1. What is behind the front wall design? 

Originally, the front wall was to symbolize the West Wall of Temple Mount, also known as the Wailing Wall, in Jerusalem. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people come there each day to pray and leave written prayers.  Our ‘stone’ blocks are not that big.  Inspiration suggested that we put some of the names of God on a few stones; ten (10) from over 100 names found in the Bible were placed on stones. The photo with the Prayer Ministry Website Outline shows the wall just described as well as the altar, cross, a corbel, Hager kneeler, and carpet described later.

2. Where did you get the cross?  

The rustic cross above the altar is made of white ash boards cut from a tree sacrificed in 2007 to make way for the Community Center. The bark and saw marks were left in place as an uncompleted work that contrasts to the rest of the Chapel furnishings. It reminds us that Jesus was a carpenter and reflects the unfinished work in us; until the day we are called home, we are rough and unfinished compared to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

3. Is the altar new?  

Yes, the altar is new, but the components are not.  The altar top is from a former front door. The altar base uses parts of the short panel wall formerly at the front of the choir loft and a door salvaged from classrooms demolished during the expansion to add seating in the back of the Sanctuary. Recycling reminds us to be good stewards of the resources God provides.

4. Why is there a picture on the ceiling? 

Ceilings today are usually great blank spaces.  We chose to put a detail from The Creation by Michelangelo (original is on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel).  The hand nearest the cross is God’s; the other is the hand of Adam after he was created but before he was given life. Seeing God giving new life reminds us that new life in Christ is ours every day.

5. The carpet is different.

The red area rug coordinates with the Sanctuary carpet.  Inset, the area rug is not a tripping hazard and adds interest in the room.  Lie on your back and contemplate God on the ceiling.

6. Isn’t the entire back wall new?

It was redecorated with two purposes: conceal the steam pipes and electrical conduits and encourage prayer by providing names, events, and issues that will benefit from prayer.  Starting from the top, you can see the words Jesus spoke at the temple recorded in Matthew 21:13, “My house shall be called a house of prayer.”  A photo of the inscription can be seen on the MONTHL PRAYER LIST tab.   Beneath the soffit are two lighted cabinets for display of artifacts of historical or general interest.  Bulletin boards below the cabinets display current information about our Care Ministry on the left, Outreach Ministry on the right and the Prayer Desk under the window.  A photo of the Prayer Centers is at the top of this page.

7. What is the purpose of the bulletin boards and desk in the back?

These are prayer stations.  At the left is the Care Ministry Area section.  Events, people, and issues within NUMC are placed there for prayer.  At the right is the Outreach Ministry Area section.  These people, events, and issues are involved it reaching into the community and around the world.  A book of the missionaries NUMC supports and their ministries is available here. The desk is the Prayer Ministry Areas section.  You will find the latest bulletin and newsletter with prayer requests and other prayer related items highlighted.  There is a Bible and other prayer aids.

8. Who is Jim Lee Blackford?

Jim Lee completed a service project to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.  The project in 1980 gave NUMC its first prayer room.  The kneeler bearing the plaque from the door to that room was made by Jim Lee and his grandfather.  We did not refinish the wood because it shows the wear from a multitude of praying people.  The upper level location of that room limited accessibility so the kneeler and other furnishings were moved to the main floor and now are included in the new Prayer Chapel.

9. Tell me about other items in the room.

The artwork above the Blackford kneeler was found in the attic.  Jesus kneeling in prayer in a garden is quite appropriate for this setting.

The picture rail allows the display seasonal artwork without putting nails in the ancient plaster and lath walls.

The small scale corbels on both sides of the altar help tie this room architecturally to the main Sanctuary.

The two silver candlesticks on the windowsills are from an earlier prayer room.

 The kneeler at the altar is a gift from the C. R. Hager family.

We have two invitations for you.  First, come  visit the Prayer Chapel Sunday morning or any time the building is open. We hope the atmosphere is hospitable and the resources are useful so you will return frequently to take your concerns and the concerns of NUMC to God and to await His reply.  Second, come take communion with us each Sunday morning that communion is not in the regular worship services.  A sign is posted outside the Prayer Chapel door announcing whether or not communion will be in the Prayer Chapel that Sunday.