You are looking at one of my favorite sights at our church. Stained glass speaks to me in powerful ways...non-verbally. The glass is beautiful, but its radiance comes from the sunlight that flows through it. The combination of art and sunlight moves me beyond myself; I tend to loose my train of thought, staring at its beauty. Like anyone else, I get absorbed in my own issues and I need a lift. Worship lifts me.
Worship, at its best, changes our present focus to the Eternal. Worship should be an experience of transcendence. In that sense, it is a removal from our context to be with God. Paul shared one of his transcending experiences this way: "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell." (2 Corinthians 12:2-4,NIV). Perhaps Paul was needing his spirits lifted...he needed to be alone with God. Paul lost sight of his surroundings as he focused upon God's greatness. Worship strengthened Paul to return and face his issues.
This stained glass window was given in honor of Dan Campbell, by family and friends. Worship is also a gift...from God to us. Let the Light of God's love flow through you as you spend time with Him. Blessings, Pastor Al
7 comments:
Hey P.A., I like the part where you said, "The glass is beautiful, but its radiance comes from the sunlight that flows through it." This is a lot like us, we are beautiful creatures but with the light of God shining through us we are even more glorious than before. You are soo right when you say that Worship lifts you, it makes me forget everything that is human and allows me to focus on God. Now that is what I call peace!! Oh yeah, the picture of the stained glass looks better on your blog than it did on my computer!! God Bless
I can understand how the beauty of the glass affects you.For me, it is walking on the beach smelling the salt air, watching the tide go in and out, and marveling at the mighty power of God who not only created the scene but also is in control of it all. To me, that is a way of worship when I can truly forget myself and reflect on who God is and how great He is.
Juliette
Hi Al,
I like your perspective on worship as changing of our focus on the Eternal. That's truly what worship should be. When we all get to heaven we're going to be sorry for the worship wars we have waged down here.
I wold add that your definition of worship as an experience of the transcendant is half right. I think that worship also is an experience of Immanence. When we experience the Immanent in light of the Transcendant and vice versa, we get a more complete picture of Who it is we worship. I think that is what caused Isaiah to say, "Woe is me" and the cherubim to cover themselves with their wings as they cried "Holy! Holy! Holy! is the LORD God Almighty!"
Thanks Larry,
This will be an exciting year for our Worship Team, as we experience worship together.
Thanks for the stained glass picture. We will give credit where credit is due.
Can't wait for the next picture. It will be revealing...worth the wait.
Hi Matt,
Being 'half right' in your book is a compliment! I have taken two studies in worship...and I still see more daily. It will take me forever to get it right; which is alright by me!
Read some commentary on "Woe is me." To see God's holiness, we must be willing to see our sin. Looks like worship is not for the faint hearted.
Thanks for teaching me how to blog. I am grateful...most days! Thanks for being an honest friend, who keeps me honest.
It has taken me awhile to comment on this blog. The window is very personal to me because it is in memory of my father, Dan Campbell and I wanted what I said to truly have meaning.
In thinking of how to comment, I have been taken back to the beginning of Goldsboro Wesleyan Church. Mother and Daddy started attending almost from its inception. I used to attend with them when the church was located next to Wilburs. There was then and is still today, a love that fills that church. My father felt it and we, his family , have felt it too.
I think that Daddy found his savior on a personal level while attending this church. He grew up Methodist, but he wanted to be baptised and that happened at Goldsboro Wesleyan Church. He wanted to be emersed.
My father loved the Goldsboro Wesleyan Church. The window celebrates that love. During his illness and death, I don't know what we would have done without the church family. Worship was demonstrated over and over by the many countless expressions of love and support of the people.
Thank you for bringing our attention to this beautiful reminder of God's love expressed through His people.
Susan Keel
I have said that I wanted to post the story about "The Good Shepherd" Window so here it is. This was printed on the back of the bulletin the Sunday it was dedicated.
"The Good Shepherd" circle has an interpretation to the viewer of the widow along the following train of thoughts:
The Good Shepherd is, in this case, shielding the young lamb from the wind driven element indicated by the movement of the red cloak. Also, represented is the total Christian family.
Note the lamb drinking the water, which indicates our acceptance of Christ in being baptized by water and our partaking of the wine and water and our participation in the Christian ritual of baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Also, note the background, which is referred to in our biblical passages as verdant pasture; the water, the greenery, the abundance of the hills and gentle mountains in the background, the sky and type of clouds that bring us to the peaceful day, the clean air, no smoke, etc.
The inspiration in absorbing the scene is the challenge to follow in the Saviour's footsteps; to become better, to be more Christ-like and to become our brother's keeper!
Taken from "Stained Glass Associates" letter of 10/22/96
Stained Glass Associates are the ones who made the window.
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