Art and Image: Stained Glass windows in the Sanctuary
West Window in the sanctuary
The large stained glass window at the west end of the chancel above the altar area contains major symbols of our sacramental life: a down-turned shell with droplets (a traditional symbol of Holy Baptism); sheaves of wheat and bunches of grapes (Holy Communion); an open book (the Word of God in the Bible). A large wooden cross forms the interior frame of the window and reminds us of the Crucified One. The window components were shipped from Ohio, assembled in the parking lot and skillfully installed by Bethany members Ellis Johnson and David Peterson.
Advent Window
Three of the four candles of an Advent wreath, lit one-by-one each week to anticipate our season’s journey to the birth of Christ highlight this panel, together with the image of a rose, recalling the branch coming from the stump of Jesse. (Isaiah 1:11)
Christmas Window
Symbols commonly associated with the birth of Jesus are featured in this panel for the Nativity of Our Lord. The manger recalls that place in which the infant Jesus slept, and the crooks represent the shepherds who came to witness the miraculous birth. (Luke 2:15-19)
Epiphany of Our Lord Window
A star motif highlights this window. The three Magi (in some translations, “kings” or “wise men”) are represented by three crowns. (Matthew 2:1-12)
Good Friday Window
A cross, chalice, tombs and three spikes are strong images here. The spikes recall the nails used to fasten Jesus to the cross. One hymn writer (ELW 349) reminds us on Good Friday: “T’was I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied Thee; I crucified thee.” (John 19:17-35)
Easter Window
The Lamb of God — a sacrificial lamb — represents Christ, and the empty tomb celebrated Christ’s victory over the power of death. (Isaiah 54:7-9; John 20:1-18)
The Ascension of Our Lord Window
A scepter and crown above the clouds recall the ascension of our Lord (Luke 24:50-53); a fiery chariot may point back to the ascension of the prophet Elijah.
(2 Kings 2:9-12)
Pentecost Window
Fire and a dove as symbols of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4; Matthew 3:16-17) share this window image with a small ship, a traditional symbol of the Church.
(Acts 27:39-44)
The Holy Trinity Window
The image of praying hands and the three-cornered triangle symbolize our classic Trinitarian faith in God as
“Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
(Apostles’, Nicene and Athanasian Creeds)
Christ the King Window
The images on this window point to the appearing in glory of the King of Kings. (John 18:33-37)
Design: All of the colored glass windows shown were designed by Joseph Uhrman and manufactured in Ohio.
Technique: Most of the stained glass windows consist of colored glass chunks set into a web of epoxy cement and fitted into a frame. They represent the seasons of the church year and major liturgical festivals.