Chapel at Western Theological Seminary
Chapel Set-up Options
The worship space in Mulder Chapel is beautiful, hospitable, and flexible. Please consider how you want to arrange the space in a way that deepens the worship service you’ve planned. Remember that every set-up communicates something theological. We most commonly sit in a configuration that puts the liturgical furniture—the font, pulpit, and table—in the center. We encircle these elements and face one another, to communicate that God is made known among us in community, and in Word and Sacrament.
Other set-ups are certainly possible. You may want to put chairs in small groups for prayer. You may want to clear a large section in the middle for a scriptural drama. You may want to remove the chairs altogether.
Chose an arrangement, and get this information to David Becker ideally 48 hours in advance if you want the chairs set up properly. David is an excellent resource for exploring setup ideas.
Some possible seating arrangements are below.
DEFAULT - ANTIPHONAL
Though in the image the font and pulpit are outside the circle on the floor, when commonly implemented, they are placed within that circle.
U-Shape variation —Similar to the Antiphonal shape, but with one end or the other filled with chairs to make a shape similar to a “U.” The open end can be at either the North or South. Please consider how your guests will enter and exit this format.
HURRICANE
This variation emphasizes the way in which our gatherings center on the Table, and how the centripetal force of our encounter with God thrusts us back into mission in the world.
CIRCLE
Can also be arranged “Celtic Cross” style with four aisles, or “Circle of Peace” style with three aisles arranged like a peace sign. This arrangement is intimate for smaller gatherings.
LECTURE
Should always face West due to entry
on the East side.
CONCERT or HERRINGBONE
Can be arranged to face either North or South. Excellent for a Big Sing.
