The Right Side Chancel Window

To the right of the altar is the picture of Christ standing at the door and knocking, We read in Revelations these words of Christ,” Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” In worship Christ comes to us. His work for all mankind is the focus of the church’s life these windows teach great lessons about our Savior and bring a great comfort to us.

The Chancel Windows

On either side of the altar are long lancet windows which throw light into the Sanctuary and onto the altar.  These windows do not glare into the eyes of the worshippers but can be viewed as they approach the altar to receive the Lord’s Supper.  To the left of the altar is a life size figure of Christ the Good Shepherd holding a lamb in his arms. Jesus tells us, “I am the Good Shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11 Since Christ and His work for all mankind is the focus of the church’s life these windows bring a great comfort to us.

The Choir Window

THE CHOIR WINDOW

"The Lutheran Church"-(a) A Missionary Church, (b) A Confessional Church, (c) A Singing Church.

The central panel shows Christ sending out disciples: "Preach the Gospel to every Creature."

The left panel brings the outstanding scene of the quadricentennial of the Augsburg Confession: Chancellor Bayer reading the Augsburg Confession to Emperor Charles V on June 25, 1530. King Ferdinand of Austria stands at the side of the Emperor.

The other panel shows three great musicians of the Lutheran Church. The Lutheran Church is known as the singing Church, and it has reason to be proud of its musical heritage. Luther, the father of the choral, is the central figure of this group. Before Luther's day the congregation remained silent during the service. Through his endeavor the congregation again received the right to "come into His presence with singing and into His courts with praise". Not only did Luther write many chorals himself, but he also urged his friends who were musically inclined to do the same. We have thirty-seven of his hymns in our hymnal. His" A Mighty Fortress is our God", of which he composed both the words and the mu­sic has been translated into many languages. Luther is pictured with a lute in his hand, the instrument of which he was so fond. At Luther's left stands Paul Gerhardt, the Asaph of the Lutheran Church, 1607-1676, whose hymns, though composed in days of storm and distress and persecution, nevertheless breathe the wonderful comfort and courage of a trusting child of God. We have hymns by him for almost every occasion of the Church year, forty-two in all. The best known of his hymns are, "0 Bleeding Head and Wounded"  (0 Haupt voll Blut und Wunden) and "Commit Whatever Grieves Thee" (Befiehl Du Deine Wege). At Luther's right, nearest to the organ console, stands John Sebastian Bach (1685­1750), the great Lutheran organist, whose masterpieces excell in more than one respect anything that has been written for the organ since he composed those grand religious oratorios, like the Matthews Passion or the Christmas Oratorio. most of Bach's compositions were written for his own use in the St. Thomas Church and School at Leipsig, where he was organist and choir director" None of his music was given into print during his lifetime, Land only in recent years is his music being appreciated, as it deserves to be appreciated. The Lutheran Church has received a rich heritage of organ and choral music this genius of the organ. This legacy continues at Zion Lutheran Church in her various choirs and instrumental music groups that use their gifts to celebrate God's love in worship.

What Can You Learn From Windows?

I have added several new pictures of our windows at church. As one considers these windows and the story they tell, we see the central figure is Christ. Christ is the focus of our worship. His death on the cross has redeemed us from the curse which keeps us separated from God.  We have now been reconciled or brought back into a "saved" relationship with our God because of what Christ has done for us.  Now we join in this place of worship to thank and praise Him so that we might also serve and obey Him.  May God Bless your day!

The West Transept Window

The west transept windows show three panels which illustrate, The Word and Sacraments”. These are the means which God uses to continue to deliver His grace to people today, Just as water mains below the road delivers water to each household, so God’s promise made to us in Baptism brings the reality of Jesus’s cleansing to our fallen souls. In Baptism , we are born into God family and made heirs of our heavenly Father’s gifts and treasures, of which forgiveness and eternal life are a part. 

The West Transept Window

The west transept windows show three panels which illustrate, The Word and Sacraments”. These are the means which God uses to continue to deliver His grace to people today, Just as water mains below the road delivers water to each household, so God’s spoken, read, and proclaimed word continues to deliver the Good News of sin forgive to the individual hearts of people. The Word is illustrated as Jesus visits the home of Mary and Martha. While Martha prepares to serve Jesus, Mary sits and listens to His Word, the “One Thing Needful”. 

The East Clerestory Window

The east clerestory window above Christ, the Victor, shows the shows a cross, a crown and palm branches. Through the cross we reach the crown.” Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 . The palm branch denotes triumph and victory. 

