Arlington Heights church at home in Metropolis theater

Members of the First United Methodist Church in Arlington Heights added liturgical dance to their weekly worship service on Sunday. And why not?

For the last six weeks, they have met at 9:30 a.m. sharp at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights — in a space built for music and dance — while their sanctuary is being remodeled.

Its stage and intimate auditorium transformed itself into something of a contemporary worship space for the group, with a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.

“It's fabulous,” said Francy Bearden, music director. “It feels intimate because of the depth of the stage.

“I thought I'd have to get over the fact that we weren't in a church,” she added, “but once we got started, that all went to the back of my mind. We don't even think about it anymore.”

Metropolis officials say the church group using their space is something of a first, but it's not uncommon for worship services to take place in entertainment venues.

“It is kind of different for us,” said Executive Director Jim Jarvis. “But we're a community organization and our goal is to be a place where people feel comfortable and feel a sense of community.”

First United Methodist is a historic congregation that will turn 175 years old in 2013, making it older than Arlington Heights itself. Yet this newest twist makes it seem young and trendy.

As church members prepare for their milestone anniversary, one of their projects has been to renovate the sanctuary at their church, located at 1903 E. Euclid Ave., literally reversing it from front to back.

Demolition started at the beginning of June, leading members to move not only their weekly worship services but all of their adult and children's education classes to a temporary location.

Choosing the Metropolis was not undertaken lightly, Pastor Bonnie Beckonchrist said. In fact, it was the result of a search that began three years ago, initially yielding 30 potential sites. But gradually their choices narrowed.

“In the end, the Metropolis was the obvious choice,” Beckonchrist said. “It puts us in a pedestrian, downtown neighborhood, which is very attractive. And it allows us to share our community of faith with people living in high-rises and those with young families.”

Another consideration, she said, is the facility's ability to host the church's many classes and nursery.

“We're an active congregation,” she said.

Most members who attended the service Sunday seemed to be adapting to their new space.

“I'm very open to change,” said Anita Hern as she shepherded in her two children. “I think it's very exciting.”

In all, the Methodist congregation takes in more than 1,000 members, officials say, coming from Mount Prospect, Palatine, Wheeling and Prospect Heights, as well as Arlington Heights.

Church officials expect to meet at the Metropolis for the next six months while their renovation continues and they bring their 1955 church building up to village code standards.

However, much of their meeting space in the building remains open during the construction, they add, allowing their many community partners to continue operating during the renovations.