WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

From the earliest days of Christianity, the arts have played an important role in conveying the message of Christ. The poetry in the hymns we sing, the imaginative seasonal decoration by our Liturgical Arts Guild, the embroidery in our pastors' vestments, the music sung and played by our choirs and ensembles, and the furnishings in our sanctuary all work together to shape our faith and enrich our worship. Among the most prominent visual symbols at Grace are the wood mosaic panels above the altar. So just what do they mean?

The panels are designed to represent the visible means of God's grace (hence, also protraying the name of our congregation). Ttheir titles and meanings are:

In addition, each panel contains a cross to reinforce our belief that the means of grace--the Word of God, Holy Communion, and Holy Baptism--are centered around the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

The wood materials from which the panels have been crafted to express the natural means through which God's grace is communicated. Six different kinds of wood have been used in the panels: Redwood, Ponderosa Pine, Cedar, Birch, Douglas Fir and Sitka Spruce.

The panels were designed by Charles Pohlmann of Pohlmann Design, Minneapolis, and crafted by Paul and Virginia Howe.