Stained Glass Windows

The Willett Stained Glass studios of Philadelphia, Pennslyvania created the stained glass windows in our sanctuary. They are all hand-blown, leaded, stained glass pieces with full-color scenes and borders. Each window was dedicated to a different memorial in the church. Devotionals have been written for each of the stained glass windows.

"I am come into my father's name."

"I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive."

-John 5:43

When I served in Warner Robins, a retired colonel was in the church. Really, there were a bunch of them! But I am thinking if one who had earned an unusual degree of respect. I once heard him say, “You can get a lot done when you work for a two-star general.” Who you represent is important. Ambassadors receive respect earned by the country they represent. A friend of mine worked for a congressman and a senator. The authority he represented allowed him to perform many helpful deeds. When I became pastor in Hawkinsville in 1985, it was not due to anything I had done. Rather, the congregation trusted that the United Methodist Church had approved me and decided that I could do the job. Without that trust, I would have been lost. In John’s Gospel, Jesus gives his credentials often – sometimes in his “I AM” sayings inscribed in the stained glass of the Hawkinsville sanctuary. In John 5:2-18 Jesus heals a man crippled 38 years. While we might expect that would inspire confidence in those who saw it, they chose to complain that the healing was done on the Sabbath. Much of this chapter recounts Jesus’ description of this authority – perhaps most clearly in John 5:43, “I am come in my Father’s name.” I recently watched funeral services for Queen Elizabeth II with curiosity and reverence. I was fascinated with one of the final rituals. The crown, the scepter, and the orb were removed from her casket. Eventually they will be given to her successor, but not yet. They were reverently placed on the altar, given back to God. Later they will be given to King Charles III in hope of God’s blessings upon his reign. The Queen, in what was described as her “simple and profound faith,” believed she served as a servant of God. We are not given crowns and scepters and orbs. We can, however, believe that God has called us to follow the One who came in the Father’s name. We are offered abundant life through him, and to offer it in turn in God’s name to others in word and deed. Submitted by the Reverend Dr. Marcus Tripp

"I am the way."

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

-John 14:6

Across the years I have enjoyed the cartoons in The New Yorker Magazine. In one cartoon etched in my memory two older men are talking as they looked out their penthouse office suite. One says to the other, “I made it to the very top only to realize that I was in the wrong building.” Being lost is uncomfortable, extremely anxious, and sometimes dangerous to say the least. Having to make an early exit from I-285 in Atlanta is all of these qualities and more. It is tragic to come to the end of one’s life and discover we have been on the wrong destination. To his disciples Jesus said in John 14:6: “I am the way.” He did not point the right destination to them, or to us today. He was and is the way. Belief systems are important, but the essence of the Christian life is not always having the right set of beliefs. Walking in the way of Jesus is fundamentally what Christian discipleship is all about. Walking in the shadow of Jesus means that we are not ever lost, waiting to be found. Walking in the way of Jesus means that we hear his voice and listen to his teachings and see his dramatic and life-transforming works. The way begins at a particular point and moves ever forward to its ultimate destination. For Christians, following in the way of Christ begins with repentance for our sins and our resolve to receive the gracious pardoning from Jesus Christ. The beginning is not the ending destination. Living our lives in the way of Jesus Christ means we have a relationship of grace. Being lost is a necessary part of travel in relatively unfamiliar places. Being lost in life is not necessary, for Jesus himself is the Way! Grace and Peace to all who seek to walk in the way of Jesus Christ! Amen! Submitted by the Reverend Lowery Brantley

"I am the light of the world."

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

-John 8:12

One of the first gospel hymns I learned in my formative years is a hymn composed by Phillip P. Bliss entitled, “The Light of the World is Jesus.” I first learned this hymn in Sunday school. The organist in my father’s church was also my 4th grade Sunday School teacher. Ms. Betty loved the hymns and wanted us to capture the meaningful messages contained in the hymns. The words to the hymn are: The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin, Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in, The Light of the world is Jesus! Refrain: Come to the light, 'tis shining for thee; Sweetly the light has dawned upon me; Once I was blind, but now I can see; The Light of the world is Jesus! No darkness have we who in Jesus abide; The Light of the world Jesus! We walk in the light when we follow our Guide! The Light of the world is Jesus! One of my favorite childhood memories was of the time my maternal grandfather took me on a trip to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It was the first time I had ever seen a lighthouse. Granddaddy explained the purpose of the lighthouse and from that day on I had a better understanding of the purpose of a lighthouse. The lighthouse is placed on the shoreline of a beach to help the ships out at sea find their way into safe harbor. I see our Lord as one who plays the role of lighthouse in terms of our spiritual life. I cannot count the number of times in my life’s journey that I needed the assistance of Jesus – The Light of the World! Truly many times over Jesus our Lord has been the lighthouse in my life that has aided in my finding safe passage into harbor. I am grateful to be able to come to the light that is shining for us especially during those dark nights of the soul. Thanks be to God for providing for us the light we need for the time. Submitted by the Reverend Dr. John A. Walker

"I am the Son of God."

"Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?"

-John 10:36

Who is Jesus? Is he just a human being? Is he just a great teacher? Is he just a moral example for us to follow? Or is Jesus something more? In this window, we see Jesus in two different encounters with Nicodemus and with Mary and Martha. In both scenes Jesus is revealed to be more than just a human being, more than just a great teacher, and more than just a moral example. Jesus is the Son of God. In John 3, Nicodemus comes to Jesus with one definition: “We know that you are a teacher who has come from God.” He leaves with another: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” In John 10, the Jewish leaders want to stone Jesus and he responds: “Can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, ‘I am God’s Son?’” The leaders thought that Jesus was confessing to be God’s Son and they thought it was blasphemous enough for death! Jesus tells them to look at the works – what do they see? “If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” In John 11, Jesus visits Mary and Martha. Martha confesses, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” In the midst of her brother’s death, Martha is able to make this amazing proclamation of faith and trust in Jesus. Then Mary and Martha both witness the power of Jesus to bring new life as he raises their brother Lazarus from the grave. A mere human being? No. Jesus is the Son of God, the Lord, and the giver of eternal life. Amazing! Amen. Submitted by the Reverend Jack Varnell

"I am the door."

"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."

-John 10:9

All of the beautiful stained-glass windows portray great biblical messages, but this is my favorite. Jesus says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9). In Jesus’ day, sheep were gathered into a communal fold in the evening. The door or gate kept them from wandering and kept them safe from predators. Shepherds in the hills would find natural sheep folds within walls created from the rocks. They would lie across the opening and become the door to keep the sheep safe from predators. When I enter through the door, I see who and what God is like. Jesus invites us to a wonderful life here, no matter what we go thru, and also eternal life with Him. We become part of His fold, and He will never leave us, nor forsake us. There are two other scriptures in this beautiful window: the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37), and the Healing of a Blind man (Mark 9:1-41). This Good Samaritan seems to know what Jesus meant about going through the door. Despised by the Jews, he stopped to help a person desperately needing attention, thus teaching us that people are more important than schedules. God’s unconditional love was shown by his actions. The Priest and the Levite hurried by. When we walk through the Door, we also learn the importance of human life. Imagine the excitement of the man whom Jesus healed: born blind, but now seeing! He started a new life, seeing and learning. When I meditate on Jesus’ words, “I am the Door,” I discover how much I am loved and cared for by the Great Shepherd. I want to pass this love on to others, inviting them to walk through the door. I learn that people are more important than things. My spiritual eyes are opened, and I see things that I did not know or have not seen before. Jesus is the door to new life. May we see it, and walk in, and experience the love, mercy, and grace of the Great Shepherd. Blessings! Submitted by the Rev. Richard W. Soper

"I am the bread of life."

" And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

-John 6:35

Oh! The miracles! Feeding 5000 men plus women and children with the local version of a happy meal! Walking on water—during a storm—in the middle of the night on the Sea of Galilee! Can you imagine what it must have been like to experience these events as they happened? These miracles are recorded earlier in John 6. After witnessing such miracles, the crowd asked for additional miracles before they would believe that Jesus was sent by God. Can you believe it? They wanted to know what he could do for them. Could he do what Moses did and give them bread from heaven? Jesus responded that he didn’t need to give them bread from heaven because he was the bread from heaven, he was the miracle. “I am the bread of life.” What miracle do you need to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, the Holy One? There are miracles involving bread that we can experience on a regular basis in church. These are the miracles that happen when we share in the Lord’s Supper. Once again, Jesus takes a little and transforms it into life-giving, life-sustaining bread and wine for many. Here are the miracles I believe we experience while sharing communion: The miracle of invitation — Jesus invites us to his table. Isn’t it amazing that he would want us to join him for a meal? Sit with that thought for a few minutes. Jesus wants me, yes me, at his table! The miracle of multiplication — a little becomes a full meal, able to sustain us spiritually. The miracle of transformation — not that the bread or wine are transformed, but that we can be transformed from everyday, ordinary people to faithful followers of the Son of God, filled with the ability to participate in the miracle of multiplication as we share Jesus, the bread of life, with others outside the walls of the church. Do you need any additional miracles to convince you that Jesus is the bread of life, sent from heaven to bring light and life to all who will believe? Or will you take Jesus at his word, respond to his invitation, and be sustained by the bread of life freely offered to all? Submitted by the Reverend Dr. Nita Crump

"I am alive for evermore."