The East Clerestory Window

The east clerestory window above Christ, the Victor, shows the shows an anchor. “If Christ be not raised your faith is in vain; you are yet in your sin,” Paul writes to the Corinthians. However, because He was raised we have confidence in His salvation. “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” Hebrews 6:19  

Christ, the Victor; The East Aisle Window #3

The east aisle window #3, shows the resurrection of our Lord.  This window is treated symbolically showing the risen Savior with the banner of victory.  Mary and a Roman Centurion are worshipping Him. As our victorious Savior we too gather to worship Him.  He is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving because of the price He willingly paid for our forgiveness and freedom. 

The Clerestory Window Above Elijah

The west clerestory above aisle window #3, shows a Hebrew Scroll. As Elijah was a prophet and used scrolls as a record for their words, these scrolls give witness to the courage, fear and trials experienced by the prophets as they called God’s children to trust in the God who had brought them out of Egypt and lead them into the Promised Land. Today, we have these words in a book. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The West Aisle Window #3

The west aisle window #3, shows the prophet Elijah being taken up in a whirlwind. His ascension is symbolic of our Lord’s Ascension when His task on earth was finished. Read about all the ministry of Elijah as he spoke the Word of God to wicked King Ahab in 1 Kings 17:1-1 Kings 2:11. Witness the courage and the fear in the heart of a man who speaks the truth under some very challenging days in the lives of God’s children.. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The East Side Windows

The windows on the east side of the Sanctuary are now more subdued due to our new addition but if you look closely you can see the Crucifixion of our Lord. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” The sacrifice that has overcome sin and death is Christ alone. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The East Side Clerestory Windows

The clerestory windows on the east side of the sanctuary above the crucifixion show symbols of the passion. The first is the “cup of suffering”. Jesus said, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39. The sacrifice that has overcome sin and death is was the cup of suffering Jesus drank for us.. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The East Side Clerestory Windows

The clerestory windows, those highest in the sanctuary, on the east side of the sanctuary above the crucifixion window show symbols of our Lord’s passion. The second panel shows the crown of thorns and four spikes which were the instruments of His torture and suffering. Jesus suffered more than just the physical pain of a man, He also suffered separation from His Father in heaven because of our sin. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The West Side Clerestory Window

The West side Clerestory windows above the window showing the sacrifice of Isaac we see the symbols of Old Testament worship. The first window shows an altar with a burning sacrifice. The offering of an unblemished male lamb cost the giver some of his or her livelihood. It was a statement of trust in God who would ultimately send the true Lamb who would take away the sin of the world. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

Abrahma and Isaac

The Second Window on the West Side of the Sanctuary

Moving toward the front of the sanctuary on the west side of the nave the second window shows Abraham offering Isaac which points to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for the win of the world. You can read about Abraham in Genesis 22. This was also a test of Abraham’s faith in God. When Isaac asked where the lamb for the burnt offering was, Abrahamtold him, “God Himself will provide the lamb.” Jesus was that lamb.

The Ten Commandments

The six main windows on each side of the sanctuary have corresponding emblems high above in the “clerestory”. The West side depicts Old Testament events and the East side New Testament. Above the West window showing Adam and Eve driven out of the Garden we see a world encircled by a serpent to show the all-embracing power of sin. Next to it is the emblem of the Ten Commandments which show mankind what sin is. “For by the Law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20 If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The Story in Stained Glass

The sanctuary where the members of Zion Lutheran Church worship was deigned to give honor to God for the gift of His Son. The story of our Redemption and God's intervention in our world is told by the stained glass windows. This description was given in the 50th Anniversary booklet of our congregation. "The purpose of a window is to admit light into the Church. The kind of light desired is not the brilliant and blinding sunlight, but rather a soft and subdued light, which will be both restful to the eye and also conducive to the quiet atmosphere, which is so necessary for proper religious worship. Therefore, the chief object in using colored glass is to get the desired lighting effect. If at the same time we can make the windows speak the sign language of the Church and tell the old story of Jesus and His love, so much the better. The colored glass is a Norman slab of varying thickness, six different shades of color having been used.

The windows in the nave, choir and transept con­tain grouped medallions; the chancel windows and the balcony window contain full-size figures, while emblems have been used in the clerestory and in the sacristies.

The general scheme, together with the list of subjects, was furnished by the committee, designed and manufactured by the Detroit Stained Glass Works, which took every pain to carry out the ideas and suggestions given them." I hope the next time you are in church the windows and their story will help you to see the blessing of Salvation we've been given in Jesus.

