Symbol

Symbolisms

The central panel was taken from the original window. It shows Jesus the Good Shepherd knocking on the door. Although Jesus is depicted as the shepherd the event which is pictured is from Rev. 3:20 "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me." The door has no knob so only if we open it from within can he come in.

We also see the vine and are reminded of John 15:5. "I am the vine and you are the branches, except you abide in me and I abide in you, you can be nothing." The name of our church "Good Shepherd" was chosen from the central figure in the window found in John 10:11. "I am the Good Shepherd, a Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

	These are the letters from the Greek alphabet, alpha, the first, and omega the last. Thus the beginning and the end from Rev. 1:8 and 22:13. Jesus said, "I am the Alpha and Omega."
The boat shape with the cross arising from it represents the Ecumenical Church. Ecumenical comes from the Greek word meaning "together" and symbolizes the ecumenical movement where various denominations work together. It is the symbol of world wide Christianity.
	The Cross and Orb. The circular form symbolizes the triumph of the gospel throughout the world
The open book with the Cross superimposed on it is a symbol of the New Testament. The letters on the Bible: V - Verbum---Word D - Denum---God M - Manet---Remains A - Aeternum---Eternity The word of God remains forever.
	Wheat and Grapes are the symbols for Communion. These symbolize the wine and bread which represent the blood and body of our Lord in death. Luke 22:14-20
This is from the Greek alphabet, the iota and chi. These are the first letters of the word "Jesus Christ." This is the symbol for Jesus Christ.
	A ram with four horns is a symbol for the Prophet Daniel. It refers to the division of Alexander the Great's empire that represents the book with its message of the ultimate triumph of the Kingdom of God. Daniel 8:1-27
The turreted gateway is a symbol for the Prophet Ezekiel. Watch tower and gate come from one picture of God's destruction of the siege of Israel. Ezekial 4:1-8.
	The circuit rider is a symbol of both the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren Church. It symbolizes the frontier nature of the beginnings of the two churches in this country.
This is a symbol of Christian Service. The church beneath the cross is there to serve with open hands to the world.
	Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:1-17. Two tablets of stone representing Moses bringing the ten commandments to the people. This is a symbol of the Old Testament.
Baptism. The descending dove calls to mind the dove that descended upon Jesus at His baptism. The heraldic fountain is an artistic portrayal of the fountain. The wavy lines symbolize water. Matthew 3:11-17
	The symbol of the tongs and live coal are the symbol for the Prophet Isaiah, coming from his experience at worship in the temple. "Then flew one of the seraphims to me, having a live coal in his hands which he had taken with tongs from the altar, and he touched my mouth and said, "Behold this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin is forgiven."" Isaiah 6:6
The stones are a symbol for the Prophet Jeremiah. There is no scriptural reference to these stones but tradition records that Jeremiah died from stoning.
	In the background of the window can be seen the artistic form of the fish which is one the major symbols of the church, coming from Greek. Taking the initial letter of "Jesus Christ Son of God" you get the Greek word for fish, ichthus. This symbol was used by persecuted early Christians.