"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."

-Revelations 1:18

“Living in darkness and in the shadow of death.” We can all relate to the emptiness and sadness of those words because we have experienced the shadow of death. When families gather for Christmas or other festivities, many feel the pain of an empty chair at the table. Some wonder whether Mom or Grandpa will survive to be here next Christmas, or for the next event. Others struggle with their own mortality. There is comfort and there is hope! Jesus was the only person born to die. He came to earth to bring us to heaven. In Revelation 1:18, we learn from Jesus that He is alive. He died, but death could not hold Him. He arose and is alive forevermore. He died to pay the penalty for our sin—death—and He rose to life again so that we might live forever with God. Death does not have the final word; Christ does. Jesus came to destroy the powers of sin and death. He declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live” (John 11:25). By taking on our sin, the cause of death, He has won for us eternal life. Children of God are not parted forever at death. Rather, they look forward to a grand family reunion around the throne of the Father in heaven. May we weep with those who weep. As the family of God, may we embrace each other in love. And may we find our hope and comfort in the victory of Jesus, the Lord of life. Lord of life, shine your light into the shadows of our lives. Dispel our darkness and guide us into the path of peace. Thank you for defeating death and bringing eternal life. Amen. Submitted by the Reverend Larry Bird

"I am the resurrection and the life."

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."

-John 11:25

The resurrection of Jesus brought back to life more than himself. The visual story of the Resurrection window tells that story. Can you imagine living in the church before Bibles were in print and before most people could read? Then and now, stained glass windows retell the stories of our faith, calling us to remember and faithfulness. Every good storyteller wants to bring listeners into the action. Are we like the soldiers in this window, asleep on the job? Later the scripture says they lied about what happened, claiming the disciples had stolen Jesus’ body. Are we like the disciples? Notice in the lower section of the window that the four disciples are facing away from Jesus. It depicts to me the going of the disciples that Jesus commands in our Matthew reading. Church history tells us the early Christians’ best ‘going’ happened when they were fleeing persecution. In their new homes, the first believers shared their faith with new neighbors and the church grew! Two of the disciples in our window are holding small churches; they look like churches I have served in South Georgia. The New Testament is silent about any church structures, but speaks loudly about the community of believers that made up the church. Baptisms happened there. Some groups remained small while others grew to be large, but the same work applied to all. Teaching took place in those churches as Jesus was offered. Faithful churches do the same things today: offer them Christ. In the lower corner of the window are the names of those in whose memory it was given. Our names, as followers of Jesus, are written in the “Lamb’s book of life” (Rev. 13:7–8). The promise of Jesus that sustains us is this, “I am with you always even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). The life we are called to live and to share never ends. Prayer: Lord Jesus, your resurrection is just what we need. Thank you for the new life in Christ. Amen! Submitted by the Reverend Dr. Glenn Martin

The Rose Window

" And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

-John 1:14

Called the Rose Window, its beauty and eternal and essential truth of the Christian faith (the Incarnation of God in Jesus Christ) continues with brilliance and clarity to shine through to us today. Essential to every creche are Mary, Joseph, with the Christ child lying in a manger. Like a rose with its petals opening to reveal their own beauty and uniqueness, the center of the Rose Window is focused on the birth of the Christ Child. The center is surrounded by the petals with each “petal” revealing a part of the scriptural bases of the reality we celebrate every Christmastide. From the announcement to Mary with the news that she would bear the Son of God, to the angelic choir announcing his birth, and the shepherds who made haste to see for themselves the infant child, to the visit of the Magi from a distant land, to the presentation and dedication of the Christ Child in the Temple and the jarring words of Simeon who said to Mary that a sword would pierce her heart (intimations of his death on the cross). These are the truths that shine through the beautiful lights filtered in the Rose Window. This night of all nights is holy. Silently and almost unheralded by human beings, the Son of God comes to us clothed in human flesh and dwelling among us. “God with us!” is the joyous news of every Christmas season. From year to year, we hear again the stories that are told and told anew. Familiarity does not breed contempt; every year is strangely warmed by the story told by the angelic hosts and fellow believers across the years. It feels right…and it is right, to bend our knee and worship the Christ who dwells with us, whose life inspires us to faith and discipleship, and whose death forgives us all our many sins. Grace and Peace to all the world in this holy Christmastide! Amen! Submitted by the Reverend Lowery Brantley