They removed the most popular seat in the sanctuary—the back pew.

Added new carpet where the pew used to sit.

Today the back row is a place to stand—somewhere between in and out.

A transition space–

inside the doors
within the warmth of the sanctuary
where one can stand and choose whether and when to come in and sit down
stand and greet friends,
or move out into the world.

A place to stand at the back, or is it the front?

A place where warmth and love will seek out those who enter.

               A place that is both inside and outside.

               A place of transition.

A place of comfort and welcome between the hush of the  sanctuary and the busyness of world.

A place to pause before coming in.

A place to pause before going out.