The Wired Word for 02012026 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

The Wired Word for 02/01/2026 ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article1.be68295a7e40.png) Dear Class Members, A recent article on cultural changes and church design raises questions of how our church buildings connect us to God and to each other. Because of the importance of the topic to congregational leaders and members, this installment of *The Wired Word* will explore how our churches reflect the beauty of God, communicate forgiveness and mercy, and foster community life and spiritual growth. ![](https://www.thewiredword.com/_img/tww_logo_email.jpg) **Cultural Changes Impact Church Design** ***The Wired Word*** **for the Week of February 1, 2026** **In the News** The rise of the internet has changed our culture in radical ways, making it possible for us to communicate, shop, work, learn new skills, watch movies, and even worship without leaving our homes. While the convenience of online activity is undeniable, this cultural shift is being accompanied by record levels of human isolation, addiction and suicide. In many places, participation in organized religion is dropping, along with the use of church buildings. An architect named Duo Dickinson laments many of these changes, and has written in *Mockingbird* about the beauty we experience in sacred spaces. He finds forgiveness and mercy when he goes to church, qualities not found in the online world. In fact, Luk de Volder, the rector of Trinity Church in New Haven, Connecticut, has observed, "Our digital lives don't know *mercy*. Anything you search, post, or watch online is forever carved in the memory of the web. God may wash away our sins, but online, nothing will be wiped out. No forgiveness, no mercy. The internet remembers forever and brings back memories, even the ones you hoped to forget." Aurora Thompson, a student at the Interior Architecture and Design program at Western Michigan University, wrote to Dickinson and said, "I am studying generational divides within worship environments and exploring how to design spaces that foster connection, inclusivity, and spiritual growth across all generations." Dickinson applauds this work, but also focuses on the ways in which God and beauty are revealed in church buildings. He quotes Christopher Alexander, a professor of architecture, who said, "If we pay attention to the beauty of those places that are suffused with God in each part, then we can conceive of God in a down-to-earth way ... the path of architecture thus leads inexorably towards a renewed understanding of God." So, how do church buildings connect people to God and to each other? How do they reveal beauty and foster grace, mercy and forgiveness? *Christianity Today* reports that when Americans close their eyes, they can picture a church -- even if they rarely or never attend one. This church, according to a recent survey conducted by Barna Group and Aspen Group, is not trendy and modern. Instead, it is traditional in design. The church that 90% of Americans prefer is one that is "easily identifiable." Eight out of 10 say they want the building to "reflect the beauty of God." While there are some who prefer that churches feel modern (38%) and trendy (28%), most Americans want religious spaces that feel more timeless and transcendent -- surpassing the ordinary. It may not be true, as some American evangelicals assume, that church buildings need to be less "churchy" in order to draw in spiritual seekers. With this survey, Barna's goal was to help "design spaces that reflect the beauty of God and draw people to him." They wanted to explore what it means to be formed as a follower of Jesus, and to help create spaces to motivate this growth. Barna sought to discover how our physical experiences of a church might "relate to our worship and understanding of God." A recent article by Eric Williams of *Catalyst Construction* identifies seven inspiring church building trends. Among them are designs that are inviting, not foreboding. "Churches are creating engaging, family-friendly environments to connect with their communities and boost post-COVID attendance." Another trend is the creation of flexible, multipurpose spaces. "People crave community like never before, and churches are responding," says Williams. "Many places display community art, create cozy corners for coffee and books, and provide public seating for private conversations." Finally, churches are being designed for community impact. "These spaces are no longer just for worship -- they're transforming into places of care and connection," concludes Williams. Open layouts make it easier for churches to collaborate with local nonprofits, schools and health-care providers. "After all, the best-built churches don't just stand; they serve." More on this story can be found at these links: [Do Buildings Reflect Spiritual Change?](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJaM7FkE9284vbiN-2Bas1QoinHbKL3KCsGcKhMz8O508WbaQRdo78kUt4nVImStxB1-2Blf1XHnzCf21-2Bpc7KCR59TuXfnvFjpJAebjADeY2135Jcq3_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwOn7UcTaDjocAiAGQTop8-2FIY7-2FYGAOAkLuvSwozgIkolfc6Fe2xMKMKZxaj5ZvcCx0TU-2Fcv07bMs0cPJEX69jNDyqqFBZaqxMhCO9KxbZXq5FaZor8l5g0PyPZGrcmtt6rZCLDpZmzrk-2BwDnWIJGs-2FgyEj1MYc9syg4X4kU42miuB-2BQMo42aOK0Jz14PIWE5KagZFdjyEtpmNek5Cr2bIUM-3D) [*Mockingbird*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJaM7FkE9284vbiN-2Bas1QoinHbKL3KCsGcKhMz8O508WbaQRdo78kUt4nVImStxB1-2Blf1XHnzCf21-2Bpc7KCR59TuXfnvFjpJAebjADeY2135FfRD_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwCW0Kc1EiAYcQE-2BIgQht9WKgu8GkjLFVLqMSQ9GHO6btECVjlqLiaGb4DBsQ3DNabC9ou9WE7brSBc72dT80Xl4JA2mwn1lhepNkTwuPfalCGRmhMKgQhm2TyuP1ROGij2LvVg-2F4-2FOx-2FOwpkuKhBQIIYNzbaB5K41GvaIVlBm7kD5SexUzUXc7Kuo61XWoFdn7EgJVZ0tXMVXhF9SSbGVhA-3D) [Americans Think Church Should Look