Click here to view pictures of the sanctuary remodel

Created to Worship. So proclaims Sharon Lutheran Church in its mission directive-By God's Grace, Created to Worship, Called to Teach, Committed to Serve. The 2010 renovation makes Sharon's sanctuary a place in which we are reminded that we are, indeed, created to worship.

The 2010 renovation focused on bringing more light to the sanctuary, and on providing better accessibility for all. The clerestory window was enlarged and replaced, and the exterior of the clerestory was clad in metal to replace aging shingles. New lighting, audio and projection systems were installed, and members built a cabinet for the audio equipment from pieces of pews that were shortened to provide for wheelchair accessibility. The ceiling was painted. The organ cabinet was resurfaced with light oak, and wooden valences were installed to conceal retractable screens. A larger chancel platform, built of red oak, incorporates removable communion rails, which allow flexibility in use of the worship space. All of the chancel furnishings were repalced with light maple pieces. The pews were recovered in a lighter color, and the carpet was replaced. Accessibility was improved with a ramp to the chancel, spaces for wheelchairs at various locations among the pews, assisted listening devices, and video projection capabilities. Translucent film replaced blinds on the back windows.

The chancel furnishings incorporate faith symbols in stained glass and metal. Liturgical artist David Hetland designed the altar, ambo, baptismal font, communion rails, and Paschal candle. Each section of the removable communion rail includes a Rose of Sharon in stained glass. Each of the chancel pieces is constructed of maple with cherry accents, and the metal work is in bronze patina. Altar candles and an eternal flame were designed to match the chancel furnishings.

Sharon's oringinal sanctuary was completed in 1978, eleven years after Sharon relocated from downtown Grand Forks to 17th Avenue and 20th Street South. The congregation expanded the sanctuary in 1991, when a former courtyard was enclosed and became part of the narthex. Sharon members began to discuss sanctuary beautification in 2000, and the Parish Planning Council authorized formation of a task force to work toward that goal in 2002. In 2002, the task force consulted David Hetland (1947-2006), a renowned liturgical artist then living in Fargo. In 2004, Sharon contracted with Hetland and Zerr-Berg Architects to prepare preliminary plans, and those preliminary plans were first presented to the congregation in 2005.

The sanctuary renovation became a reality in 2010, when part of Sharon's Fulfilling the Dream capital campaign gifts were combined with gifts that had been designated for the sanctuary project over the previous nine years. Specifically designated gifts covered costs of the altar, baptismal font, Paschal candle, altar candles, eternal flame, and portions of the audio system. In addition to financial gifts, many members gave their time to the Sanctuary Task Force, and gave their time to assist with construction tasks.

During his distinguished career, Hetland designed mosaic, stained glass and murals for worship and public spaces around the United States. From 1977 through 2005, he designed murals for the Concordia College Christmas concert. He created a mosaic, Rondel, that is exhibited in the headquarters for the ELCA in Chicago. His Jerusalem Cross mosaic panel is in the Vatican archives, a gift from the ELCA to the late Pope John Paul II. The chancel cross, atar candles, and eternal flame were designed by Douglas J. Fliss, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Fliss also created the stained glass and metalwork in the altar, ambo, font, Paschal candle, and communion rails from Hetland's designs. Fliss worked with Hetland for twelve years, and has taught design, commercial art, and calligraphy. He specializes in liturgical and public art projects. Brian Berg, Zerr-Berg Architects, led the architectural design work. Berg has extensive experience in church building and renovation. ICON Architectural Group (Mike and Tanya Kuntz) donated construction management services. Contractors included Bergstrom Electric, Sterling Carpet One, GSC, Radi's Custom Woodwork, Great Lakes Hardwood Flooring, Tintmasters Flament-Ulman, Jarl Pederson and Sons, Wagoneers, Minot Sash & Door, Departure Design and Tricorne.