winban

God gave His people a desire for beauty and color in their places of worship from early Bible accounts.

Leaving Egypt, the children of Israel wandered for many years in the desert as they sought the Promised Land. God gave them instructions for the construction of a portable church -- the Tabernacle. It was colorful and beautifully adorned, a fitting place to worship God. Colors mentioned were purple, blue, and scarlet. Vessels were of silver and gold.

Banners have long been Christian symbols of joy and victory. Stained glass windows are the glory of church structures.

These banners and altar cloth draw from names for Jesus used in scripture and from Christian symbols for Jesus Christ. Used here is a fabric version of stained glass art.

AND YOU SHALL CALL HIS NAME JESUS

Matthew 1:22

KING OF KINGS LORD OF LORDS

I Timothy 6:15 Revelation 17:14

	Open Bible- Jesus is the Word *John 1:1* The Bible is God’s message of Him
	Butterfly-rebirth-new life Jesus said, ”I am the resurrection and the life.” *John 11:25*
	Candle— “I am the light of the world.” *John 8:12*
	Chi Rho— First two letters of the Greek word for Christ
	Trinity symbol, Father, Son, Holy Spirit
	Celtic Cross- an early form of the cross, symbol of His sacrifice for us
	Maltese Cross— another style of cross, dating from the Crusades
	Cup- ”This cup is the new Covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” *Luke 22:20*
	Dove- The Holy Spirit-given to Jesus at baptism and given to us when Jesus went to the Father. Our down payment on eternal life. *Matthew 3:16-17*
	Fish- Secret sign used by early Christians First letters of “Jesus Christ, God’s son, Savior, ”spell Greek word “fish”
	Grapes and wheat- Body and blood of Jesus, *Matthew 26:26—29*, which we commemorate at the communion table

	Lamb- ”Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” *John 1:29*
	Lily of the Valley Rose of Sharon Song of Solomon 2:1 This love story is often interpreted as the love between Christ & church

	Shell with drops of water— symbolism of Jesus’ baptism—Matthew 3:13—17 and our baptism
	Star- Bethlehem star Matthew 2:2 Jesus is the bright and morning star *Revelation 22:16*
	Corner Stone- Ephesians 2:20 (Also a quilt block named Baby Block. Done in blue, it reminds us of a baby boy, born in a manager.
	Holly and berries- Crown of thorns and drops of blood
	Vine— Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. John 10
	Crown- Jesus is now crowned with glory and honor. Hebrews 2:9
	Shepherd’s Crook- ”I am the good shepherd...” *John 10:14*
	Fourth Man— *Daniel 3:25* Three faithful young men in the fiery furnace were protected when a fourth man appeared. The symbol of four sides around the red flame reminds us that Jesus also appeared in the Old Testament.

Scarlet Thread- Around each banner runs a scarlet band, rich in symbolism--the blood on the door of the Israelites in Egypt, the scarlet thread protecting Rahab when the Israelites took Jericho, the precious blood of Jesus paying for our sins. Joshua 2:17, Exodus 12:13—23, I John 1:7

(The above was beautifully created by Jeanne Park and is a source of inspiration to all who gaze upon it every week). Thank you, Jeanne, and God's richest blessings be upon you!

THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 15, 2004 THE LONG-AWAITED STAINED-GLASSED WINDOWS WERE INSTALLED!! (Below are the words on the handout given to the congregation on Sunday, November 21, 2004):

Or was the word awe? Or was it beautiful, or breathtaking. Oh...the problem with superlatives is that they can never fully grasp all we feel in our hearts and souls. Choose your own words to describe the changes in our worship environment.

May these gifts of grace always direct our worship to the one true and living God, our Father, The Almighty. Praise God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

As you gaze upon the beautiful windows and search them for the many wonderful details, please note the following: