Stained Glass Windows

The stained glass windows at LCR were designed by Dr. Richard Caemmerer, and installed in the spring of 2003.

Unlike the colors of a painting, glass changes with the light which comes through it. The glass in these windows is mouth-blown, antique European glass, and the thickness of each piece is different, which affects the light in different ways - some colors will change as you move past them. What we see varies from day to day and from season to season. Our windows are unique, designed for our sanctuary. The designs are intentionally somewhat abstract, to avoid distraction from worship. They provide the warmth of color with "a gentle suggestion" of the Christian story. The designs follow the sequence of the liturgical year as they go around the sanctuary. Dr. Caemmerer placed emphasis on the meaning of the liturgical seasons, the Biblical stories, and traditional symbols. He intended to leave some "mystery" there, so that we will continue to discover new meaning over time.

We invite you to consider each panel of windows and each grouping, and notice how they are connected. Think about the use of color - to emphasize, to relate, and to symbolize - for example, the color blue for baptism and for all that water can mean.

Advent - Look for reminders of water and John the Baptist. What does the ancient tree suggest? It might be the Jesse tree or winter waiting for spring - anticipation. The edges of the circle ((( lead to the next set:

Christmas - and ))) wrap around the image of the infant Jesus. Jesus is presented with the cross as background. The tree is newer. Do the purple tips suggest Lent to come? We can see a star and angels. Where are the shepherds whose crooks are abandoned on the ground?

Epiphany - Christ comes to the entire world. This is our mission - to go into the world and baptize.

Lent - The parched land is a strong symbol of Lent. In the background is the Mount of Transfiguration (or our own obstacles?). The second window shows us the cross in the lines coming from heaven - Christ must leave the mountain and go to die. The two windows on the right depict Palm Sunday with the city wall and the palm branches on the ground.

Holy Week - Maundy Thursday with the cup and bread is obvious. Did you notice the open door in the background? Then we move to the Garden with drops of blood and the cup of suffering. The crucifixion window includes the spear. The fourth window may be puzzling to people who have never attended the Easter Vigil with its Old Testament readings. We see Adam and Eve, the three children in the fiery furnace, the path through the Red Sea, and other symbols.

Easter - There is new light, nature changes in the glow. The third window is the road to Emmaus with the men walking in the moonlight. Revelation comes with the breaking of the bread - Christ is present in the Eucharist.

Pentecost - Can you see the movement of the wind in the swirling white glass? Notice that it takes the form of the dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Why are the flames shown in different shades of red? What is the meaning of the band of green along the bottom?

Archangels Gabriel and Michael, to announce and protect the Word of the Lord. These windows are on either side of the chancel.