Immanuel Art
Art speaks to the soul and enriches our surroundings. It is a gift of God that celebrates, inspires and sometimes commemorates life lived with God.
You're invited to explore the following pieces of art in our building:
Behold, I Make All Things New!
Left Side
Right Side
Paul Oman, artist and pastor, shares his Drawn to the Word artistic ministry with audiences ecumenically across the country. He served as a science teacher, then Lutheran pastor when, in 2011, he took up work as an artistic pastor full-time. Paul seeks to give new vision to God’s Word by using the process of painting to captivate audiences in our visually oriented culture. Painting and drawing have been a part of Paul’s life since childhood. Receiving national & international recognition for his work in watercolor, Paul uses this gift to proclaim the Gospel unique and powerful ways that impact lives and inspire mission. Paul works in many settings, including congregations, schools, universities, seminaries, camps, prisons, non-profits, and more. The larger-than-life sized murals are painted with acrylics on stretched canvas. Paul lives near Amery, Wisconsin with his wife, Jana, and their children. Learn more about Paul Oman.
The all-community mural was a collaborative experience that brought all ages and stages together in a profound way - painting (think "paint by numbers") a biblically themed mural on portable panels that is displayed along our sanctuary wall.
Paul Oman’s comments on sketches/design:
Left Side:
I am moving from Creation to New Creation. In this image I have included God as creator, heavens and earth, sun, moon, stars, day and night, light and darkness, waters, fish, birds, and animals, Noah’s ark, suggestions of buildings/kingdoms of this world in the distance on the right, rainbow, clouds, Adam and Eve, trees along a stream and more. These images merge into a continuing stream/river on the right-side canvas which leads to the New Jerusalem/Holy City of God, river/water of life, tree of life planted by the waters, and indication of many people as we move to the right toward the resurrected Jesus in the distance, flowers, butterfly, and much more.
There is lots of color and light, a lamb, image of the world/nations, palm branches, people looking towards and moving towards the New Jerusalem, streets of gold, waterfalls/waters rolling down and lots of greens.
Right Side:
I have included people from various countries and times in history. The painting process incorporates all skin colors and hair colors. The stream through the desert turns into rushing waters flowing/rolling down. The crowd is crossing at one point to indicate the crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Palms show celebration. New Jerusalem is in the clouds with vertical lines indicating the heavenly to earthly connection. Resurrected Jesus figure and three crosses stand in the pathway of all humanity as they are called forth to the New Creation. The wall of vertical spires indicates the many gems named in Revelation as part of the description of the New Jerusalem. Birds. Butterflies. Easter resurrection symbol. Lake (Sea of Galilee) is calm and may give thought to many of the stories in the Gospels that took place on or around this location. People moving toward the light, Lamb, Jesus from all directions. Sheep. Shepherds. People in robes of white standing in praise with palms. Lots of color is incorporated providing more emotion and contrast.
Dancing with Angels
In Memory of Jessica Renae Figg
In 2005 Jessica, the daughter of Chad & Holly Figg, was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia and passed away, at the tender age of eighteen months. Although she fought bravely with her unforgettable loving personality, she lost her battle on February 12, 2006. For one so young she faced her battle with courage and strength. She lived each day as if it was her last and became an inspiration to so many people. Jessica is remembered for the hope she brought to those she touched. The windows were designed and primarily built by Jessica’s grandfather, Wayne VanBerkum, with the help of every family member. By designing, selecting glass, and constructing the windows, family members knew it would give a tangible process to express loss and grief in a powerful, creative effort. The intent was to enhance the experience of all passing through the doors into the sanctuary. The design and drawings came easy, as though a pair of little hands were helping:
- Angels and musical notes are the focus. The music notes were included in the design because Jessica loved music and always shared a little dance with us when music filled the room.
- The ribbon represents celebration as it connects the windows in a ribbon of life.
- The center angel, who is releasing the dove along the ribbon of life, is the “Angel of Friendship”.
- The two outside angels are the “Angels of Triumph” which share the musical notes along the pathway ascending to eternity.
- The glass represents some of Jessica’s favorite colors and might seem to make the angels dance in the sunlight.
