Stephen Parker from The Pointe Church in Fort Wayne, IN brings us this awesome, dynamic set piece that looks like a rising sun.
Their series was called Mercy Rising. The set featured a sun suspended with wire with the ability to raise up and down. They got the idea from the Broadway Lion King set and created their own design for the sun. Using lighting, they made the room appear as if a sun was rising on stage.
Creating Symbolic Stage Elements for Worship
The rising sun is one of the most powerful symbols in Christian worship, representing resurrection, new beginnings, and the dawning of God’s grace. When this church created a physical sun that could literally rise during their Mercy Rising series, they transformed abstract theology into tangible experience. Congregants didn’t just hear about rising—they saw it happening before their eyes.
This approach to stage design recognizes that worship engages multiple senses. While spoken word and music address hearing, visual symbols reach people through sight. When those symbols move—when they change position or appearance during a service—they create memorable moments that stick with people long after the final song. The sun rising slowly during a key moment becomes a sermon illustration that requires no explanation.
The Broadway inspiration behind this design points to an important truth: churches can learn from professional theatre. Broadway productions have mastered the art of visual storytelling through set design, lighting, and motion. While churches have different budgets and purposes, the principles remain the same. Movement on stage captures attention. Transformation creates impact.
For churches considering similar symbolic elements, the key is intentionality. Every visual element should serve the message, not distract from it. The rising sun worked because it directly connected to the series theme. Random decorations, no matter how beautiful, don’t have the same impact as symbols that reinforce what you’re teaching.
Related Designs
- Cross and Fabric – Another fabric-based design creating powerful symbolism
- Easter City – Symbolic stage design for Easter celebration
- Risen Words – Typography-based Easter design
- Light Separated – Dramatic lighting for impactful moments
- Beacon Poles – Vertical elements creating visual focal points
Pro Tips for Creating Moving Stage Elements
Safety First: Any moving element needs secure rigging. Use appropriate hardware rated for your weight loads. Test movement extensively before services. Have a backup plan if the mechanism fails—can you position it statically and still achieve your goal? Never compromise on safety for visual impact.
Control the Speed: Movement should be slow and deliberate. A sun that rises too quickly looks mechanical rather than miraculous. Consider using pulleys and counterweights rather than motors for smoother, more controllable motion. Practice the timing so movement happens at exactly the right moment in your service flow.
Lighting Makes the Magic: The sun’s appearance depends entirely on how you light it. Experiment with different angles and colors. Warm amber creates a sunrise feel. Adding gobos or breakup patterns creates texture. Consider how the lighting changes as the sun rises—starting dim and building to full brightness mirrors the natural sunrise.
Connect to Content: Don’t move elements arbitrarily. The rising sun worked because it connected to the sermon series. If you can’t explain in one sentence why something moves, reconsider whether it should. Every kinetic element should serve the story you’re telling.
Hi:
I had a question about your rising sun. I am doing the production of the Lion King and have embarked on the mission of building this sun, but have not found on line a place to go and see what would be the best strategy to do so and which materials work best. I was wondering if you could give me a bit of info on how you guys built yours. Thanks so much.
Hey Tesha! When is your production? Maybe we could pass it on to you? If not, then our tech director Stephen can get with you.
Oh that would be awesome. May 13th wow that would be amazing.
Tesha, could we borrow this now?
Hi! We have one in Los Angeles two weekends is March! Could we please borrow first?
Hi I would like to rent the sun for The Lion King on May 23rd and 24th. I would need it by May 19th
Hi,
Wow this is beautiful and are looking to purchase or borrow and pass along again for our dance production. Is this available?
Hi! I am also in charge of making a sun rise and fall for a school Lion King production. I hit a wall looking for durable clear, almost invisible, rope to use to move the sun up then down, and to not show against a “peach sky” background, and then a black background. What “rope” did you use? I’d appreciate any input! Thank you!!
Would love to know dimensions and cloth used. Would purchase if anyone has it for sale. Would love to use for our upcoming vbs. Thanks so much.
I’m the set designer for a local community theater. We are doing Lion King Jr. I, too, am curious of rough dimensions and fabric you used to create this? Thank you.
Hi,
We are also doing the Lion King Jr. I, too have the above similar questions…Thank you!
Do you still have the? Do you rent it out? If not, do you have more information as to how you made it? We are doing The Lion King Jr as well. Thank you!
Do you still have the? Do you rent it out? If not, do you have more information as to how you made it? We are doing The Lion King Jr as well. Thank you so much!
I am interested in how this was made and if it can be rented June 3-20
interested in renting October 2021 or info on how it was made
I am interested in detailed construction directions as well! This is awesome! Thank you so much for the idea.
Hi I would like to rent this sun for the lion king jr play. If you have one, please email the email below!
Is your sun available to rent?
What are the measurements for the rising Sun for the lion King? I need to do one for our Schools production of lion King kids. How much Clock do I need to purchase dowels?