Churchy](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNP95KrJfmUHVPV73SgCwK6Lj6C71VuMb4XJT-2BZHRyFnmG5fEo5NwnZlPfDSa924Yjs-2Bmyi7jNr1a6YmKZti9s32fQiZrMngfo23wAziEL2wUXBp6kczW0OZ-2FfX8m3vPLg-3D-3DCSgC_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwEvaWjPdKhtiKRK-2BMtx8qriKmcAnoicBRfUvZwnqkbCq4WsdTbAetousHiWBiMykhCa3PduvKXQ9v5tl70pfVbXf4eUhwcC9SJgg94Y5alAfW41Sd-2Fkxw3bjmL-2BS7ybBb0DOOOrjpWSayf8xnacsk3dzEMl3BQ-2BwrOboZbLmMCFxW23HcgiKywMgg7WNRgjqd9YJdjOpaIRG1YZ8Fuc0tYk-3D) [*Christianity Today*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNP95KrJfmUHVPV73SgCwK6Lj6C71VuMb4XJT-2BZHRyFnmG5fEo5NwnZlPfDSa924Yjs-2Bmyi7jNr1a6YmKZti9s32fQiZrMngfo23wAziEL2wUXBp6kczW0OZ-2FfX8m3vPLg-3D-3DYw1Z_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwPN0v6yhA5-2FmlSr7MQbFjtopaGy-2Bv-2FVoVK-2BFD-2FPjBPHimT38y9W-2F5Zsub2gHyvjvsT1lVg2QCGRTMTPzskgbdoCHTB70VibItlPfYn-2BeKoXWYB7dFqGteKXPCk3Jkp4pWm3hANbqYulY0r8bSGolJU-2BZZZbeWcTig-2B3IgfPOswSNYYJxGciDfVgNzVczY3Vfg4CsescC38IBhZZQnq895p0-3D) [Making Space Series](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOhEVS2lwsVQyzVKK6WzKy-2Fhdy-2BJvvHW6-2FLfuu8tMmz71pPV_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwO9m-2Fq38Bhhd1ux-2B2AV7q16L7MVv7ucjVcg8zqGry9NXYP0kccU8sC-2FoD7TIPeLT3Ld-2B7wCL5AcQA49GQryODgs-2FK3eRVoa68pHTWLtpiyfM19qHlVcXSCmeO0iO1aNliNUpBTNLgxjd9tlsEu7i28EocmLGyuO5DiLeGcWaPickptD1kxiC6hN-2BYQDlmBGdB2OpHVaCK9QGE0RvCXuOXIw-3D) [*Barna Group*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOhEVS2lwsVQyzVKK6WzKy-2Fhdy-2BJvvHW6-2FLfuu8tMmz76bsk_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwGMXHH-2Bc9k5oCwaoEazsPmAXUaLURW4pTfR1koU-2F6LdS-2B1gzy-2B2yjYmubvteT-2FMhjwCKdDVUQ1bt-2BiE-2FHf8V4kU14nsA5UZb3kn8vrUgABU3yyR-2Bo2pqxw-2FYK4iBHICejIsuWthKPCAh-2FS-2BJ-2B8gI7Rn8KER6N0j1UnXWvA6oMFcv0k7pemFDjlbpiPabiTu0uownBICGS-2BaQZBHySc2Iocg-3D) [Seven Inspiring Church Design Trends For 2025](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBFX6kEEgC7azVS0u3ZTSzRhrhJKaoQZTwkhXVwcn-2FnStuvUHUn-2FL4Gd8QCZJTPWB6S0tohepZUdgtOjCYVR0SOAkbvWpmbtld-2Fit0jXuuT09OKbgytHkqolHd-2FBZWsq5A-3D-3D3A-Q_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwKt3-2BfwX7mwjU6f-2FLZOAN4VCwIoknQ9w7DxhQmEdZRCKrETOIoRYSeY4GN8pjHywaJzsYRQReJjlIfixTcWuhFIPF4LRmpLJAe3BivQOtFtAL9J-2FyL81oD5MX8UEI1UsUdQ1TaAcrEm9IrePE2LCDYPF6ug-2BmIfv6UKWKKmy-2BXNw8ruo-2BmXGpY7OnaH2SGP-2BNXwK-2BweGV4LvufJLwWaq7fM-3D) [*Catalyst Construction*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBFX6kEEgC7azVS0u3ZTSzRhrhJKaoQZTwkhXVwcn-2FnStuvUHUn-2FL4Gd8QCZJTPWB6S0tohepZUdgtOjCYVR0SOAkbvWpmbtld-2Fit0jXuuT09OKbgytHkqolHd-2FBZWsq5A-3D-3DPOO1_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwKq4f1JX-2BRaMQOC0dWHQLsxW-2FbM0B6Yq408-2B3H-2B8JG97MVL-2FS2oweiLhzW-2F3bdiaB31TjxZXI8PY-2FA1GTAYCwCrfnR37DPOtihIVse-2BLQKO1KKseXlg2C3HYrzMkgXWLnH2dha-2Bt4oJJQCQjt1McWDgT3sHrNGR1anWmTCawOFHd8zCVkzv1RUeiiJ25k8ytLzg514jCgNjnz3KIyDa2Bxc-3D) **Applying the News Story** Discuss how your church building reflects the beauty of God, communicates grace and mercy, and fosters community life and spiritual growth. **The Big Questions** 1. Where do you see the beauty of God when you come to church? In stained glass? Church architecture? What changes to your church building could be made to enhance this experience? 2. What aspect of your church building, if any, communicates forgiveness and mercy? Why is this important in our increasingly online world? 3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of traditional and modern church buildings? Which do you prefer, and why? 4. Where do you find inviting and flexible spaces in your church, and how do they foster community life? What are the places that encourage spiritual growth? Be specific. 5. How can the rooms in your church not just "stand" but "serve"? What changes could be made to increase community impact? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **2 Chronicles 4:7-8***[Solomon] made ten golden lampstands as prescribed and set them in the temple, five on the right side and five on the left. He also made ten tables and placed them in the temple, five on the right side and five on the left. And he made one hundred basins of gold.* (For context, read [2 Chronicles 4:1-22](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwnJbmnGzo41h7rOIXLifKgD7D-2BMvaCP6f7-2FymelD1CWD5Q9Vw6z-2FyaHdlsnT6MQzvS-2_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwLnW-2Bj4ceGvupGEdgf1Z4KRFdrxpUkLti8odcf5xN4-2BLJnMYY11aC8HimsWey7qXVuNigJfw8QumlyeALaN5by-2BYpFTv0jRREG7T8x11GP1UA4uoqCYcTyLMCqL1cX9Qa8gTTXhzUSJXe3YoQrsbKg9UauIYA7KfV7glSjnOijWWx9Qpr2a9XaB1N3vGSu-2FZJJ6S7iOtTi8VP9U3ym8g0XI-3D).) Neither of the books of Chronicles appears frequently in sermons and Bible studies, largely because the books repeat stories found elsewhere. Much of the material in 2 Chronicles is a repetition of the stories told in 1 and 2 Kings, with a concentration on the kingdom of Judah. But the temple plays a big part in 2 Chronicles, as the place where God's presence is revealed. The book says that the temple was built on Mount Moriah, where God had appeared to Abraham and later to David (3:1). In chapter 4, the furnishings of the temple are described in detail. Solomon makes an enormous "altar of bronze" (v. 1) and a "molten sea" that can hold approximately 18,000 gallons of water (v. 2). This molten sea (metal basin of water) recalls the chaotic flood over which the Lord has power. 2 Chronicles says, "The sea was for the priests to wash in" (v. 6). The temple was well-lit by "ten golden lampstands," the light of which illuminated the gold-lined holy place. Ten tables were placed in the temple, along with "one hundred basins of gold," probably designed for drink offerings. Even the "inner doors to the most holy place and the doors of the main hall of the temple were of gold" (v. 22). > **Questions:** What is important to you about the furnishings of your church? How does the gold of Solomon's temple connect to the desire to put quality materials into churches today? When does ornamentation enhance worship, and when does it go too far, in your opinion and experience? **Psalm 27:4***One thing I asked of the LORD; this I seek: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.