A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
On January 5, 1975, the first service was held in the original church building that we now use as Sunday School classrooms. Construction on a new sanctuary began in October 2003. Worship in the new sanctuary began in December 2004. This contemporary new sanctuary had 46 beautiful stained glass windows installed that tell His story. Beginning Feb 2, 2006, Pastor Larry Gilpin presented a series of morning messages to describe and illuminate the story behind each picture. With a short break in December, he preached his final sermon on Feb 18, 2007, on window #46 “Jesus the Alpha and Omega”.
01 One God
Symbolizes the creative hand of God the Father Almighty, the “Maker of heaven and earth.”
02 Lamb of God
This window symbolizes Jesus Christ, the second person of the godhead and the lamb of God, to whom belongs “blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever” (Revelation 5:13).
03 Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is symbolized in this window as a dove, the form in which the Spirit baptized Jesus and equipped Him for His earthly ministry. The Scriptures present the Spirit of God as co-eternal and co-equal with the Father and the Son.
04 Holy Trinity
This window presents dual symbols of the Trinity which emphasize the distinctness and the unity of the three persons of the godhead: One God in three persons.
05 Creation
This window presents God and the creator of all things, a teaching summed up in the words of Westminster Shorter Catechism answer 9, that God created “all things of nothing, by the word of His power, in the space of six days, and all very good.”
06 Theology Gone Awry
The temptation of man through the means of the serpent and man’s subsequent fall is represented in this window. Yet, we are reminded of God’s provision of grace amid His pronouncement of judgment and His promise of a redeemer in Genesis 3:15.
07 The New World Order
God’s covenant with Noah is highlighted in this window. God preserved Noah and his family and promised to preserve the earth, that the earth might bear testimony to Him and that He might have a people to worship and serve Him.
08 Fire for a Burnt Offering
This window pictures the fire for a burnt offering and the knife which Abraham took to Mount Moriah to slay his son, Isaac, in accordance with God’s command. God ultimately told Abraham to spare his son, unlike God’s own Son Jesus, who was not spared, but was “delivered up for us all.”
09 Coat of Many Colors
Joseph’s “coat of many colors” is pictured in this window. Even as Joseph was beloved by his father, rejected by his brethren, but raised up to a position of authority, so Jesus, the beloved Son of God, was rejected of men, but raised to God’s right hand with all power and authority.
10 Burning bush
This window presents the burning bush from which God spoke to Moses, revealing Himself as “I AM,” the God who is eternally self-existent, yet the savior of His people.
11 Blood Door Frame
This window pictures the Passover night, on which the Israelites placed the blood of a lamb on the doorposts of their houses and were spared God’s judgment upon sin.
12 Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments, the summary of God’s moral law which He gave to His redeemed people, are symbolized in this window.
13 ARK
The ark of the covenant is pictured in this window. The ark was a symbol of the presence of God among His people and was placed in the tabernacle and later in the temple.
14 Star of David
This window presents the Star of David, a symbol most commonly associated with Judaism and linked in Jewish thought with David and Solomon.
15 Scroll Scepter
The symbol in this window represents the Old Testament prophets, whom God called “My servants” and who faithfully spoke or wrote God’s inerrant truth.
16 Scroll Coal Tongs
The ministry of the prophet Isaiah is symbolized in this window. The tongs hold a burning coal, reminding one of the burning coal with which the seraph touched Isaiah’s lips and declared God’s forgiveness to the prophet (Isaiah 6:6-7).
17 Chi and Rho
This window combines two symbols from the Greek alphabet which represent Jesus Christ. The “Chi Rho” symbol utilizes the Greek letter Chi (which looks like the Roman alphabet X) superimposed over the elongated stem of the Greek letter Rho (which looks like the Roman alphabet P). The Chi and Rho are the first two letters in the Greek spelling of Christ (Christos). The Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, and symbolize the eternality of Jesus.
