Introduction         

Symbols appear throughout our lives - in literature and art, in our dreams and in our subconscious minds.  There are many, many traditional symbols, and they form a deep, concrete, universal language.  Symbols represent something below - and above - the physical surface of things.

Since the beginning of Christianity, artists have tried to express Christian spirituality in paintings, sculptures and other creations.  A piece of art can serve as God's special channel of speaking and blessing.  The Bible speaks in symbols or word pictures:  of bushes burning, of pillars of cloud, waters parting, battles, deaths and loving. 

In the New Testament, the memorable parts for  most people are not the theological reflections, but the parables - symbolic stories of Jesus - and the gospel-writers’ concrete accounts of Jesus’ living example:  a prodigal son running home;  a shepherd looking for a lost sheep; Jesus welcoming women, healing a sick child, calling a very short tax collector down from a tree, hanging on a cross, or breaking bread.

The beautiful stained glass windows gifted to our sanctuaries are rich in this symbolism.  As memorial windows to beloved family members associated with our churches by their faithful service, they also remind us of our rich historical heritage.

Reverend Ruth Butt