* (For context, read [Psalm 27:1-14.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxT-2BiCkaOHe-2BRXIb0HX8dfQU0yUgp1JzzrlKwdpe5RMvTcbqTCblNkxSA5OqLwHpcMEf6Y_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwCbIMxHlr21RoIKT1DtfX5MHNNRPDNG76-2Fqr-2F78f2KIBX09VTg-2F-2BJCl9Qz7UEF2LWj1EkLzCQCZRW2P-2F6-2B9MMYU16p8RvKG09espAUkJOZLMC4elP4C6Un16g9K1tk8LWXw8Meyd6mbGap4QH7OTgxtaFkuNzIoLkPnyTh3VJuwBrf3o-2FlI4cERvkDf4OFxAaMw312gbMVca1l4YCB9A944-3D)) Psalm 27 is a song of lament, one that reminds us that we can express our grief and sorrow to God, as well as our joy. The psalm begins with a statement of trust (vv. 1-6), moves into a plea for deliverance (vv. 7-12), and ends with a concluding expression of trust (vv. 13-14). The psalm-writer identifies the threat to his well-being -- evildoers who "assail me to devour my flesh" (v. 2). In spite of this danger, he is confident and does not fear, because he trusts God to be the "stronghold of my life" (v. 1). The one thing he seeks is to "live in the house of the LORD" and to "behold the beauty of the LORD" -- being present in the temple, where the beauty of God can be seen, is an antidote to fear and despair. The psalm-writer goes on to use three metaphors for God's protection: shelter, tent and rock (vv. 5-6). In God's tent, he "will sing and make melody to the LORD" (v. 6). In his plea for deliverance, the writer asks God to hear his cry and "be gracious" (v. 7). He asks God not to forsake him, and not to give him up "to the will of my adversaries" (v. 12). His final expression of trust affirms, "I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living" (v. 13), and he calls on others to "wait for the LORD!" (v. 14). > **Questions:** When, if ever, have you been able to see the beauty of the Lord in church? What value do you find in singing and making melody to God? How can a church be a shelter, tent and rock -- a place of God's protection in a threatening world? **John 2:13-15***The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, with the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.* (For context, read [John 2:13-22](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxnSbX8JFuvFcNUYnl-2BWAV4LfnY-2FStBpepau1sh6CrX9sNsx8nrfKWxOtrtdZH5i3H1b0q_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwMzXak5VwWrsDmWfmlZyw-2BeRdpZPmDwJy3JKkGLzp-2FSOcRHXCZOmXG8oURVvnkncmhKT-2BtI50o5mvmFgE-2BQK27xSpJnL3NgSMSm4LfFKkXCQDFy2IqAcXhTbVHAQTjyxFouBVDTYBRtkMAZ6N8AA1w-2Fx1-2BBmKPe5OaJLvPP-2FFaOeoO9Tzo850-2BOmCK7-2BPdMViosVxG8TRJAhUM-2BCb4Qrffk-3D)[.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxnSbX8JFuvFcNUYnl-2BWAV4LfnY-2FStBpepau1sh6CrX9sNsx8nrfKWxOtrtdZH5i3H73kc_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwNp0LwTnta2ycGEnojCPVb2w4DhuCWvBcH0ZqR14bwQC4f2Y2duJqTc19KETxyXfsIsONggs6alFSMZS3cM-2BmSAqPDN921WM0XvRyZ506LWaH8zv9vlZRfH2dUyr8PIwpRJvs-2BRRkWbYzF-2BYEydhJ4XC7DrSIQTLYzEiN0Wkxw1LnIkkLpnwgYic7jBwND9GgrzyXvGKG-2BDH9j6Gsgmbgyk-3D)) According to John, Jesus visited the temple in Jerusalem very early in his ministry. He was there for the great festival in which Jews traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover supper. The timing of this visit of Jesus is important. In the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus makes this visit at the end of his ministry. But in John, it happens at the beginning. Using a term from building construction, you might say that this visit is a *cornerstone* of the ministry of Jesus in John -- it is one of the first building blocks that is put in place. For Matthew, Mark and Luke, on the other hand, this visit is a *capstone,* one of the final stones to be added to the structure. What happened in this cornerstone visit was the cleansing of the temple. When Jesus entered the temple complex, he found people selling sacrificial animals "and the money changers seated at their tables." This market was intended to help people who had been on a lengthy pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and who needed a convenient place to buy their sacrificial animals. The money changers were people who exchanged foreign money for a fee. When he encountered this market, Jesus became furious. With a whip of cords, "he drove all of them out of the temple." He also "poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables." Jesus told those who were selling the doves, "Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!" (v. 16). Jesus had a violent reaction to what was being done in the temple complex, because he had a passion for worship in the temple. Seeing this, the disciples remembered the words of Psalm 69:9, "It is zeal for your house that has consumed me." True worship was the cornerstone of the ministry of Jesus. > **Questions:** What are the qualities of true worship in your church? When does the life of your church begin to resemble a marketplace, if ever? What changes would increase zeal for worship in your church? How can your worship better focus on Christ's mercy and forgiveness? **Acts 2:42-47***They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.* (No context needed.) According to the Acts of the Apostles, the followers of Christ in Jerusalem practiced four activities that were regular disciplines in the community of faith. They were devoted to the "apostles' teaching," to the lessons being passed on by those who had an eyewitness view of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. They were focused on "fellowship," on a deep form of friendship that included passionate concern for each other's spiritual and physical well-being. The followers of Christ were regular participants in "the breaking of bread," in the practice of sharing full meals -- more than just Communion elements -- as a sign of their social and spiritual solidarity. They were committed to the practice of prayer, to the worship of a good and gracious God who had restored Jesus to life -- and had restored each one of them as well. Teaching. Fellowship. Breaking of bread. Prayers. These are the activities that enabled the Christ-followers to have an optimal spiritual experience, one that led to amazing results. The teaching of the apostles generated "many wonders and signs" which left everyone in awe. The practice of fellowship inspired church members to "sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need." The prayers of the people broke out of the minimal requirements of Sabbath-day observances, with Acts telling us that "they spent much time together in the temple," day by day. The enthusiasm of the community members spilled over into the breaking of the bread, for they "ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people." And the result was that "day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." > **Questions:** In your church, how do you practice the four disciplines of Christian faith: teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers? What modifications could be made to your church building to improve these practices? What results come from these disciplines in your congregation and in the wider community? **For Further Discussion** 1. TWW Team Member Mary Sells tells the story of [Edward Schulte](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95YU-2F3dLteaynYFttjlZxdBDVGVZJ5NOQtVg4ZFa1FYc6T9PHWw-2FKBkSsfJMFBz-2FlDQ-3Dyv4C_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwM64bqGyEzyoSaZxZVbcSLJFMOYJKT6XwS2yoNZSFW-2F3yp6bkwuYEXEWXC2RWJf45-2BY9opXHhmd6j2Tkg4ddxMNzH-2FttS8EAul1lgUHgaDianYsb3xHXAvacI7-2FlHJbEuH7CtwO1mRITbpEs8VL-2BweAlI29ArjBQ4VBFmG0p-2FmdQBktz6wF0yoEm4SBCg-2BeLz-2BcJVyIBUzug-2Bp4ScJPhFq8-3D), the only architect to have designed five cathedrals (although only four of the five were built). Raised and educated in the Catholic school system, he believed that the architectural look and sound of churches needed to magnify the experience of God, a belief that has had an impact on churchgoers to this day. How do the look and sound of churches magnify your experience of God, if at all? Which church designs, in particular, have had the most positive impact on you? 2. Andrew Ziminski is a stonemason who works at old churches in the United Kingdom. Having worked on great cathedrals and churches in Britain, he has deep love for the various features of church buildings. In a book called *Church Going*, he describes the porch of a church, the room in front of the main entrance. He says that the goal of a porch is to be an inviting space that draws people inside. In addition, porches have traditionally had a role in worship: At a baptism, the priest would receive the infant and family at the porch, and the service would begin there. What are the inviting spaces in your church building? What message do they send? How are they connected to the worship of the church, if at all? 3. The Dunker meetinghouse on the Antietam battlefield can be described by the word "simplicity," says TWW Team Member Frank Ramirez, who has preached there. "Seen and unseen, God is there." When have you experienced God's presence in a very simple church structure? Who or what needs to be in place to feel the presence of God? 4. "Well, looks like we're back in style!" [Pastor Joel said to Catalyst Construction](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBFX6kEEgC7azVS0u3ZTSzRhrhJKaoQZTwkhXVwcn-2FnStuvUHUn-2FL4Gd8QCZJTPWB6S0tohepZUdgtOjCYVR0SOAkbvWpmbtld-2Fit0jXuuT09OKbgytHkqolHd-2FBZWsq5A-3D-3D8vml_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwC6hFmMpd5RMAOcV5DzaepPvWzvQcdw4ij41NmeXl-2F-2FGsJWDYoYHLRcCFKJDaAanvg6s9lraHx8FeLk7zvL4n77Md-2BfVulkmIIWIMnWPXZOx0jVFHxeRIBPDHCTFOsafmaFlyAslDdjej6RJwGnATX5zW8j-2FztnxKQyS47exRPTTao-2BFW5dVOt3Za11a44zFmqFgbuyzXwrZo8-2BHjD8e-2Bwk-3D) as he looked at his 75-year-old church building. Cathedral-like windows adorned one wall, while a wide-open sanctuary with a vaulted ceiling welcomed worshipers and provided space for remote workers. Some repairs were needed, but the community didn't have money for full-scale renovations. "Turns out, if you just wait long enough, your outdated building might become fashionable again!" If you have an old church building, what original features might now be fashionable again? What renovations would you like to do to make your church more welcoming? **Responding to the News** Make a list of the features in your church building that reflect the beauty of God, communicate forgiveness and mercy, and foster community life and spiritual growth. Share them with church leadership, along with a personal commitment to enhance these spaces. **Prayer** We thank you, Lord, for opportunities to behold your beauty in our places of worship. Help us to make our churches more focused on teaching, fellowship, shared meals and prayer, so that we can faithfully follow your Son Jesus, and share his mercy and forgiveness with others. Amen. ****Copyright 2026 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=i3i1d65-hmLqJ7FTskMlZ2fGxOolcyFXOi2lkGudKLNoMDAwdTAwMK6BC5p4pOgbAjHUq4N-YZxDcTlWtOduCq44POoqcgNG37F1_0aUmTdVpKtV0Yv6nb0riqoauFEamRb3B5Ge9T1qScEHRtAILxwg3JDyDLQS2RihElngtaL0RNivzIv6pZV4ZEyPB2-S_W52qbm-mdFF-hougnnKaItm3NwT_P3PrH2jHwD3aFv-fqrsx2EuR385hlRjJENeXH_pVq4aqi_Qo13U4vzMZZbxFv5l_PrOkdI0OLkvT3nxU71P3kAfUWwoSBVAFE3hotUxXjgdJicX-YweIoqxBeGvC32BADCxfLGgoKWvf53VOaS5SP5N7OErmYjxPTWVfh75qky9kh4NtChBQPMqxNO4Veqyzv0D246lerkpsQPGxN2EGdpBInvxbNjKy_KGhXfUdHM9kD5WZtRSvYHydCKAvNPfKHkSd3T4DQGO7d3OWlbF91qzLNb3L09bJbOpfF4b5uAkWbUa7DMsH5coT2zO5h7G9e2xJySf3Iw7baHvnmgqfXR2clSH5ZEV_gDt36ojQY1nxwoCLn9xpNKZEvDHGM2MkZCEA2wRH439aLOcxHXz9ubcCp3Ldi15ApbxHliH-UCZ3Lc=) <div>Dear Class Members, A recent article on cultural changes and church design raises questions of how our church buildings connect us to God and to each other. Because of the importance of the topic to congregational leaders and members, this installment of The Wired Word will explore how our churches reflect the beauty of God, communicate forgiveness and mercy, and foster community life and