18 He Must Increase
The ministry of John the Baptist is highlighted in this window. John was the forerunner of the Messiah, who directed people to Jesus, the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)
19 Suffering & Victorious Servant
This window reminds us of the position of Jesus Christ as King and as Savior. The crown sets forth His kingship. The IHS is derived the first three Greek letters of the name Jesus (which means “He will save”) – iota-eta-sigma. The Greek letter eta (which looks like the letter n) was transliterated as the letter h in the Latin-speaking West, since the Greek eta and Latin-alphabet H had the same visual appearance and shared a common historical origin.
20 Perfect Timing
This window sets forth the birth of Christ, the Word who was in the beginning, who was with God, and who was God, but who also became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth (John 1:1,14).
21 My Son, Whom I Love
The baptism of Jesus by John is depicted by this window. Jesus insisted that John baptize Him in order “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15) and was publicly identified by God the Father as the beloved Son of God following His baptism by John.
22 The Shepherd Who Prays
This window presents the original twelve disciples of Jesus in the form of sheep, and the shepherd’s staff reminds us of the special relationship Jesus had with them. Ultimately, the window is an encouragement to all believers that they belong to Christ and that nothing will snatch them out of their shepherd’s hand (John 10:28).
23 Bread from the Bread of Life
The loaves and fishes in this window remind us of the dual miracles of Jesus in feeding the five thousand and the four thousand. They also remind us of the greater truth that Jesus is the “Bread of Life” who provides the eternal needs of our souls.
24 Consider the Lilies
The theme of lilies of the field and the birds of the air pictured in this window is derived from Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6. He reminds us that if God cares for His creation, He will surely care for His children and meet their ongoing needs. We can trust the provision of our heavenly Father.
25 Transfiguration
The gospel account of the transfiguration of Jesus is depicted in this window. Moses, representative of the law, and Elijah, representative of the prophets, appeared together with Jesus. Jesus’ glory was visibly demonstrated to His disciples who were present. Ultimately the disciples saw Jesus only, highlighting Jesus as the one to whom the law and prophets pointed and His superiority over all who had preceded Him. In addition, the voice of God the Father reminded them to listen to His Son.
26 Triumphal Entry
This window highlights Jesus’ “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem on what is now known as Palm Sunday. In this event, Jesus affirmed Himself as King. Yet as He entered the city on an animal associated with lowliness, He also presented the nature of His kingdom in this present age. It is a suffering, yet triumphant kingdom.
27 The Last Supper
The Last Supper of Jesus with His disciples is symbolized in this window. Jesus participated in this covenant meal with them, instituting the Lord’s Supper (Matthew (26:17-30). It was at this event that He also announced that one of His disciples would betray Him.
28 Peter’s Denial of Christ
Peter’s denial of Jesus is portrayed in this window. Peter protested that he would never fall away from the Lord even if the other disciples did. Yet Jesus predicted that before the rooster crowed, Peter would deny Him three times. Jesus’ words were fulfilled exactly as He said.
29 Deep Sin, Deep Grace
The scourging of Jesus, ordered by Pilate, is depicted in this window. The impact on God’s people of this aspect of Christ’s suffering was prophesied in Isaiah 53:5, where it is said “by His wounds we are healed.” Through the suffering of Christ, spiritual and ultimately, physical healing, comes to the people of God.
30 He Himself Bore Our Sins
This window highlights in a simple way the death of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. 1 Peter 3:18 affirms Jesus purpose: “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God..” Jesus Himself declared the completeness of His work for His people by saying from the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
31 Inscription on the Cross
This window presents the inscription that was placed on the cross where Jesus was crucified. The letters “INRI” are initials for the Latin title that Pontius Pilate had written over the head of Jesus Christ on the cross (John 19:19). Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire. The words were “Iesvs Nazarenvs Rex Ivdaeorvm.” Latin uses “I” instead of the English “J”, and “V” instead of “U’” (i.e., Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judaeorum). The English translation is “Jesus of Nazareth, the King
32 Resurrection of Jesus
The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ and His victory over death is set forth by this window, in which the stone is rolled away from the empty tomb. Jesus rose from the dead “just as He said” He would (Matthew 28:6). This demonstrated the Father’s satisfaction with His finished work and assures the resurrection of His people at the last day.
