Shepherd of the Lakes - 'Time of the Church' Green Hangings and Stole
15’x30” mixed media
Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church, Brighton, Michigan
The two fifteen foot Green Hangings, custom-designed for the chancel area, reflect the words of Jesus, in John 15: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ... This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
The 'bough arc' or branch design of the hangings is reminiscent of a 'branch of worship and praise,' similar to the palm branch of Palm Sunday - a visible symbol of the congregation's worship and reverence for Christ, The Savior and King
As individual Christians, we can identify with being one of the 'branches' within the bough, the church, whom the Holy Spirit works within to enable a blossoming, fruitful life of service to our Lord. Christians are 'children of light'; hence the yellow blossoms on the 'branches.'
The progression of dark greens at the bottom of the boughs to light greens on the peaks is meant to convey the Kingdom of God, from the earliest beginnings of the Church, after Christ's Resurrection, to the present age. As a living, growing entity, the Church is to continue in Christ's command to go and make disciples, baptizing, teaching, and preaching in His name.
"I Am the True Vine" (LW 417)
I am the True Vine from above, and you My branches green;
Abide in Me and in My love, good fruit shall then be seen.
Apart from Me no good thing comes, but in Me blossoms spring.
Help me to joy in things above, help me desire Your ways
That I may bear the fruit that lasts, and glory give and praise
To Father, Son, and Spirit, One, now and for all my days.