spiritual growth. <center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> Cultural Changes Impact Church Design The Wired Word for the Week of February 1, 2026 In the News The rise of the internet has changed our culture in radical ways, making it possible for us to communicate, shop, work, learn new skills, watch movies, and even worship without leaving our homes. While the convenience of online activity is undeniable, this cultural shift is being accompanied by record levels of human isolation, addiction and suicide. In many places, participation in organized religion is dropping, along with the use of church buildings. An architect named Duo Dickinson laments many of these changes, and has written in Mockingbird about the beauty we experience in sacred spaces. He finds forgiveness and mercy when he goes to church, qualities not found in the online world. In fact, Luk de Volder, the rector of Trinity Church in New Haven, Connecticut, has observed, "Our digital lives don't know mercy. Anything you search, post, or watch online is forever carved in the memory of the web. God may wash away our sins, but online, nothing will be wiped out. No forgiveness, no mercy. The internet remembers forever and brings back memories, even the ones you hoped to forget." Aurora Thompson, a student at the Interior Architecture and Design program at Western Michigan University, wrote to Dickinson and said, "I am studying generational divides within worship environments and exploring how to design spaces that foster connection, inclusivity, and spiritual growth across all generations." Dickinson applauds this work, but also focuses on the ways in which God and beauty are revealed in church buildings. He quotes Christopher Alexander, a professor of architecture, who said, "If we pay attention to the beauty of those places that are suffused with God in each part, then we can conceive of God in a down-to-earth way ... the path of architecture thus leads inexorably towards a renewed understanding of God." So, how do church buildings connect people to God and to each other? How do they reveal beauty and foster grace, mercy and forgiveness? Christianity Today reports that when Americans close their eyes, they can picture a church -- even if they rarely or never attend one. This church, according to a recent survey conducted by Barna Group and Aspen Group, is not trendy and modern. Instead, it is traditional in design. The church that 90% of Americans prefer is one that is "easily identifiable." Eight out of 10 say they want the building to "reflect the beauty of God." While there are some who prefer that churches feel modern (38%) and trendy (28%), most Americans want religious spaces that feel more timeless and transcendent -- surpassing the ordinary. It may not be true, as some American evangelicals assume, that church buildings need to be less "churchy" in order to draw in spiritual seekers. With this survey, Barna's goal was to help "design spaces that reflect the beauty of God and draw people to him." They wanted to explore what it means to be formed as a follower of Jesus, and to help create spaces to motivate this growth. Barna sought to discover how our physical experiences of a church might "relate to our worship and understanding of God." A recent article by Eric Williams of Catalyst Construction identifies seven inspiring church building trends. Among them are designs that are inviting, not foreboding. "Churches are creating engaging, family-friendly environments to connect with their communities and boost post-COVID attendance." Another trend is the creation of flexible, multipurpose spaces. "People crave community like never before, and churches are responding," says Williams. "Many places display community art, create cozy corners for coffee and books, and provide public seating for private conversations." Finally, churches are being designed for community impact. "These spaces are no longer just for worship -- they're transforming into places of care and connection," concludes Williams. Open layouts make it easier for churches to collaborate with local nonprofits, schools and health-care providers. "After all, the best-built churches don't just stand; they serve." More on this story can be found at these links: <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJaM7FkE9284vbiN-2Bas1QoinHbKL3KCsGcKhMz8O508WbaQRdo78kUt4nVImStxB1-2Blf1XHnzCf21-2Bpc7KCR59TuXfnvFjpJAebjADeY2135Jcq3\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwOn7UcTaDjocAiAGQTop8-2FIY7-2FYGAOAkLuvSwozgIkolfc6Fe2xMKMKZxaj5ZvcCx0TU-2Fcv07bMs0cPJEX69jNDyqqFBZaqxMhCO9KxbZXq5FaZor8l5g0PyPZGrcmtt6rZCLDpZmzrk-2BwDnWIJGs-2FgyEj1MYc9syg4X4kU42miuB-2BQMo42aOK0Jz14PIWE5KagZFdjyEtpmNek5Cr2bIUM-3D">Do Buildings Reflect Spiritual Change? </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJaM7FkE9284vbiN-2Bas1QoinHbKL3KCsGcKhMz8O508WbaQRdo78kUt4nVImStxB1-2Blf1XHnzCf21-2Bpc7KCR59TuXfnvFjpJAebjADeY2135FfRD\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwCW0Kc1EiAYcQE-2BIgQht9WKgu8GkjLFVLqMSQ9GHO6btECVjlqLiaGb4DBsQ3DNabC9ou9WE7brSBc72dT80Xl4JA2mwn1lhepNkTwuPfalCGRmhMKgQhm2TyuP1ROGij2LvVg-2F4-2FOx-2FOwpkuKhBQIIYNzbaB5K41GvaIVlBm7kD5SexUzUXc7Kuo61XWoFdn7EgJVZ0tXMVXhF9SSbGVhA-3D">Mockingbird</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNP95KrJfmUHVPV73SgCwK6Lj6C71VuMb4XJT-2BZHRyFnmG5fEo5NwnZlPfDSa924Yjs-2Bmyi7jNr1a6YmKZti9s32fQiZrMngfo23wAziEL2wUXBp6kczW0OZ-2FfX8m3vPLg-3D-3DCSgC\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwEvaWjPdKhtiKRK-2BMtx8qriKmcAnoicBRfUvZwnqkbCq4WsdTbAetousHiWBiMykhCa3PduvKXQ9v5tl70pfVbXf4eUhwcC9SJgg94Y5alAfW41Sd-2Fkxw3bjmL-2BS7ybBb0DOOOrjpWSayf8xnacsk3dzEMl3BQ-2BwrOboZbLmMCFxW23HcgiKywMgg7WNRgjqd9YJdjOpaIRG1YZ8Fuc0tYk-3D">Americans Think Church Should Look Churchy </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNP95KrJfmUHVPV73SgCwK6Lj6C71VuMb4XJT-2BZHRyFnmG5fEo5NwnZlPfDSa924Yjs-2Bmyi7jNr1a6YmKZti9s32fQiZrMngfo23wAziEL2wUXBp6kczW0OZ-2FfX8m3vPLg-3D-3DYw1Z\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwPN0v6yhA5-2FmlSr7MQbFjtopaGy-2Bv-2FVoVK-2BFD-2FPjBPHimT38y9W-2F5Zsub2gHyvjvsT1lVg2QCGRTMTPzskgbdoCHTB70VibItlPfYn-2BeKoXWYB7dFqGteKXPCk3Jkp4pWm3hANbqYulY0r8bSGolJU-2BZZZbeWcTig-2B3IgfPOswSNYYJxGciDfVgNzVczY3Vfg4CsescC38IBhZZQnq895p0-3D">Christianity Today</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOhEVS2lwsVQyzVKK6WzKy-2Fhdy-2BJvvHW6-2FLfuu8tMmz71pPV\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwO9m-2Fq38Bhhd1ux-2B2AV7q16L7MVv7ucjVcg8zqGry9NXYP0kccU8sC-2FoD7TIPeLT3Ld-2B7wCL5AcQA49GQryODgs-2FK3eRVoa68pHTWLtpiyfM19qHlVcXSCmeO0iO1aNliNUpBTNLgxjd9tlsEu7i28EocmLGyuO5DiLeGcWaPickptD1kxiC6hN-2BYQDlmBGdB2OpHVaCK9QGE0RvCXuOXIw-3D">Making Space Series </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPOhEVS2lwsVQyzVKK6WzKy-2Fhdy-2BJvvHW6-2FLfuu8tMmz76bsk\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwGMXHH-2Bc9k5oCwaoEazsPmAXUaLURW4pTfR1koU-2F6LdS-2B1gzy-2B2yjYmubvteT-2FMhjwCKdDVUQ1bt-2BiE-2FHf8V4kU14nsA5UZb3kn8vrUgABU3yyR-2Bo2pqxw-2FYK4iBHICejIsuWthKPCAh-2FS-2BJ-2B8gI7Rn8KER6N0j1UnXWvA6oMFcv0k7pemFDjlbpiPabiTu0uownBICGS-2BaQZBHySc2Iocg-3D">Barna Group</a> <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBFX6kEEgC7azVS0u3ZTSzRhrhJKaoQZTwkhXVwcn-2FnStuvUHUn-2FL4Gd8QCZJTPWB6S0tohepZUdgtOjCYVR0SOAkbvWpmbtld-2Fit0jXuuT09OKbgytHkqolHd-2FBZWsq5A-3D-3D3A-Q\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwKt3-2BfwX7mwjU6f-2FLZOAN4VCwIoknQ9w7DxhQmEdZRCKrETOIoRYSeY4GN8pjHywaJzsYRQReJjlIfixTcWuhFIPF4LRmpLJAe3BivQOtFtAL9J-2FyL81oD5MX8UEI1UsUdQ1TaAcrEm9IrePE2LCDYPF6ug-2BmIfv6UKWKKmy-2BXNw8ruo-2BmXGpY7OnaH2SGP-2BNXwK-2BweGV4LvufJLwWaq7fM-3D"> Seven Inspiring Church Design Trends For 2025 </a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBFX6kEEgC7azVS0u3ZTSzRhrhJKaoQZTwkhXVwcn-2FnStuvUHUn-2FL4Gd8QCZJTPWB6S0tohepZUdgtOjCYVR0SOAkbvWpmbtld-2Fit0jXuuT09OKbgytHkqolHd-2FBZWsq5A-3D-3DPOO1\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwKq4f1JX-2BRaMQOC0dWHQLsxW-2FbM0B6Yq408-2B3H-2B8JG97MVL-2FS2oweiLhzW-2F3bdiaB31TjxZXI8PY-2FA1GTAYCwCrfnR37DPOtihIVse-2BLQKO1KKseXlg2C3HYrzMkgXWLnH2dha-2Bt4oJJQCQjt1McWDgT3sHrNGR1anWmTCawOFHd8zCVkzv1RUeiiJ25k8ytLzg514jCgNjnz3KIyDa2Bxc-3D">Catalyst Construction</a> Applying the News Story Discuss how your church building reflects the beauty of God, communicates grace and mercy, and fosters community life and spiritual growth. The Big Questions 1. Where do you see the beauty of God when you come to church? In stained glass? Church architecture? What changes to your church building could be made to enhance this experience? 2. What aspect of your church building, if any, communicates forgiveness and mercy? Why is this important in our increasingly online world? 3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of traditional and modern church buildings? Which do you prefer, and why? 4. Where do you find inviting and flexible spaces in your church, and how do they foster community life? What are the places that encourage spiritual growth? Be specific. 5. How can the rooms in your church not just "stand" but "serve"? What changes could be made to increase community impact? Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: 2 Chronicles 4:7-8 [Solomon] made ten golden lampstands as prescribed and set them in the temple, five on the right side and five on the left. He also made ten tables and placed them in the temple, five on the right side and five on the left. And he made one hundred basins of gold. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwnJbmnGzo41h7rOIXLifKgD7D-2BMvaCP6f7-2FymelD1CWD5Q9Vw6z-2FyaHdlsnT6MQzvS-2\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwLnW-2Bj4ceGvupGEdgf1Z4KRFdrxpUkLti8odcf5xN4-2BLJnMYY11aC8HimsWey7qXVuNigJfw8QumlyeALaN5by-2BYpFTv0jRREG7T8x11GP1UA4uoqCYcTyLMCqL1cX9Qa8gTTXhzUSJXe3YoQrsbKg9UauIYA7KfV7glSjnOijWWx9Qpr2a9XaB1N3vGSu-2FZJJ6S7iOtTi8VP9U3ym8g0XI-3D">2 Chronicles 4:1-22</a>.) Neither of the books of Chronicles appears frequently in sermons and Bible studies, largely because the books repeat stories found elsewhere. Much of the material in 2 Chronicles is a repetition of the stories told in 1 and 2 Kings, with a concentration on the kingdom of Judah. But the temple plays a big part in 2 Chronicles, as the place where God's presence is revealed. The book says that the temple was built on Mount Moriah, where God had appeared to Abraham and later to David (3:1). In chapter 4, the furnishings of the temple are described in detail. Solomon makes an enormous "altar of bronze" (v. 1) and a "molten sea" that can hold approximately 18,000 gallons of water (v. 2). This molten sea (metal basin of water) recalls the chaotic flood over which the Lord has power. 2 Chronicles says, "The sea was for the priests to wash in" (v. 6). The temple was well-lit by "ten golden lampstands," the light of which illuminated the gold-lined holy place. Ten tables were placed in the temple, along with "one hundred basins of gold," probably designed for drink offerings. Even the "inner doors to the most holy place and the doors of the main hall of the temple were of gold" (v. 22). <blockquote> Questions: What is important to you about the furnishings of your church? How does the gold of Solomon's temple connect to the desire to put quality materials into churches today? When does ornamentation enhance worship, and when does it go too far, in your opinion and experience? </blockquote> Psalm 27:4 One thing I asked of the LORD; this I seek: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxT-2BiCkaOHe-2BRXIb0HX8dfQU0yUgp1JzzrlKwdpe5RMvTcbqTCblNkxSA5OqLwHpcMEf6Y\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwCbIMxHlr21RoIKT1DtfX5MHNNRPDNG76-2Fqr-2F78f2KIBX09VTg-2F-2BJCl9Qz7UEF2LWj1EkLzCQCZRW2P-2F6-2B9MMYU16p8RvKG09espAUkJOZLMC4elP4C6Un16g9K1tk8LWXw8Meyd6mbGap4QH7OTgxtaFkuNzIoLkPnyTh3VJuwBrf3o-2FlI4cERvkDf4OFxAaMw312gbMVca1l4YCB9A944-3D">Psalm 27:1-14.