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October/November 2026 | maconmagazine.com 99 In a city with houses of faith on nearly every corner, Rev. Dr. Erin Robinson Hall's column explores the interconnectedness of Macon's faith communities and the diverse ways Maconites nourish their spiritual health and the wellbeing of those around them, inspired by "On Being" podcast host Krista Tippet's idea that "religion is as cup; spirituality is as water." and liturgy at Christ Episcopal Church, the architecture makes a transformative experience. "For a musician, the room is the ultimate resonator—the final, crucial component of the instrument," said Poe. Architecture enhances the spiritual experience. "When the acoustics of a beautifully designed nave catch the sound of the organ or a choral anthem, it transforms the music into something transcendent. The visual beauty of the stained glass and the soaring vertical lines naturally li the eyes upward, while the resonance of the space li s the spirit. It creates an environment where reverence isn't just an abstract concept, but something you can physically feel vibrating in the air around you." The colors of stained-glass have traditionally expressed certain elements of faith. Red o en signified sacrifice, gold pointed to a sense of divine glory, and blue represented truth. For Poe, the contrast of colors and light holds meaning. His favorite part of the architecture at Christ Church is "the play between darkness and light. My absolute favorite element is our Nativity window. The glass traces the narrative from the Annunciation of Mary to the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, filled with gorgeous royal blues, deep reds, and vibrant golds." Recognizing the work of artisans in our sacred places means attending to the history of when these places were built. "The architecture stands as a physical manifestation of prayer and tradition, but it is also a powerful reminder of our complex history," said Poe. "Knowing that this beautiful, enduring space was built by the hands of enslaved people adds a profound, sobering depth to my reverence. Being surrounded by their cra smanship is deeply humbling. It inspires faith by reminding us that we are part of a much larger, ongoing story, providing a hallowed stillness where we can honor their legacy, quiet our minds, and connect with the divine." We need to name those tensions, even as we are inspired by visual sacraments. Whichever way we connect to the larger story of our faiths, may we find sacred images that invite us to imagine and live into more hope and peace. Tell us your favorite sacred spot in Macon. Tag @maconmagazine on social we disagree. I sensed a deep hope and excitement for the next clergy gathering for civic engagement. May we look towards faith leaders who are willing to weave a shared leadership. Mulberry United Methodist Church invites worshippers to consider their lives in relationship to the Creator, both inside and outside. Pastor Jack Varnell said, "Walking into the sanctuary at Mulberry is a breathtaking experience." And, "My life only makes sense when I remember and acknowledge that God is God and that I am not." Historically, stained-glass artists design images to be used as educational tools; each window tells a part of a biblical story. Varnell says the windows at Mulberry UMC speak volumes. "In the beauty of this sacred place, I am reminded of that story weekly, and I find peace, joy, and hope. God is with us and all shall be well." Outside, a large labyrinth inspires faithful practices for the congregation. In the courtyard near the sanctuary, the labyrinth offers a place for reflection, to embody the idea of a spiritual journey. "Last year, during our observance of 'The Longest Night,' we invited people to come and experience the labyrinth as a time of self-guided prayer and solitude. I took part in that journey myself and was struck by how long it takes to make your way through the labyrinth. In our fast- paced world, I o en want things to happen quickly. The labyrinth intentionally invites us to move at a different pace," said Varnell, "God li s us up and goes with us as we press on in the journey of faith and life." For Jonathan Poe, director of music "Being surrounded by their craftsmanship is deeply humbling. It inspires faith by reminding us that we are part of a much larger, ongoing story." The labyrinth at Mulberry UMC.