There were times during construction that Wayne felt the presence of beautiful little eyes looking over his shoulder helping and giving approval. The windows are titled “Dancing with Angels” because Jessica loved to dance in our arms. She danced with Pastor Susan Weaver and others on many occasions at the back of the sanctuary. “Dancing with Angels” was dedicated by Pastor Paul Nelson and Chad Figg on Sunday, January 28, 2007 as a memorial to Jessica as well as to those who hold loved ones so softly in their heart. Submitted by Jerry Figg (Grandpa) August 12, 2013
Tom's Window
In Memory of Tom Kobler
This window was commissioned in loving memory of Tom Kobler. Tom was an active member of Immanuel from 2000 until 2010, participating in choir and on the church council as chair of the Worship, Music and Arts committee. After the beautiful window with the Angels was installed, Tom said, 'now we need one over the other doors'. Before he passed away in November 2010, one of his requests was to put in a stained glass window above the second set of doors into Immanuel's sanctuary. Music was always important to Tom and to our family, so when we started working on an idea for this piece, the words “Comfort Ye” from Handel’s Messiah kept going through my head. Tom sang this solo at Immanuel as well as at several other churches we belonged to over the years. The musical staff is a suggestion of how music weaves throughout our lives. There is a tenor clef for Tom, since he was a tenor in the choir. The notes are from the opening phrase of “Comfort Ye”. Tom loved to sing and sang with his whole heart. Our family loved the water and the mountains in the Pacific Northwest, where we lived for a time and still have family and friends. A suggestion of these beautiful elements of our earth was incorporated into the window while picking up on the flow of the ribbon that runs through the “Dancing with Angels” window. This could be thought of as waters of our baptism or, the constant movement and presence of the Spirit throughout all life. The brilliant colors and thematic elements suggest the glory of God that is heard and felt in the music of the world around us. Tom was always partial to the color blue, and the royal blue in particular makes us think of him. Tom’s sister-in-law, Joellyn Kobler, wife of his brother Eric, is the artist who designed the piece and who put it together. She has a studio in her home in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin called White Iris Restoration and Glass Co. She would often play music from “Messiah” when she was working on Tom’s window. She felt that the shapes and the colors represent the earth, water, wind and fire as well as the dance between them in heaven and on earth. Constant movement, constant change represent the cycle of life. It is God’s orchestration. ~submitted by Dory Kobler January 16, 2013
Stained Glass
The stained glass windows are themed God with Us (Immanuel); they show us a summary of God's work in and through Jesus. During the Advent season in 1985 Pastor Del Lind gave a series of sermons on the name Immanuel—meaning “God with us.” Those sermons became the inspiration for the themes depicted in the windows. Members of the committee approved the theme, and the church council approved the idea with Immanuel as the focal name. There are 6 unique windows and each window has three panels (with a total of 18 panels) - over 50 images that help reveal Immanuel - God with us. The dedication service for the completed windows was held on February 14, 1988.
Window 1: The Nativity
The Nativity Star: As shown by the artist, there were other stars shining that night also, but none shone as brightly as the star over Bethlehem. It is intended to show the uniqueness of Christ's birth, a revelation that would bring light to all humankind. The Angels: The first announcement of the birth of Jesus came from the angels to some shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem. The angels in this windows may symbolize any of the four appearances of angels in the Nativity accounts: Matthew 1:201-21; Luke 2:8-14; Matthew 2:13; Matthew 2:20.
The Wise Men: The three crowns are symbolic of the wise men who came from the East, searching for the child who had been born to be King of the Jews. The Shepherds: Three staffs remind us that the birth announcement first came to shepherds. The shepherds carried a long rod with a crook at the upper end. It was used to manage the flock, keep it together, guide it, and defend it. The shepherds of the Nativity are forerunners to Christ, who claimed for himself the role of "Good Shepherd". Wheat Surrounding the Lamb: Wheat, if it is to multiply, must die - here we see a symbol of redemption (John 12:24).
The Manger: Depicts the Nativity with the Baby Jesus being first cradled in a manger - a place where animals feed. The Donkeys: Today donkeys are known to be stubborn, but this was not so at the time of Jesus. They are described as a beautiful, stately, and friendly animal. Christ rode a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The Cross Over the Manger: A symbol of the destiny of the Child born as a Servant-King. The artist has chosen to use a Greek cross, which gives color and symmetry. The halo or nimbus over the cross suggests the radiance of Christ. Joseph's Thorn Bush: Below the manger, almost as if to be the base of the manger, is a single bush with a yellow and white flower known as Joseph's Thorn Bush or Glastonbury Bush.
Window 2: Jesus the Teacher
Wheat and Weeds: This teaching of Jesus teaches us that there is a noxious power in the world and it cannot be easily rooted out. God is at work in the world to produce good (Matthew 13:24-43). The Tablets of Law: Jesus brought new meaning to the law and summarized the law when calling us to love God and to serve the neighbor (Matthew 5:17, 21, 27 & 33).
Do Not Worry: If God will care for birds and flowers how much more will God care for us - we can trust God and not be consumed by worry! (Matthew 6:2-34). A Story of Two Houses: The house built on a rock will withstand storms - the life built on Christ is rock solid (Matthew 7:24-27).
