Rev. Ron Burcham, Senior Pastor of Risen Savior Lutheran Church, announced today that 3,700 people attended the Tabernacle Experience from February 12-19. Rev. Burcham commented, “Since we had never undertaken a project similar to this, we did not how many people to expect. But I am pleased to say that hosting 3,700 people from across the State of Arizona certainly exceeded our greatest expectations.”

Early in February, members of the church erected a realistic, life-size replica of the original Tabernacle of Moses that moved with the people of Israel across the desert on their journey to the Holy Land over 2,000 years ago. One step inside the Tabernacle Courtyard transformed visitors into Old Testament times where they experienced a day in the life of an Old Testament priest, as they engaged in the duties and rituals within the Tabernacle. Visitors took a 50 minute audio-guided tour that featured these actions:

Laying their sacrifice on the consuming fire at the Altar of Burnt Offering.

Using the Laver to wash their hands in preparation for the work of The Lord.

Lighting an oil lamp at the Lampstand and taking Communion at The Table of Bread.

Witnessing the smoke rising at The Altar of Incense that both heightened their senses and reminded them of their prayers ascending to the very throne of God.

And, lastly, drawing back the curtain and entering The Most Holy Place where they viewed replicas of Ark of the Covenant and The Mercy Seat which originally housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments and the Torah.

When we congratulated Rev. Burcham on the tremendous success of the Tabernacle Experience, he responded, “I cannot take any credit. This event belongs to the people of Risen Savior…and wow, did they do an incredible job! The Ministry Action Team under the direction of Mark Milne, Congregation President, planned and managed the event and recruited over 125 members and friends of the congregation who implemented the project. The team obtained permits from the county, hired the contractor to level our previously vacant lot (between Risen Savior and Safeway), marketed the event, erected the Tabernacle and surrounding tents, scheduled and received guests, and coordinated the tours. “I also wish to personally thank all of our friends and neighbors from the Sun Lakes community who participated in the Tabernacle Experience,” Pastor Burcham added.