</a>) Psalm 27 is a song of lament, one that reminds us that we can express our grief and sorrow to God, as well as our joy. The psalm begins with a statement of trust (vv. 1-6), moves into a plea for deliverance (vv. 7-12), and ends with a concluding expression of trust (vv. 13-14). The psalm-writer identifies the threat to his well-being -- evildoers who "assail me to devour my flesh" (v. 2). In spite of this danger, he is confident and does not fear, because he trusts God to be the "stronghold of my life" (v. 1). The one thing he seeks is to "live in the house of the LORD" and to "behold the beauty of the LORD" -- being present in the temple, where the beauty of God can be seen, is an antidote to fear and despair. The psalm-writer goes on to use three metaphors for God's protection: shelter, tent and rock (vv. 5-6). In God's tent, he "will sing and make melody to the LORD" (v. 6). In his plea for deliverance, the writer asks God to hear his cry and "be gracious" (v. 7). He asks God not to forsake him, and not to give him up "to the will of my adversaries" (v. 12). His final expression of trust affirms, "I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living" (v. 13), and he calls on others to "wait for the LORD!" (v. 14). <blockquote> Questions: When, if ever, have you been able to see the beauty of the Lord in church? What value do you find in singing and making melody to God? How can a church be a shelter, tent and rock -- a place of God's protection in a threatening world? </blockquote> John 2:13-15 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, with the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. (For context, read <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxnSbX8JFuvFcNUYnl-2BWAV4LfnY-2FStBpepau1sh6CrX9sNsx8nrfKWxOtrtdZH5i3H1b0q\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwMzXak5VwWrsDmWfmlZyw-2BeRdpZPmDwJy3JKkGLzp-2FSOcRHXCZOmXG8oURVvnkncmhKT-2BtI50o5mvmFgE-2BQK27xSpJnL3NgSMSm4LfFKkXCQDFy2IqAcXhTbVHAQTjyxFouBVDTYBRtkMAZ6N8AA1w-2Fx1-2BBmKPe5OaJLvPP-2FFaOeoO9Tzo850-2BOmCK7-2BPdMViosVxG8TRJAhUM-2BCb4Qrffk-3D">John 2:13-22</a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxnSbX8JFuvFcNUYnl-2BWAV4LfnY-2FStBpepau1sh6CrX9sNsx8nrfKWxOtrtdZH5i3H73kc\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwNp0LwTnta2ycGEnojCPVb2w4DhuCWvBcH0ZqR14bwQC4f2Y2duJqTc19KETxyXfsIsONggs6alFSMZS3cM-2BmSAqPDN921WM0XvRyZ506LWaH8zv9vlZRfH2dUyr8PIwpRJvs-2BRRkWbYzF-2BYEydhJ4XC7DrSIQTLYzEiN0Wkxw1LnIkkLpnwgYic7jBwND9GgrzyXvGKG-2BDH9j6Gsgmbgyk-3D">.</a>) According to John, Jesus visited the temple in Jerusalem very early in his ministry. He was there for the great festival in which Jews traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover supper. The timing of this visit of Jesus is important. In the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus makes this visit at the end of his ministry. But in John, it happens at the beginning. Using a term from building construction, you might say that this visit is a cornerstone of the ministry of Jesus in John -- it is one of the first building blocks that is put in place. For Matthew, Mark and Luke, on the other hand, this visit is a capstone, one of the final stones to be added to the structure. What happened in this cornerstone visit was the cleansing of the temple. When Jesus entered the temple complex, he found people selling sacrificial animals "and the money changers seated at their tables." This market was intended to help people who had been on a lengthy pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and who needed a convenient place to buy their sacrificial animals. The money changers were people who exchanged foreign money for a fee. When he encountered this market, Jesus became furious. With a whip of cords, "he drove all of them out of the temple." He also "poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables." Jesus told those who were selling the doves, "Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!" (v. 16). Jesus had a violent reaction to what was being done in the temple complex, because he had a passion for worship in the temple. Seeing this, the disciples remembered the words of Psalm 69:9, "It is zeal for your house that has consumed me." True worship was the cornerstone of the ministry of Jesus. <blockquote> Questions: What are the qualities of true worship in your church? When does the life of your church begin to resemble a marketplace, if ever? What changes would increase zeal for worship in your church? How can your worship better focus on Christ's mercy and forgiveness? </blockquote> Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. (No context needed.) According to the Acts of the Apostles, the followers of Christ in Jerusalem practiced four activities that were regular disciplines in the community of faith. They were devoted to the "apostles' teaching," to the lessons being passed on by those who had an eyewitness view of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. They were focused on "fellowship," on a deep form of friendship that included passionate concern for each other's spiritual and physical well-being. The followers of Christ were regular participants in "the breaking of bread," in the practice of sharing full meals -- more than just Communion elements -- as a sign of their social and spiritual solidarity. They were committed to the practice of prayer, to the worship of a good and gracious God who had restored Jesus to life -- and had restored each one of them as well. Teaching. Fellowship. Breaking of bread. Prayers. These are the activities that enabled the Christ-followers to have an optimal spiritual experience, one that led to amazing results. The teaching of the apostles generated "many wonders and signs" which left everyone in awe. The practice of fellowship inspired church members to "sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need." The prayers of the people broke out of the minimal requirements of Sabbath-day observances, with Acts telling us that "they spent much time together in the temple," day by day. The enthusiasm of the community members spilled over into the breaking of the bread, for they "ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people." And the result was that "day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." <blockquote> Questions: In your church, how do you practice the four disciplines of Christian faith: teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers? What modifications could be made to your church building to improve these practices? What results come from these disciplines in your congregation and in the wider community? </blockquote> For Further Discussion 1. TWW Team Member Mary Sells tells the story of <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPCwBIZqUpwwOd8CtyZyo95YU-2F3dLteaynYFttjlZxdBDVGVZJ5NOQtVg4ZFa1FYc6T9PHWw-2FKBkSsfJMFBz-2FlDQ-3Dyv4C\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwM64bqGyEzyoSaZxZVbcSLJFMOYJKT6XwS2yoNZSFW-2F3yp6bkwuYEXEWXC2RWJf45-2BY9opXHhmd6j2Tkg4ddxMNzH-2FttS8EAul1lgUHgaDianYsb3xHXAvacI7-2FlHJbEuH7CtwO1mRITbpEs8VL-2BweAlI29ArjBQ4VBFmG0p-2FmdQBktz6wF0yoEm4SBCg-2BeLz-2BcJVyIBUzug-2Bp4ScJPhFq8-3D">Edward Schulte</a>, the only architect to have designed five cathedrals (although only four of the five were built). Raised and educated in the Catholic school system, he believed that the architectural look and sound of churches needed to magnify the experience of God, a belief that has had an impact on churchgoers to this day. How do the look and sound of churches magnify your experience of God, if at all? Which church designs, in particular, have had the most positive impact on you? 2. Andrew Ziminski is a stonemason who works at old churches in the United Kingdom. Having worked on great cathedrals and churches in Britain, he has deep love for the various features of church buildings. In a book called Church Going, he describes the porch of a church, the room in front of the main entrance. He says that the goal of a porch is to be an inviting space that draws people inside. In addition, porches have traditionally had a role in worship: At a baptism, the priest would receive the infant and family at the porch, and the service would begin there. What are the inviting spaces in your church building? What message do they send? How are they connected to the worship of the church, if at all? 3. The Dunker meetinghouse on the Antietam battlefield can be described by the word "simplicity," says TWW Team Member Frank Ramirez, who has preached there. "Seen and unseen, God is there." When have you experienced God's presence in a very simple church structure? Who or what needs to be in place to feel the presence of God? 4. "Well, looks like we're back in style!" <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPBFX6kEEgC7azVS0u3ZTSzRhrhJKaoQZTwkhXVwcn-2FnStuvUHUn-2FL4Gd8QCZJTPWB6S0tohepZUdgtOjCYVR0SOAkbvWpmbtld-2Fit0jXuuT09OKbgytHkqolHd-2FBZWsq5A-3D-3D8vml\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmUqzHvb47E-2BUT8QiDrRPcWLwH5FAbGHzrNToaSFvP2JGmPOkBULkpPvezGd1ogJUwC6hFmMpd5RMAOcV5DzaepPvWzvQcdw4ij41NmeXl-2F-2FGsJWDYoYHLRcCFKJDaAanvg6s9lraHx8FeLk7zvL4n77Md-2BfVulkmIIWIMnWPXZOx0jVFHxeRIBPDHCTFOsafmaFlyAslDdjej6RJwGnATX5zW8j-2FztnxKQyS47exRPTTao-2BFW5dVOt3Za11a44zFmqFgbuyzXwrZo8-2BHjD8e-2Bwk-3D">Pastor Joel said to Catalyst Construction</a> as he looked at his 75-year-old church building. Cathedral-like windows adorned one wall, while a wide-open sanctuary with a vaulted ceiling welcomed worshipers and provided space for remote workers. Some repairs were needed, but the community didn't have money for full-scale renovations. "Turns out, if you just wait long enough, your outdated building might become fashionable again!" If you have an old church building, what original features might now be fashionable again? What renovations would you like to do to make your church more welcoming? Responding to the News Make a list of the features in your church building that reflect the beauty of God, communicate forgiveness and mercy, and foster community life and spiritual growth. Share them with church leadership, along with a personal commitment to enhance these spaces. Prayer We thank you, Lord, for opportunities to behold your beauty in our places of worship. Help us to make our churches more focused on teaching, fellowship, shared meals and prayer, so that we can faithfully follow your Son Jesus, and share his mercy and forgiveness with others. Amen. Copyright 2026 Communication Resources <a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user\_id=14323725&data=i3i1d65-hmLqJ7FTskMlZ2fGxOolcyFXOi2lkGudKLNoMDAwdTAwMK6BC5p4pOgbAjHUq4N-YZxDcTlWtOduCq44POoqcgNG37F1\_0aUmTdVpKtV0Yv6nb0riqoauFEamRb3B5Ge9T1qScEHRtAILxwg3JDyDLQS2RihElngtaL0RNivzIv6pZV4ZEyPB2-S\_W52qbm-mdFF-hougnnKaItm3NwT\_P3PrH2jHwD3aFv-fqrsx2EuR385hlRjJENeXH\_pVq4aqi\_Qo13U4vzMZZbxFv5l\_PrOkdI0OLkvT3nxU71P3kAfUWwoSBVAFE3hotUxXjgdJicX-YweIoqxBeGvC32BADCxfLGgoKWvf53VOaS5SP5N7OErmYjxPTWVfh75qky9kh4NtChBQPMqxNO4Veqyzv0D246lerkpsQPGxN2EGdpBInvxbNjKy\_KGhXfUdHM9kD5WZtRSvYHydCKAvNPfKHkSd3T4DQGO7d3OWlbF91qzLNb3L09bJbOpfF4b5uAkWbUa7DMsH5coT2zO5h7G9e2xJySf3Iw7baHvnmgqfXR2clSH5ZEV\_gDt36ojQY1nxwoCLn9xpNKZEvDHGM2MkZCEA2wRH439aLOcxHXz9ubcCp3Ldi15ApbxHliH-UCZ3Lc=">Unsubscribe From This List</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/open?upn=u001.ri3TO7QGEXgsxcVdo6-2BoAGTuuWiDEfH5lVjP7AVQ-2Bcl7JaDKdeJ1ydQkXpTFAEqRD2SOncm40jgMuVls37ZLseTP-2Bc5kaLjFJf1Q3kw4FZdt1YoCkYWvLa1l-2BT-2F-2F8yIUiLbFHrmn64p2Xwmffzl3edR6Ty8TRKnThBIufHec6MYr94WZQxWVvMWvfNqNZdVSm2JpSP2sJuJ7h3Z8Ne0G7rjcEcHxBROP7QMzXmtJ1mMOMhYgfoHlGSNl18XqD2rSjYnNTQhQT-2BXT-2BxsYI-2FnF3S-2BlBAXfnT9vfoYLeF0rAfEgMZqO8g7TnHo65qQMAnwmLe3dBiH9ywb-2BNsbkfPdjJX26SGguPVXWACKiMy-2Bz4kbq54KPC9KVqj5WnY-2F33FJj4YRHq0EYmz9udbl9EuoNkQeBQbj0iKeabdJEMTVR9GG9TBsZNQLgMNFYWwZqg61mowU0Yeg5QrSKbhoKOl3bVbYv9-2FrPshtVwGEloIgCu8A-3D" style="height:1px !important;width:1px !important;border-width:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-top:0 !important;padding-bottom:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;" width="1"/> </div>, The Wired Word for 02/01/2026, The Wired Word, 01kg4t0419av5p0qh4qb3x7xrn.