The Flaming Torch: This is a symbol of light dispersing the darkness. In the early Christian Church the torch was sometimes used as a symbol of the Nativity, symbolizing the dawning of a new day bringing light, peace and hope. It is, therefore, appropriately placed in the window next to the Nativity (John 8:12. The torch is also a symbol of our call to witness for Christ (Matthew 5:16). Alpha & Omega: The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet teach us that Jesus is the first and the last (Revelation 22:13).
Window 3: Jesus the Healer
Oil for Healing: The symbol of oil spewing forth from a cruse or cruet suggests the power of anointing and healing - introducing the healing power of Christ, who cares for all people. Chains that Enslave: Three chains - symbols of enslavement to the powers of evil (see Mark 5:1-13, Matthew 8:21 - 9:1 and Luke 8:26-39). Christ is able to free us from the shackles and chains that enslave us - the gracious will of God that brings healing and wholeness.
Raising the Daughter of Jairus: Jesus, the Healer, entered the home of Jairus, telling the family, "Do not fear, only believe." Jesus reached out and spoke Talitha Cumi, young maiden arise. (Mark 5:21-23 & 35-43). The Healing of the Blind Man: The top eye, portraying a blind eye, shows the barrier to sight, while the lower eye shows an open - seeing eye with light emanating from it (Mark 8:22-26).
The Raising of Lazarus: Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, raises Lazarus from the tomb (John 11:1-44). The Butterfly: Above the image of Lazarus coming forth from the tomb is the symbol of the butterfly - a symbol of the power of the resurrection. The Healing of the Hand: The two hands are symbolic of the healing of the man with a withered hand (Matthew 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6 and Luke 6:6-11). Healing of the Sick and the Lame: The hand of Jesus thrusts three crutches in the direction of the sea where the pigs and the demons were cast away (Matthew 15:29-31).
Window 4: Jesus the Miracle Worker
Water Into Wine: Symbols from the wedding of Cana (John 2:1-11). It was Jesus' first sign (miracle). Jesus brings meaning and purpose to life and he brings change to our lives, akin to water turning into wine. A Coin in the Fish's Mouth: In Matthew 17:24-27 we read of a strange miracle that teaches us that being a Christian and having good citizenship go hand in hand. The Withering Fig Tree: Jesus teaches us that uselessness invites disaster (Matthew 21:18-19 and Mark 11:12-14, 20-21).
Five Loaves and Two Fish: Two baskets, one with five barley loaves and one with two small fish - symbols of the feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-15).
Jesus Calms the Storm: A symbol of the Christ, with outstretched hands, calms the wind and the waves (Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 8:23-27, Luke 8:22-25). With Jesus we can have peace in even the wildest of storms of life. Jesus Walks on Water: Jesus comes with outstretched arms to rescue us from the storms of life. He speaks to us and says, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." (Mark 6:45-52, Matthew 14:22-23, John 6:15-21).
Window 5: Jesus the Prophet
Behold the Lamb of God: The dove from the blazing opened heavens; the lamb, encircled with the nimbus standing on top of the world; the world caught in fire and chains; and finally, the chain cast away from the earth. All these symbols surround the symbol of Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
When Eyes are Opened: The symbol depicts what happens when God reveals himself, and people see what they have not seen before. It is to see anew and to see with the eye of faith. Dove with an Olive Branch: A symbol of peace and justice with origins in the Noah story (Genesis 8:10-11), and the dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The Chalice: A symbol of the New Covenant and the Last Supper.
Window 6: The Passion
The Guards at the Tomb: The tomb was gaurded - however, there was not a tomb in the world which could imprison the Risen Christ. The Iris: This is a symbol of sorrow and anguish - the death of Christ did not happen without the feelings of loss, sorrow, anguish and pain. The Shroud: The white linen extending from the tomb is a symbol of Jesus breaking the bonds of death in the resurrection event.
Three Nails: Symbols of the nails that pierced Jesus to the cross. The nails are set in a circle - a symbol of completeness and wholeness. The Rooster: A symbol of Peter's denial of Jesus (Mark 14:54, 66-72, Luke 22:31-38, 54-62). The Crown of Thorns: The crown of thorns draped over the middle cross is a symbol of both pain and glory. It calls to mind the crown of thorns placed on Christ's head by the soldiers. Three Crosses: Symbols of the crucifixion of Jesus between two criminals (Luke 23:26, 32-33).
The Resurrection and Ascension: Jesus rose from the grave and ascended into heaven. The Dove: The dove is a symbol of the work of the Holy Spirit i the aftermath of the resurrection. It reminds us of the Spirit descending on Jesus at his baptism, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost nd the work of the Holy Spirit bringing life to all believers. The Angels Rejoice: The angels celebrate the victory of Christ and declare Jesus as Savior, Victor, Immanuel - God with us!
Address
Immanuel Lutheran Church
16515 Luther Way
Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Phone
(952) 937-8123