United Church of Christ and United Methodist Church

THE STORY OF THE WINDOWS

CREATION WINDOW

In the first window, beginning with the first two panels, left to right, are designs symbolizing the very beginning of creation. The circular design represents the turmoil in the beginning as related in Genesis, Chapters 1 and 2. The third and center panel and lower part of the fifth panel represent Genesis, Chapters 3 to 25. In the upper left of the third panel is the Hand of God and His power of creation flowing from His hand downward upon the earth-creating all things. Below His hand is the rising sun. "Let there be light, and there was light." Below the sun are the mountains, hills, birds, water and flowers. In the center panel at the top is the Creator's star, also a symbol of God's creation. From the star flow the rain and lightning. To the left of the rain is the moon.

In the lower part of the center panel, to the left, is the lion, or cat, which symbolizes the animals; then the palm tree, and on the tree is a snake, representing all crawling things; below that, a pair of rabbits. Through panels three, four and five are birds and stars. In the lower part of panel five is a deer. Above and to the right of the deer, are shooting red points of flame and a limb with the forbidden fruit, symbolizing the first sin. In panel six is a flaming sword, as described in Genesis, Chapter 3:24, symbolizing the expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Here, also, the circular design represents Gods' anger, and it is composed around the flaming sword, leading back toward the forbidden fruit and flames of sin. In the seventh and last panel, the design flows from the Garden of Eden.

THE NATIVITY WINDOW

In the second window are designs depicting the Nativity. The second panel from the left is the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6 symbolized by the scroll. In the third panel, the adoration of the shepherds is symbolized by the staffs. The background is somewhat designed as a musical symbol representing praise. The center and fourth panel show the crib and the Chi-Rho with the halo of light around it symbolizing the birth of Christ. The rays of light flowing downward represent the Holy Spirit upon the Christ Child. In the fifth panel, three golden crowns symbolize the adoration of the Magi. The sixth panel represents the flight into Egypt symbolized by the pyramids. The points of light in the upper part of panels three and five also represent the presence of the Holy Spirit as the shepherds and wise men worship the Christ Child.

BAPTISM

The seven point star, shown in the second section of window number three, represents the seven parts of the Holy Spirit: Blessing, Glory, Wisdom, Thanksgiving, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety and the fear of the Lord.

The next section is done as in Matthew 3:16, "and the heavens were opened unto Him and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove . . .". The rays, flowing downward, also symbolize the Grace of God upon those being baptized. The shell and Chi-Rho represent Christ's baptism. The water and fish symbolize the grace we receive from the church. The triangle represents the Triune God which distributes to us the redeeming merits of Christ.

The next section is the Eye which symbolizes God's presence at all times.

FIRST MIRACLE WINDOW

The center panel pertains to the miracle of Cana. The rays flowing downward over the Chi-Rho which symbolize Christ, represent the power and grace of God giving Christ, His Son, the power of miracles. The two rings symbolize marriage; the flames inside the rings represent God's love. The jars symbolize Christ's changing water to wine. In the upper panels three, four and five are wing tips of angels representing the presence of the Holy Spirit. The panel on the left of the first miracle is the draught of the fishes, Luke 5:4-11; and to the right of this is the feeding of the multitudes, Matthew 14:15-21. In the sixth panel is a cross shaped from crutches. This represents the healing of God. Matthew 9:27-31.

THE TEACHING CHRIST

The center, or number four panel, is a Chi-Rho shaped like a torch and from this a flame burns. Flowing out from the flame are various shades of amber light depicting knowledge. This combination is the symbol of the teaching Christ. The design flows down from the top of this symbol, outward and over to the other panels. Panel number two contains the sword and the scale which are symbols of justice as set forth by Christ in Isaiah, Chapter 11:4, "But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked."

In panel number three are five oil lamps, the symbol of prudence. Christ spoke to his apostles of the parable of the virgins and also in Matthew 10:16 "Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."

To the right of the center panel, as the design flows towards the fifth panel, is the square and circle of chains. They symbolize temperance as told in Proverbs 3:25, "Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble."

In panel six, the last symbol is fortitude. The sword and shield symbolize courage, strength as related in Hebrews 13:6, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

THE LAST SUPPER

The center panel shows the chalice, Chi-Rho, with rays flowing upward, and below the chalice are the table and bread. This is the symbol of the Lord's supper, taken from Matthew 26. On each side of the center panel, as well as near the chalice, are twelve crosses representing the twelve apostles. To the left, in panel two, are palm branches with leaves symbolizing Christ's entry into Jerusalem. To the far right of the center panel, in number six, are the money bag and silver pointing out the betrayal by Judas.

THE RESURRECTION WINDOW

In the center panel of this window is the symbol of the resurrection. It shows the tomb, the inside of the tomb where Christ was laid, and a slab. Over the slab is a halo of light. There is a staff rising upward from the tomb and from. it is a banner of victory flowing through the three center panels, representing Christ's victory over death. To the left, in the third panel, is the sunrise with its rays shooting upward and around the victory banner. Panel number five shows an angel wing which represents the angel who removed the stone slab from the tomb.

To the extreme left in panel two, is the crucifixion. The large cross represents Christ's death. There are two small crosses depicting the two thieves. The tilted cross symbolizes the thief who, said, "If thou be Christ, save thyself and us." The other small cross standing upright represents the thief who said, "Remember me when thou comest into thy Kingdom." Luke 23:39-43. To the far right in the sixth panel are pictured the helmet, sword and the spear, symbolizing the soldiers who guarded the tomb.

CONTINUITY OF THE CHURCH

The lamb is shown in the center panel at the top. Revelations 5:12 and 13, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and blessing and glory . . . " The lamb is on the book of the seven seals. Below the lamb is the world and in the center of the world is the Bible. In the panel to the left, or third panel, is the hand of Christ pointing towards the world and the book. The rays flowing from the hand show the grace of God on the earth. This symbolizes the great commission told in Matthew 28:18-19, "Go ye, therefore, and teach in all nations ...... This illustrates the commission which Christ gave His disciples. Panel two contains the cross and the orb. This is a symbol of the Gospel spread over the world. The palm branch symbolizes martyrdom and sacrifice.

In panel five, or just to the right of the world, is a church. Matthew 7:24-27. "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock …" To the left of the lamb is the letter A-Alpha and to the right of the lamb the letter O-Omega. Revelations 1:8.

This panel also symbolizes the passage in John 20:21, "As My Father has sent me even so send I you." And, also, Revelations 1:3, "Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written therein, for the time is at hand."

In panels two and six are praying hands. The binding chain, which represents sin, is broken by the power of prayer.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission of the Federated Church is to be commited to Christ.

Our purpose is to:

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