A Peaceful and Blessed Christmas To All

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2: 4-7

Arcade window, St. Mark's Lutheran, Toledo.

Aisle window, Grace Lutheran, Fremont

And there were shepherds ...

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2: 8-14

Gallery window, Bethlehem Lutheran, Pemberville

Merry Christmas (From Russ)

Merry Christmas to All from Russ (AKA) Steeple Chaser. Picture taken at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sidney, Ohio.

Chapel, Lutheran Village at Wolf Creek, Holland

I was actually out by there to take a few pictures of First Baptist across the street, but then I noticed the chapel, and thought ... what the heck, check it out ...

Cuts a rather dramatic profile ...

Now, of course one does not have to be Lutheran to live at Wolf Creek, or to receive their services, which are offered without regard to religious faith. Nonetheless, I was just a bit surprised (and pleased) to enter the chapel and see ...
Of course, the chapel is used for Mass for Catholic residents, as well as for Lutheran worship services and probably other Protestant services as well.

The chapel also functions as an all-purpose room, with the chancel area behind those folding panels when services are not being conducted. I asked one of the staffers if there was any way I could see the altar. She said the panels were tricky to get open, but one panel at the side was part-way open so I was able to go back.Simple and nice, pleasant and calming ... assuming those banners are changed with the liturgical seasons ...

Now I really like this ...

I don't know whether or not they put her to the side during Lutheran services, but it's my hope that they leave her right where she is. Martin Luther would have.
That's what I need for at home ... an electric one. Much safer when you have a dozen cats jumping around!

Wolf Creek had some lovely Christmas decorations ...

Big beautiful tree ...

Wishing a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! Enjoy your holidays!

St. John's Lutheran, Fremont

Downtown Fremont, Ohio is a historic church wonderland! Among the many treasures is St. John's, actually only a block away from the bigger congregation of Grace Lutheran. Very surprising to see that this arrangement works out, since both congregations are holding their own pretty nicely. Wish that sort of thing could work out in Toledo ...
Even from the outside, these windows are tantalizingly beautiful. Love the tracery ...

Monolithic tower ...The apse, facing an alleyway so it's not easy to see ...

This mighty fortress was built in 1917, although this cornerstone speaks of a much older time and place ...

We visited on two occasions. The first time was late in the afternoon on an increasingly blustery summer day, and the church was locked. I shot this teaser of a photo through the front doors ... then I went home and called the church office to set up a time to get in there!

And when you DO get in there ... this is what you see from the balcony. Marvelous!!Bride-and-groom's-eye view from in front of the altar ...

These pipes are wonderful!

Lovely baptistry and marble font ...

It appears that the church's website is being re-constructed, so I can't access any historic info. However, at the time of my visit, I was given some info regarding the windows ...
An article from the Fremont News-Messenger in 1986 read in part: "The windows in St. John's Lutheran Church in Fremont and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Clyde look more like oil paintings than glass with their deep red, purple and green tones. (note: I have photos of Clyde St. Paul's also, which I will get to as quickly as possible.) St. John's windows were installed in 1917 when the church was first built. They were designed by the Von Gerichten Art Glass Company in Columbus, which just happened to have some of the Bavarian glass on hand from their German studios."
"The windows, like most others, are in the Gothic style, with five panels or lancets creating a single scene. The church's south window depicts Jesus in Gethsemane with his disciples sleeping in the background as he speaks with an angel. The north window depicts the resurrection with Jesus coming out from the cave, rising from the dead."

Look at the detailing in the robes, both the angel's and Christ's...

Mary Magdalene's wavy hair ... and the greens and blues of the trees and fields and mountains in the background ...The geometric patterns in these windows, that resemble spires and pinnacles, are spellbinding!

More of that detailing in the angel's robe ...

... and the sleeping disciples, bathed in more shades of blue.

Now ... take a good, close look at that altar. It's not immediately easy to see because of the light-on-light tones of the altar against the wall, but ... that reredos is literally over the top ... of the center window! This is thoroughly unique.
High pinnacles at either side ... the golds and greens in the side windows picking up the gold color in the gilt-edged tracery.

Wow.

Yes ... it lights.Beautiful, lacy old crucifix.

... and tall, ornate candlesticks.

Fascinating Last Supper inlaid sculpture ...

Framed by this most unusual altar, is this lovely scene of a tranquil Christ in the lilies, with His arms outstretched.
The balcony window is just this giant geometric color wheel ... I LOVE the burning-candle imagery, and the patterns in that quatrefoil!

Now this is just THE BEST - THE BEST pulpit I've seen anywhere!!

WROUGHT IRON, for cryin' out loud!!!

Another striking eagle lectern. I've seen several of these beautiful pieces now. Some are wooden; some, like this one, appear to be brass or another metal. (There is an Episcopal church in Buffalo that has a magnificent, museum-caliber brass eagle lectern on an ornate brass and marble base. It's just over the top!).

Two lovely tapestries on the walls by the back entrance.

And standing watch, in a sitting room inside the parish house ...

A big word of thanks to the staff of St. John's for being so very accommodating!