What I do is for small churches on a limited budget. I have to be creative and innovative. I set up the sanctuary not for the sake of just making it look "cool" or having people wonder what new thing I have done this week. I try to make a point with what I am doing.
My next project is the mountain that I am building. Well more like a small hill to go below the cross. (see photo below)
I will share the process in doing so as I go along. Right now I am collecting all kinds of things.
Crockery, cracked or otherwise. things like vases, and big bowls
Bare branches (I bought some at Michaels 16.99 and with my 1/2 off coupon on 8.50)
A foam pad for a double bed
queen size bedsheets in kahki colors (check to job lot stores and discount bins)
three or four folding chairs - I think the church has them
some medium size stones (think about the size of my fist or a bit larger)
And I will add other stuff I am sure as time goes on.
My Sanctuary
The mountain is going up on the stage below the cross and will stay there through Easter. The sanctuary chairs are back in rows right now, but will move for Palm Sunday and Holy Thursday. I will keep you updated on my progess and posts photos of the installation.
there are several other things I do for the season
There will be two other areas I will set for the season
1. The communion table
2 the table in our Narthex
As I do them I will post photos.
I know this is a bare bones start but I will keep writing about worship in the small church and the different things that I do. Maybe there is something here that resonates with you or something you can "riff" on and use for your worship. by "riff" I mean you see some small thing in what I do that leads you creatively to new and exciting places. I also have a pineterest board called "worship ideas" that you may find handy.