The Clerestory Windows

The six main windows on each side of the sanctuary have corresponding emblems high above in the “clerestory”. The West side depicts Old Testament events and the East side New Testament. In the clerestory window above the West window showing Adam and Eve driven out of the Garden of Eden by tan angel with a fiery sword, we see a world encircled by a serpent to show the all-embracing power of sin. The fall brought sin into all of creation. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The Winged Man

The main window over the front entrance symbolizes the Bible, which is “the Word of God written by inspiration of the Holy Spirit to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Today’s picture shows one of figures from the tracery windows above the four main figures. They show symbols of the four Evangelists. The winged man signifies the human nature of our Lord Jesus. This is also the symbol for Matthew's Gospel We will describe the other parts of this window in future articles. These windows can best be viewed from the balcony. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The Winged Ox

The main window over the front entrance symbolizes the Bible, which is “the Word of God" written by inspiration of the Holy Spirit using the Holy Prophets in the Old Testament and the Apostles and Evangelists in the New Testament. Today’s picture shows one of figures from the tracery windows above the four main figures. They show the symbols of the four Evangelists. The winged ox testifies as to the Lord’s priestly office, for the Ox is the emblem of sacrifice. The priest is the person called by God to offer the sacrifice for the sin of the people. We will describe the other parts of this window in future articles. These windows can best be viewed from the balcony.

The Bible - Jesus- True Man

THE BIBLE

The main window over the front entrance symbolizes the Bible, which is “the Word of God written by inspiration of the Holy Spirit using the Holy Prophets in the Old Testament and the Apostles and Evangelists in the New Testament." Today’s picture shows one of figures from the tracery windows above the four main figures. The winged man signifies the human nature of our Lord. We will describe the other parts of this window in future articles. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

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The Word

This is the center panel in the West Transept window. All three windows show the “Word and Sacraments”. This window depicts Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha. While Martha was concerned about the preparations and serving Jesus, Mary sat at His feet to allow Jesus to serve her His Word. Jesus commended Mary for doing the “One thing needful.” The study of God’s Word is too often neglected because of so many other things, but it is the Word of God that is necessary. Read of this event yourself in Luke 10:38-42 If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The Lord's Supper

This is one of the panels in the West Transept window. All three windows show the “Word and Sacraments”. This window depicts Jesus at the house of the two disciples He walked with on the road to Emmaus the evening of His resurrection day. Jesus was recognized in the breaking of the bread. The window reminds those who worship of the Lord’s Supper which is also called the Breaking of the bread. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

Victory

This is the East Aisle Window #3. Since the construction of the new addition is may be harder to see. It is the resurrection of Christ showing the Savior with a banner of victory. Mary and a Roman Centurion are worshipping Him. As we celebrate our Lord’s Resurrection this weekend may the light of His love and compassion shine into your heart and give you victory over the challenges you meet this week.If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

Sword

This symbol is hidden away in the Pastor’s Sacristy; the small room on the pulpit side where the Pastor’s prepare for the service. The most important the Pastor uses is represented by the Sword. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:17, “In all circumstance take up… the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” The only offensive weapon the Christian has with which to fight the forces of evil and deception is God’s Word written for us in the Bible. Keep the sword God gave you sharp. Listen carefully and study diligently. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

Tools

It is good for us to be reminded of the two things represented by these tools. The tongs remind me of my sin and the need to be purified by someone or something that is pure and clean. God provided the coal held by tongs such as these. The saw reminds me of the price people have paid in order to witness to God's truth. This courage allowed God's Word to makes its way to my ears. I thank God for those who had such courage so I could hear God's Word tell me, my sins are forgiven. These tools are displayed at Zion Lutheran Church above the Prophet Isaiah on the large or main window in the back of the sanctuary in the balcony. The window shows the Prophet who painted the clearest picture of the coming Redeemer in the Old Testament. The reason these tools are above Isaiah is because a saw is the instrument of his reputed martyrdom, and a pair of tongs with which the angel had taken a live coal and touched his lips (Isaiah 6:6- 7).

The Lantern

This symbol is carved on the front of the altar. It is a lantern in the midst of the grape vines John wrote, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” John 1:4-5 Every time we look at the altar and hear the words of God proclaimed from the altar we are receiving the Light that shines in the darkness. May we always walk in the light which Christ gives to us.

