art in st. john lutheran church

8/6/2019 Art in St. John Lutheran Church

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St. John Lutheran Church is not just a buildingto houseworshippers. By'its design andfurnishings it expresses the faith of theworshippers in the Lord they cometo praiseand implore and reflects the truths of God.Designed in the shape of a cross, with naturalmaterials predominating both inside and out,the inner space conveys a sense of openness.The four candles, which surround the nave serveto unite the worshippers into total worship. Thelarge banner in the chancel changes in colorand idea to signal changes in the church year.The wide center aisle leads directly to thechancel and the altar, which symbolizes thepresence of God. The family of Godgathers in awide arc around the Eucharistic table.The chancel is not physically or emotionallyseparated from the congregation. It spreadsacrossthe front of the church, providing room for40or more communicants around the altar andflanked at either side by the pulpit andbaptismal font.Becausethe congregation believes that the meansof Grace - the Gospel, Baptism and the Lord'sSupper - are equally important in its spirituallife, the spacewithin the chancel has severalfocuses: the pulpit, where the Gospel isproclaimed; the baptismal font, where sinnersbecomechildren of God; and the altar, wheresinners gather for forgiveness, renewal andcommunion in the Eucharist.


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The Greek Tau cross isa central element of the chancel,used in both the altar and pulpit. This crossform waswidely usedby early Christians and traditionallyrefers to the crosswhich Moses lifted up in thewilderness.

The mosiacembellishments onthe altar, pulpit andbaptismal font depict the "I am's" of Christ as foundin John 15.

THE ALTARConceptually the vine encircles the altar. "I am thevine and you are the branches," reminds us thatJesus is the true vine who gives us life and strength.Branchesmultiply amid bright colors, suggesting thevitality of this relationship and the fruits those unitedwith Jesus bear through faith.

"I am the alpha and omega ... the beginning and theend" are inscribed on the north sideof the altar.

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THE PULPITThe mosiacpanelson the pulpit also reflect two ofthe Savior's "I am's" in terms which are familiar topeopleof the plains: "I am the light of the world"and" I am the bread of life." As a reminder tothose who occupythe pulpit, the request of the Greekswho came to the apostle Philip - "Sir, we would seeJesus" is inscribed on the pulpit table.

THE EVER-PRESENCE LAMPThis perpetual light serves to remind us that God hacome to be present among his people to lead usinto rightousness.


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THE ORGANThe 38-rank Schlicker organ is designed to leadthe congregation in worshipping God in song.

The organ has three manuals: the positiv pipes areunenclosed and mounted on the balcony rail; thegreat pipes are unenclosed and located at the southwall of the church, as are the pedal pipes; the swellpipes are all enclosed in an expression box.

BALCONY WINDOWSThe dormer windows carry designs that suggestmusical instrument shapes and sounds, whichare used in our praise to God.

art in st. john lutheran church

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