Our Stained Glass Windows
Our church family has been blessed with several stained glass windows, each a memorial to a loved one, and each a gift of worship to our Lord. The first of the windows was donated when the Fellowship Hall was built in 1995 and the last one was installed in 2014, just before our former sanctuary was demolished to make way for our new facilities.
As we moved into our new sanctuary, it became important that each window have a place, and the placement of each window have significance. The stained glass windows in the Steamboat Rock Baptist Church tell a story…the story we all need to know and respond to. It is the story of Jesus, the Lord and Savior of all mankind.
The windows in our Fellowship Hall were the first to be installed when the Fellowship Hall was built in 1995. They are a summary of the story of Christ. The Savior who is waiting for us to open our hearts to Him, to live in the innocent faith of a little child, fully trusting that He desires only good for us, and who is our intercessor in prayer, praying always to the Father on our behalf. Oh, what a Savior! This windows were donated in memory of Neil Bittner and Bob Frerichs.
The first window to be installed in the former sanctuary was the Old Rugged Cross. It is placed to draw people into the sanctuary for worship. The Cross of Christ is central to our Christian faith, the instrument by which atonement was made between a Holy God and a sinful humanity. “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood again us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2:14. This window was donated in memory of Cal Johnson.
The Lighthouse, whose beacon is directed at the Cross, reminds us of the light of Christ, who said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12. We are called to be lighthouses for Christ so that others may know the saving love and grace of Christ through his sacrifice on the cross. This window was donated in memory of Ernest Luiken.
In the windows on the east wall, there is a progression, with the cross being central. Christ’s prayer in the Garden was, “Abba, Father…everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me, yet not what I will but what you will.” Mark 14:36. Jesus was preparing to face the unimaginable sacrifice of taking on the sin of the world. He showed His love for us when that sin was nailed to the cross and He rose again and went to prepare a place for us to be with Him for eternity. This window was donated in memory of Royce Luiken.
He is risen indeed! The empty cross of the risen Christ, bears the reminder that he has given to us a “comforter”, which is “the Holy Spirit descending like a dove and lighting on Him(Jesus)…This is my Son, whom I love” says he Lord God. Matthew 3:16-17. This window was donated i memory of Darrell Bleeker.
“Here I am!” I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20 Jesus stands knocking at the door, the door to our hearts and lives, seeking our fellowship with Him as our Savior. This window was donated in memory of Tom and Kate Kruse.
The windows on the west add to the story. The image of children at the knee of Jesus reflects His own words, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10: 14-15. Our faith must be as simple, as sweet, as purse as that of a little child, bringing joy to the Lord. This window was donated in memory of H. LaVerne and Henry and Mary Wubben.
God saw that mankind had become so corrupt that He created a covenant with Noah to save mankind and re-establish a new world. God’s covenant has been established with us through Jesus. He also gives us the promise that He will firmly hold us to Him. “Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that we who are called may receive the promise of an eternal inheritance.” Hebrews 9:15. This window was donated in memory of Harry and Dolly Folkerts.
“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.” Ezekiel 34:11. And later in the New Testament Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me…and I lay down my life for my sheep.” John 10:14. We can rest assured that our Good Shepherd will look after us. Whatever our lives may hold for us. Jesus will carry us through it. This window was donated in memory of Donna Jaspers and son, David Jaspers.
We hope you will take the time to walk through our church and reflect on the meaning of Christ displayed through this beautiful artwork.
Ideas for your “little children”
1. Have your child pick one window every weekend and look at it as a family. Describe the colors, images, and find it in your Bible.
2. Window Scavenger Hunt (with Biblical meaning and church history)! You read a window description aloud and see if they can find which story/window it’s describing. For children under 5 have them “find Jesus with a sheep, sitting with little children, a dove…”
Paper copies of the window information will be at the Welcome Center.
This article was originally from an SRBC bulletin insert, additions by Molly Day.