Upper Scene (Luke 15:11-32)—Having followed a life of dissolute living, the Prodigal Son realizes his wrongdoing and kneels before his forgiving father, who welcomes his repentant son with great joy and a loving embrace. But the older brother, who stayed behind, looks on with disappointment and envy. He is the only one ignoring God’s directive to forgive.

The scene is set against the background of an abundant harvest in an environment that represents fulfillment and contentment. The surroundings suggest not only a bountiful harvest but a scene that is welcoming with a lovely dwelling and the suggestion of a strong, supporting staff. The Prodigal Son, having followed a life of dissolute living and, having squandered all his fortune, is welcomed back by the forgiving father. The repentant son realized he was wrong and longed to return to beg for the blessings of his father. The father welcomes his prodigal son with great joy and a loving embrace. The brother who stayed behind and was a loyal, dependable supporter of his father looks on the scene with disappointment and envy. The golden hummingbird was added at the request of the donors, Meeka and Richard Fields. (Whenever they have a moral quandary, they remind each other to listen to the golden hummingbird at their shoulder for guidance. The artist placed the hummingbird at the shoulder of the jealous brother because he is the only one in the scene ignoring God's directive to forgive.) We see the knowing glances of the Canaan dogs, a breed of dogs local to the area and known for their fierce loyalty to only those known to them. They look on in calm anticipation recognizing this emaciated, disheveled person who has come back into their lives.

Lower Scene (Matthew 18:10-14)—Jesus, the Good Shepherd, yearns to save a lost sheep that has fallen into a precarious position where it will suffocate and die – a metaphor for the adversities of life. Christ’s strong hand reaches out to bring the struggling sheep back safely to the fold.

This scene depicts Christ, the Good Shepherd, as a man of the fields who has spent time working amidst the rocks and rills. He is trying to save one of the sheep that was lost and, when he finds it, will hoist it to safety. If the shepherd doesn't free the sheep from this precarious position it will suffocate and die. The strong hand of Christ reaches out to steady and save the struggling, wayward sheep and bring him back safely to the fold.

Donors: Meeka and Richard Fields
Dedication: December 2, 2007
Artist: Nikki Vogt