects the reverence of what takes place there, while also inviting people in. This is not about pursuing something trendy or extravagant, but about removing distractions and creating an environment that supports worship well.

What helps you focus on Christ and His gifts?

This becomes especially important when we consider first impressions. A majority of your responses indicated that guests likely experience the space as outdated or unclean when they first enter. That insight matters for our missional focus. The goal is not to impress, but to ensure that nothing about the space creates unnecessary confusion or hesitation. A more welcoming and cohesive visual environment will help better communicate who we are and what we believe, from the moment a guest walks into the sanctuary.

Perception of guests and newcomers?

There were also meaningful concerns related to accessibility and comfort. While many experience the space without difficulty, a significant number noted challenges with sound clarity, consistency, and temperature. These are not minor issues. They directly affect how people hear the Word, participate in worship, and remain engaged. Addressing these areas will be an important part of supporting the full life of the congregation even if they are aspects of a remodel that are not seen when complete.

Do you experience any challenges seeing, hearing or participating?

Finally, when asked to identify the values that should guide this work, your responses were both strong and consistent. Christ-centered worship stood clearly above all else, followed by warmth and hospitality, and accessibility for all ages. Reverence and beauty were also present, though less emphasized, while flexibility and more modern features ranked much lower. Taken together, this gives a clear framework for decision-making. You’re not asking for something experimental or highly contemporary, but for a space that is faithful, welcoming, enduring, and will stand the test of time.

Values for our Design

In the end, what emerges is not a collection of competing opinions, but a shared direction. Strengthen what already centers us on Christ. Renew what has become worn and distracting. Improve how we welcome and include others. And do it all with thoughtful stewardship and care for the identity God has already given Holy Cross.

Next Steps

As we move into the next phase of this process, it’s helpful to understand how the timing of this survey fits into the larger picture. The Remodel Committee has been faithfully at work for some time now, prayerfully exploring thoughts, asking important questions, drawing up ideas, and developing a thorough direction for our worship space.

This survey was not separate from that work, but an important part of helping bring everything together. What’s especially encouraging is how closely the survey responses aligned with the direction already being developed by the Committee. Your input confirmed, clarified, and strengthened the work they started. It gave the committee greater confidence that the path forward reflects not just a small group’s thinking, but the shared values of our congregation. With that clarity of vision in place, the committee can now bring its work to a close knowing what they’ve accomplished has laid a strong and faithful foundation for the final construction work ahead.

What comes next is a natural transition from vision to implementation. From here, the process will move into the hands of a design firm, contractor, and a smaller Holy Cross Construction Team. This team will be more streamlined, not because the work is less important, but because the pace and nature of decision-making during construction will require quick responses as designers and contractors are working in real time.

At the December 2025 Annual Voters Assembly, the congregation planned ahead and approved funding to continue this next step of engaging a design firm and contractor. In keeping with that direction, the current plan is to begin a discovery process with two design/construction firms. This will allow us to carefully evaluate which firm can best serve our goals while practicing wise and faithful stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us.

Once a firm is chosen, they will begin developing design concepts and cost analyses, building directly on the insights gathered through this survey and the detailed vision-casting work completed by the Remodel Committee. When those designs and cost projections are ready, they will be brought back to the congregation. While it’s impractical to vote on every color or design choice, members will have an opportunity to see the conceptual design options and approve final budgeting and expenditures before any work begins. This ensures that, just as this process began together, it will also move forward together, with transparency, shared understanding, and confidence in the path ahead.

We give thanks to God for the spirit of unity, care, and faithfulness that has marked this entire process. Thank you to each member of the Remodel Committee for the many hours of thoughtful, often unseen work you have offered in service to Christ and Holy Cross. Thank you to our Board of Directors for their leadership and oversight. And thanks to each of you who took the time to complete the survey and share your perspective. Your voices have been heard, and they have made a real difference. As we move forward, we do so together, with gratitude for what God has given us, confidence in where He is leading us, and a shared desire that everything we do would serve His mission and give glory to His name.

In Christ,

Pastor Luke