Christ Knocking at the Door

First United Methodist Church of Gadsden

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Christ Knocking at the Door

Celebration 9 am

March 17, 2024

Christ Knocking at the Door is the only window to be moved after its original installation. The window, like the others, was designed by Joseph Victor Llorens and it was installed in 1945 in the original prayer room, which was located off the narthex on the courtyard side. With architectural changes made in 1955, the window was moved to a new prayer room, where it is seen today. The window was inspired by a world-renowned painting entitled, The Light of the World by William Holman Hunt, which depicts Christ knocking. While many have interpreted the painting to be Jesus knocking at the heart, to allow him in for salvation, Hunt intended the painting to be Jesus knocking at the door of an obstinate mind. In that painting, the outside knob missing, and it must be opened to Jesus from the inside by the person. With Hunt’s original intent, how might Jesus be knocking at your obstinate mind?

As you prepare for this week’s sermon, I encourage you to spend time in Revelation 3:20. Reflect upon these questions: 1) How is Jesus trying to get your attention 2) What do you need to do to allow the space to hear Jesus? 3) What would it mean for you to open the “door” for Christ to come in?

Rev. Sherri

Nicodemus

April 21, 2024

Sermon Notes: Thursday, April 18 & Sunday, April 21, 2024 This is the final Sunday of the Word from the window series. I have been greatly blessed by the series. The opportunity to appreciate the art of this church, hear the stories behind the windows, and look at all the varied scriptures which inspired the windows has been a wonderful opportunity. I give thanks for this series for what it has meant to me. After this series, I will not think of the windows in the same way, and I hope you don’t either. As you prepare for the final window spend some time with John 3:1-21. This is not the scripture which inspired the window for the week, The Rich Young Ruler, but we are going to use our imagination and reimagine this window as Nicodemus. As you consider the story of Nicodemus, ponder the ways that you seek Jesus. See you Sunday as we hear the story and see the beauty.

Nicodemus

April 21, 2024

The Open Bible

April 14, 2024

Sermon Notes: Thursday, April 11 & Sunday, April 14, 2024 The next window in the series is The Open Bible . It can be found in the narthex facing 5th street to your right as you enter the church through the brass doors. This window was given in memory of Hamilton Blount Ralls by Lola Johnson Ralls. It depicts as it is named an open Bible and is given in memory of one who proclaimed the Good News found in the Bible as a preacher. The Open Bible challenges us to consider how God’s Word is a foundation for our lives. Do we know scripture, rely upon scripture, and allow it to speak to us each day? As you prepare for worship this week, spend some time in 2 Timothy 2:15 and spend some time with God’s Word. Take some time to memorize a verse, memorize the order of the books of the Bible, or read a book of the Bible. Give some time for scripture to renew you and guide you as you grow as a follower of Christ. See you Sunday as we see the beauty and hear the story. Rev. Sherri