Strange Bird Symbol

You will have to look very carefully to see this symbol. It is on a tile on the floor of the chancel. Most likely you've walked over it when you attend communion. It is a stylized depiction of a pelican parents and their young in their nest. The pelican is a symbol of the Atonement. The symbol of the pelican, unlike many early Christian symbols, is almost exclusively Christian. The symbol came about as the bird was observed by ancient naturalists. When viewing the pelican, they noticed it had a red tip on its long bill. When the pelican started to prune its feathers, it appeared to be ripping open its breast so as to feed its young with its own blood. The pelican story was a perfect symbol for the Atonement, where Jesus allowed Himself to be pierced so that we may live. The pelican was a very popular symbol during the Middle Ages. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The Torch

You will not see the stained glass window unless you go into the pastor’s sacristy on the west side of the chancel. It is a torch, because God’s Word which is proclaimed by the pastor provides illumination for the faithful life of the Christian. The specific verse which tells us this is; “Thv Word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note. Watch next week for this one.

Symbols, Pictures & Lessons

The building we worship in is unique. The symbols, stained glass windows, the wood carvings, and even the light fixtures express truths about the God who comes to meet His people in the place. Many of these are overlooked and even walked over without a thought. Some cannot be seen when sitting in the pew. Therefore, this week and in future blog posts I will display a photograph of one of these items and then share some thoughts about why it may have been included in our worship space. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note. Watch for information about this stained glass image next week.

Fellow Redeemed,

I have just completed reading this book. As Christians we not only talk about sin, guilt and shame, but we also talk about forgiveness. We have the forgiveness of all our failures because Jesus died for us. However, the scares and wounds made by the failures are still used by the enemy to keep us in the darkness, disconnected and isolated from our brothers and sisters, separated and lonely while our beings seek to be connected. Shame has a way of building barriers. Brene Brown in this books gives insight into how shame works and what we can do to challenge its choke hold on our culture and our lives and families.

Blessings & Peace as you grow in grace,

Pastor John

I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn't): Telling the Truth About Perfectionism, Inadequacy, and Power by Brené Brown

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I wish I had read this book a long time ago. The information, ideas and conclusions in this book require more than just a single read through once. While I finished read the book today for the first time, this is a book which needs to be studied so that the concepts can be put into practice and shame resilience can become a honed skill in our lives. Though this book was written primarily with women in focus, both genders grow up in a culture of shame. I am glad that Brene included a brief assessment of shame and men in the last chapter. I would recommend this book to everyone. My guess is that they would discovery something incredible about their own lives as a result. The culture would then be changed. Thanks for your courage in learning about shame and its impact on people's lives so hope can be restored.



View all my reviews

Infant Baptism

Whose idea was it to perform baptism? Jesus said, "Go and make disciples baptizing them..." He didn't say wait until they reach a certain age. Jesus also said, "You must be 'born again'". The individual who is born had nothing to do with the first birth. There was no conscience decision about when and where and to whom they would be born. The person who was born was entirely passive. The decision was made for him or her by someone else. This is no small reality. Life was given to that child. Now that child must be protected, nourished, nurtured, taught and provided an environment for growth, otherwise the child will die. Even an adult needs an environment for growth in order to live. Many elderly people have died needlessly because they were left in an environment which did not provide these things. An example of this very reality happens in the summer heat or the frigid temperatures of winter, or because some one falls and can't get up and can't get up to the phone to call for help.

We need to understand that just as God gives life to an individual seed, whether of corn, wheat, soybeans or even maple trees, God gives life to each of us. He gives physical life at our birth. He gives spiritual life, renewed life in our baptism. This second birth is not our choice, just as the first was not our choice.

However, once the gift of spiritual life is bestowed it MUST be placed in an environment where it can be nourished, protected, nurtured and provided a place where that life can thrive. This reality is where the congregation, the church, the living, breathing, life-sustaining Body of Christ comes into play. It provides the environment for growth. This truth can not be taken for granted. We need to see how God supplies us with the resources for life and continued growth. These resources are in His Word (Bible Study) and Sacrament. Cut off from these is like a tree up-rooted and left to die.

We have a wonderful gift in this relationship God gave us in Baptism, now we play a part in keeping it alive and healthy. God's children need to recognize the value of worship and Bible Study and their relationship of service within the local congregation so that they may be a part of the environment of growth for others.

Blessed to be a blessing,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

Everything is Connected

I have been thinking about keeping this blog current with interesting topics that will build up the members of Zion Lutheran Church. Recently, I have been reading several books beside the Bible of course. One of the books talked about how everything is connected. John Muir, the naturalist once said, "When we try to pick anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." The same is true when it comes to our relationship with Jesus. My faith impacts the people around me. My sin has a way of hurting others who I never realized I was hurting. The good things I do also touch people beyond those I may know. Consider the child who learns to love because he or she sees parents loving others. If they grow to love they are effecting many others. Our faith and obedience to Christ does touch others. This is why it is so vital and important that we learn what and how Christ what His children to be. We are blessed to be a blessing.
Blessings & Peace,
Pastor John