33 He Ascended Into Heaven
Jesus’ ascension into heaven is symbolized in this window. Christ is represented by the letters Chi and Rho. These first two letters of the Greek spelling of Christ (“Christos”) are pictured above the clouds. Acts 1:9 says that Jesus was taken up into heaven before the eyes of the disciples “and a cloud hid Him from their sight.”
34 I Will Pour Out My Spirit
This window depicts the Day of Pentecost, which is described in Acts 2. On this day, God sent forth His Holy Spirit in fullness to His church. This fulfilled the words of the prophet Joel, the promise of John the Baptist that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit, and the words of Jesus Himself that He would provide His Spirit to His disciples to be with them forever (John 14:16).
35 The Spirit’s Sign and Seal
The sacrament of Christian baptism is symbolized in this window. A baptismal font is pictured, as is a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a picture of the Spirit’s work in uniting God’s people to Christ and providing them cleansing from sin.
36 Sacrament Lords Supper
The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is symbolized in this window. Christ instituted this means of grace so that His church might remember His body broken and His blood shed for sinners in His sacrificial death. In the Lord’s Supper God’s people can feed spiritually upon Him Christ, enjoy communion with Him and His church, and be assured of what Christ has secured for them.
37 Paul’s Miracle On Malta
This window pictures the events described in the early verses of Acts 28, as the apostle Paul arrived on the island of Malta. He was shown extraordinary kindness by the natives. However, when Paul was bitten by a viper, they quickly presumed he was being punished as a murderer. Their opinion quickly changed again when he suffered no ill effects from the incident.
38 Fishers of Men
This window presents both the person of Christ and His work in transforming His people into “fishers of men.” The five Greek letters (three to the left and two to the right of the fish) spell the Greek word for “fish,” transliterated into English as “ichthus.” Possibly around the 15th century, Christians began using the Greek word as an acronym for “Jesus Christ God’s Son, Savior” – with each Greek letter providing the first letter for that phrase. The fish is a reminder of Jesus’ work.
39 A Lamp in the Darkness
The word of God as a “lamp to our feet” is presented in this window. God’s word gives us light to see God as He truly is and to see our need for Him. It also leads us to Jesus Christ, through whom we can have a right relationship with God. The word gives us light to walk with God in paths that please Him and that are best for us as His people.
40 Seal Emblem Martin Luther
This window presents the seal/coat of arms of Martin Luther. The seal summarizes Luther’s faith. The cross is on a heart, reminding us that “with the heart man believes unto righteousness” (Romans 10:10). The heart rests on a white rose which pictures joy, comfort, and peace beyond that which this world provides.
41 Motto John Calvin
The symbol in this window depicts the motto of the Protestant reformer and theologian John Calvin: “My heart I offer You, O Lord, promptly and sincerely.” God’s desire is that our hearts as well as our outward forms be regulated by His word (John 4:24) and that our love for Him be one which involves “all our heart” (Matthew 22:37).
42 The King Who Suffered
The cross and crown pictured in this window present two aspects of the work of Jesus Christ. Through His priestly work, He provided reconciliation with God to His people, “making peace through His blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:20). In addition, He reigns as King – the head of the church, and the one who is to have supremacy in everything (Colossians 1:18).
43 Wheat and Tares Together
This window provides a reminder of one of Jesus’ “kingdom parables” – the parable of the wheat and the tares. This parable, recorded in Matthew 13, sets forth the nature of God’s kingdom in this present age. At present, God’s people live alongside those who do not belong to Him. However, ultimate and eternal separation of the righteous and the wicked will occur at the end of the age.
44 The Lamb and 7 Seals
This window presents the “Lamb and Seven Seals” described by the apostle John in chapter five of the book of Revelation. Jesus, the lamb of God, is described as “worthy” to open a scroll having seven seals, each of which is subsequently removed from the scroll to reveal God’s purposes.
45 To the Ends of the Earth
The commission of Jesus to make disciples of all nations is presented in this window. Jesus said that the “gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations” (Matthew 24:14). This window is a reminder that Christ is a savior for all the nations of the earth and that we are to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
46 Alpha Omega
The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet pictured in this window remind us of the words of Jesus in Revelation 22:13: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Jesus affirms that He is eternally God, equal to God in power, glory and authority.