A&O Meetup: Cross of Hope Lutheran Church | Minnesota

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Ernest Disney-Britton

MINNESOTA---Like most other Lutheran churches built since the 1950s, the Cross of Hope Lutheran Church in Ramsey, Minnesota is simple if not plain especially by Catholic standards. Unlike older Lutheran churches such as Atlanta's St. John's Lutheran, which have reredos, stain glass windows, and ornate sculptural elements (if not statuary), this small but prosperous and fast growing parish even has bare concrete floors.

There are however still flourishes of religious artistry mostly absent from other Protestant churches. The tiered drapes are full and substantial including how they flow over and around the large central cross replacing the more traditional reredos; and the large carved altar and contemporary pulpit are simple yet dramatic. The pipe organ is especially unique in its intricate carvings. Additionally, the walls are adorned with bright handmade quilts reflecting not only spiritual beauty but also as a display of their church ministry work serving the area's homeless. While the display of religious art does distinguish Cross of Hope from other church denominations, the most significant distinction is that they use their artistry to give both the "word" (pulpit) and the "sacrament" (altar) equal prominence.

The carved wood altar, or Communion table recalls the crucifixion; while the sleek Lucite pulpit reminds us of our sinfulness and the blessings of God; and they are side-by-side in the view of the congregation. This contrasts with the Baptist Church where the pulpit (the word) is the sole centerpiece, and the Roman Catholic church where the altar (Sacrament) dominates the front of the sanctuary. Visiting Cross of Hope is a reminder that even in the countryside, Lutherans are more like Roman Catholics than other Protestants in their reverence for religious artistry but unlike their Catholic, and also their Episcopal, first cousins they don't over due it. I gave the church a 4 of 5 rating on ChurchRater.com, and I hope to be back one day soon.