I Am Multi-Purpose

Duncan Campbell from New Braunfels Church of Christ (Youth Group) in New Braunfels, Texas brings us this awesome typography piece that has multiple areas of illumination. (projection, blacklight, and LED lighting)

From Duncan:

Supplies
Six foot letters I, A, M, from San Antonio Foam Fabricators (on hand from a previous series)
6 cinder blocks
6 black pillowcases
8 2×4 @ 96″
2 2×4 @ 120″
Deck screws
8 yards of 118″ black cotton (JoAnn)
Black matte spray paint for the frame
4 bottles UVfx Black Light Poster Paint
8 RGB PARcans
8 blacklight tubes (on hand from another event)

Total spent: Around $400, but this would have easily doubled if we would have had to order the letters. We used one truss mounted projector for the I AM and two others for the lyrics and backgrounds. We ran ProPresenter 6 on two separate Macs to achieve the look.

Process
First, we made the frame out of the 2x4s, then stapled the black cotton to it. Next, we put the cinder blocks inside the pillowcases and spaced them according to the letters to create the illusion that they were floating. Then we painted “with you” all over the letters and “Always” on the back ground with the UV paint, which is invisible under normal light. Then we mapped video to the letters using MaskeR-Aid from CrowdControlGames.com. During the worship, we used the PARs or mapped video or both to create different looks. The final night’s lesson was I Am the Light of the World, which was when we revealed the UV paint; the set was used as an object lesson. He’s been there with us the whole time but sometimes he’s impossible to see until we use the right kind of light.

Multi-Layered Lighting for Dynamic Worship Environments

This innovative stage design from New Braunfels Church of Christ demonstrates the power of combining multiple lighting techniques to create a worship environment that transforms throughout your service. By integrating projection mapping, blacklight effects, and traditional LED lighting, this design offers incredible versatility without requiring complex set changes or additional physical elements.

The genius of this approach lies in its layered reveal. During regular worship moments, the RGB PARcans provide colorful washes that can shift with the mood of each song—warm ambers for intimate moments, vibrant blues for energetic praise, or deep purples for reflective times. The projection-mapped video content on the letters adds dynamic visual interest that can be customized for any sermon series or seasonal theme.

But the true magic happens when the blacklights activate. The UV-reactive paint, invisible under normal lighting, suddenly illuminates to reveal hidden messages: “with you” and “Always.” This dramatic reveal creates a powerful teaching moment that reinforces the message of God’s constant presence. The congregation experiences the truth that God is always there, even when we cannot see Him—a visual metaphor that resonates deeply with believers of all ages.

For youth groups especially, this multi-sensory approach engages students who have grown up in a visual culture. The surprise element of the blacklight reveal creates memorable moments that help spiritual truths stick. The design proves that effective youth ministry environments don’t require massive budgets—just creativity and thoughtful integration of lighting technologies.

Working with Foam Letters and Typography in Stage Design

Large-scale typography has become increasingly popular in church stage design, and for good reason. Letters create immediate visual impact, communicate themes clearly, and provide excellent surfaces for projection mapping. The six-foot foam letters used in this design demonstrate how dimensional type can anchor a stage while remaining lightweight and manageable.

When sourcing large letters, consider local foam fabricators, sign shops, or even theatrical supply companies. Many churches have successfully created their own letters using rigid insulation foam from hardware stores, though professional fabrication ensures cleaner edges and more durable results. If purchasing pre-made letters, look for high-density foam that can withstand handling and storage without chipping or denting.

The floating illusion created by hiding cinder blocks in black pillowcases is a clever solution to a common staging challenge. Heavy bases are necessary for stability, but they don’t have to be visible. This technique can be adapted for any freestanding stage element—wrap weights, sandbags, or structural supports in fabric that matches your backdrop, and they effectively disappear from view.

Projection mapping onto dimensional letters requires some technical preparation, but tools like MaskeR-Aid make the process accessible even for volunteers without extensive video experience. The key is creating a mask that matches the exact contours of your letters, allowing video content to appear only on the letter surfaces while the background remains dark. This focused projection prevents light spill and creates crisp, professional-looking results.

Related Designs

• Word Lights – Andrew Leslie from Cambridge Community Church shares a creative LED pillar design featuring illuminated typography and pixel-mapped lighting effects.
• Glowing in Circle – Discover how circular lighting arrangements and geometric forms can create intimate and engaging worship environments.
• Lights and Patterns – A creative approach to using light and geometric patterns to transform your worship space with dynamic visual interest.
• A Brighter Worship – Learn how Grace Bible Church transformed their outdated lighting system into a modern, efficient setup with LED technology.
• Cool Cold – The House church demonstrates how painted branches and creative lighting can create stunning winter atmosphere on a minimal budget.

Pro Tips for Multi-Purpose Stage Designs

Plan Your Lighting Zones: When combining multiple lighting types, map out which fixtures control which areas. In this design, the RGB PARcans provide general washes, the blacklights create the UV reveal, and the projectors handle video content. Having distinct control over each layer allows you to build moments—starting with basic lighting, adding projection for energy, and culminating in the blacklight reveal for maximum impact.

Test UV Paint Before Committing: Not all blacklight paints perform equally. Test your chosen paint under your actual blacklight fixtures before applying it to your set pieces. Some paints glow more brightly than others, and colors can shift under UV light. Apply test patches and view them from audience distance to ensure the effect reads clearly in your space.

Projection Mapping Preparation: Create your video content at the correct aspect ratio for your letters to prevent distortion. If your letters are tall and narrow, vertical video formats work better than standard 16:9. Test your projection alignment before services—small adjustments to projector position can make significant differences in how cleanly the content maps to your dimensional surfaces.

Create Reusable Elements: The foam letters and black fabric backdrop can serve multiple sermon series with different lighting and projection treatments. Store letters carefully to prevent damage, and consider creating a modular backdrop system that can be reconfigured for various designs. This approach maximizes your investment and makes future set changes faster and more affordable.

Related: Multi-Purpose Squares – See how SALT Nashville created versatile LED squares that work as projection surfaces, pixel-mapped displays, and symbolic stage elements.