Word Lights

Andrew Leslie from Cambridge Community Church in Cambridge, UK brings us this stage design incorporating different lighting elements.

The design was for Cambridge Community Church’s yearly Ascend Mens’ Conference.

The conference’s theme this year was ‘Cracking the Code’ so Andrew decided to keep the design simple. Without haze, eye candy and lots of color were needed to keep the shots interesting throughout the day. So he decided to base his design around 4 central pillars, each with either 3 or 4 Led Pars and 4 Chromlech Elidy-S Panels. The Elidy, gave him lots of scope for different looks and with the added bonus of being able to pixel map them, he was able make multiple effective Lighting States throughout the day. And the LED pars gave him really nice colors and backlight to his design, which gave the small stage a lot of depth.

He kept lots of color in his looks throughout the day and didn’t always use every fixture in each song to avoid repetition.

All the cabling was loomed and all fixtures where addressed in the warehouse of the hire company the day before, meaning when the kit arrived at the venue it only took Andrew an hour to set it all up and test it by himself.

Photo Credit to Phil Hearing | www.philhearingphotography.com // C3 Media Team

LD: Andrew Leslie

Equipment Supplied by Siyan Ltd.

Equipment Included:
14 x Chauvet ColorDash Tri
16 x Chromlech Elidy-S Panels
4 x Source 4 Zoom
4 x Par 64 Floor Cans
12 x Showtec 9Q6 Tours
2 x Studio Due CS4’s
4 x 4 Cell Pixel Bars4 x Showtec 575 Explorer Spots1 x Arkaos MediaMaster Pro 3 Server

Media Content: Mostly Church Motion Graphics
Control: ChamSys MQ60 and 2 Extra Playback Wings

Understanding LED Pixel Mapping for Church Stages

The Chromlech Elidy-S panels used in this design represent one of the most versatile tools available for modern church stage lighting. These innovative fixtures combine the power of LED technology with pixel mapping capabilities, allowing lighting designers to create dynamic visual displays that can transform any worship space. Pixel mapping essentially turns your lighting fixtures into a giant video screen, where each light becomes a pixel that can display colors, patterns, and even video content in real-time.

For churches working with limited budgets, understanding how to maximize LED fixtures like the Elidy-S can dramatically elevate your stage design without requiring expensive video walls or projection systems. The key lies in strategic placement and creative programming. By positioning these panels as central pillars, Andrew created vertical columns of light that draw the eye upward—a technique that works exceptionally well in church environments where the focus should naturally ascend.

The Showtec 9Q6 Tours and Chauvet ColorDash Tri fixtures complement the pixel-mapped panels by providing wash lighting and color fills. This combination of pixel-mappable fixtures with traditional LED pars creates layers of visual interest. When planning your own lighting design, consider how different fixture types can work together. Pixel-mapped elements create focal points and visual excitement, while wash lights provide the foundation of color that sets the emotional tone for each moment of your service.

Related Designs

• Lights and Patterns – A stunning LED light bar design featuring geometric patterns and DMX-controlled sequences perfect for modern worship environments.
• Glowing in Circle – Circular LED stage design creating a warm, inviting atmosphere with innovative circular fixture arrangements.
• Bay Windows – Architectural stage design using framed lighting elements to create depth and dimension.
• Tall Columns – Vertical stage elements with angular lighting that creates dramatic shadows and highlights.
• A Journey of Light and Unity – Inspirational lighting design focused on creating community through strategic illumination.

Pro Tips for LED Stage Lighting

Pre-Address Your Fixtures: Andrew’s approach of addressing all fixtures at the hire company warehouse the day before is a game-changer. This preparation meant his entire setup took only one hour on-site. When working with multiple LED fixtures, always program and test your DMX addresses beforehand. Create a detailed patch list and label every cable clearly.

Create Varied Looks Without Overusing Fixtures: One of Andrew’s smartest techniques was not using every fixture in each song. This prevents visual fatigue and gives each lighting state more impact. Plan 4-6 distinct looks for your service, each using different combinations of your fixtures. This approach extends the visual storytelling throughout your worship experience.

Invest in Cable Management: The mention of “loomed” cabling might seem minor, but proper cable management saves hours during setup and teardown. Use Velcro wraps or cable looms to bundle DMX and power cables running to the same locations. Not only does this look professional, but it prevents cable damage and makes troubleshooting much faster.

Consider Your Camera Needs: Since this design was created for a conference that would be filmed, Andrew specifically considered how the lighting would appear on camera. Without haze (which can look muddy on video), he relied on bright, saturated colors and strong backlighting to create depth. If your services are livestreamed or recorded, test your lighting looks on camera before the service.

Related: Pointillism – A budget-friendly styrofoam ball stage design that creates stunning pointillism-inspired texture with LED lighting.

Related: A Brighter Worship – Discover how Grace Bible Church transformed their outdated lighting system into a modern, efficient setup that enhances both in-person and livestream worship experiences.