Upper Scene (Luke 12:30-37)—The Samaritan jeopardizes his own well-being by aiding someone considered “not of his kind.” The core message portrayed is a genuine show of compassion for one whom most would consider not worth the trouble and inconvenience. The upper-left section depicts a priest moving down the road with his back to the scene. The Levite, however, gazes over his shoulder, contemplating this act of mercy.

The image presented focuses on the kindness and selflessness of the Samaritan who jeopardizes his personal well-being by stopping and aiding someone considered “not of his kind.” The core message depicted in the window is this genuine show of compassion for a traveler whom most people would consider not worth the trouble and inconvenience. The upper-left section depicts a priest moving down the road with his back to the scene. The Levite, however, gazes back over his shoulder, contemplating this act of mercy. Throughout the upper scene are a number of specific flowers, trees, and plants symbolic of giving, caring, curing, and justice. Rudbekia flowers, in the lower right panel, and the scales on the back of the Samaritan’s horse represent justice. The water lily signifies purity of heart. The large oak tree in the center symbolizes hospitality. The pepperberry mixed in with the rudbeckia represents religious enthusiasm. In the field below the Samaritan’s horse, blue violets signify faithfulness, and dandelions indicate that justice shall be done.

Lower Scene (Revelation 3:20)—Jesus knocks at the door of our hearts, asking us to be open to Him, to acknowledge and accept His total love for us. Will we be open to hear His message and welcome Him in? The lantern is symbolic of Christ as “the light of the world.”

Christ is knocking at the door of our hearts, asking us to be open to Him, to acknowledge and accept His total love for us. He is wondering whether our hearts will be open to hear His message. Wisteria represents steadfastness and calycanthus symbolizes benevolence. The lantern is also symbolic of Christ being “the light of the world.” Christ listens at the door and awaits our invitation to welcome Him into our lives and allow the Spirit to guide us.

Donors: Jeff, Sadie and Nicole Forchelli
Dedication: December 3, 2006
Artist: Nikki Vogt