Word from the Windows
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
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. Rev. Sherri.
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
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
The Cross and Crown
April 7, 2024
Just as the joy of Easter continues, so does the Word from the Windows series. This series was originally scheduled to end on Easter, but due to popular demand the series will continue to mid- April, now including the windows in the narthex and a reimagining of Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler. This week, we turn to The Cross and the Crown. The symbol in this window reminds us of the Lordship of Jesus and His work for us on our behalf through the cross. It is fitting in this season on resurrection, that we reflect upon the crown and the rule of Jesus. This symbol reminds us of Jesus’ servant nature and kingly nature, as Suffering Servant and Lord of Lords. As you prepare for this week’s sermon, I encourage you to spend time with James 1:12. Reflect upon the following questions 1) How does your life as a Christ-follower reflect his Lordship? 2) How does your life as a Christ-follower model his servant nature and obedience? 3) What does receiving the crown of life mean to you? See you Sunday as we continue to see the beauty and hear the story. Rev. Sherri
The Cross and The Crown
April 7, 2024
Just as the joy of Easter continues, so does the Word from the Windows series. This series was originally scheduled to end on Easter, but due to popular demand the series will continue to mid- April, now including the windows in the narthex and a reimagining of Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler. This week, we turn to The Cross and the Crown. The symbol in this window reminds us of the Lordship of Jesus and His work for us on our behalf through the cross. It is fitting in this season on resurrection, that we reflect upon the crown and the rule of Jesus. This symbol reminds us of Jesus’ servant nature and kingly nature, as Suffering Servant and Lord of Lords. As you prepare for this week’s sermon, I encourage you to spend time with James 1:12. Reflect upon the following questions 1) How does your life as a Christ-follower reflect his Lordship? 2) How does your life as a Christ-follower model his servant nature and obedience? 3) What does receiving the crown of life mean to you? See you Sunday as we continue to see the beauty and hear the story. Rev. Sherri
Jesus and Mary at the Garden Tomb
March 31, 2024
Sermon Notes: 3.31.24 Mary and the Tomb is the most prominent stained-glass window of First United Methodist Church. It is one of the largest windows and has the most noticeable spot, in the sanctuary facing Chestnut Street, easily admired from the inside and outside of the church. Like the other windows, it was designed by Jospeh Victor Llorens and installed in 1936 along with eight others. The window offers the most important message of Christ’ resurrection and power, reminding us that each day with Jesus is resurrection and life. As you prepare for Easter worship, spend time with the scripture: John 20:1-18 and these questions: 1) What does the resurrection mean to you? 2) How has Jesus empowered you to tell others that He lives, and 3) How have you seen the Risen Lord today? See you Sunday as we see the beauty and hear the story. Rev. Sherri PS This series was originally scheduled to end on Easter, but due to popular demand the series will continue to mid- April, now including the windows in the narthex and a reimagining of Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler.
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
March 24, 2024
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
March 24, 2024
Christ Knocking at the Door
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
Christ Knocking at the Door
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
Christ Blessing the Children
March 10, 2024
Sermon Notes: Thursday, March 7 & Sunday, March 10 The next window in our series is Christ Blessing the Children, located in the back of the sanctuary on the courtyard side of the church. It depicts a loving Jesus affectionately welcoming the children to him. The window was given in memory of Ethel Lindsay Klutts and Ella Mae Hunter by their Sunday School Class. These women were beloved teachers in the children’s department and representative of the countless teachers at First United Methodist Church who have welcomed and cared for the children of this church. As you prepare for worship this week, spend time with the scripture which inspired the window, Luke 18:15-17. Reflect upon the questions: 1. How might you need Jesus’ blessings this week? 2. How might you bless a child? 3. What are ways in which you can serve the students at First United Methodist Church? See you Sunday as we see the beauty and hear the story! Rev. Sherri
Christ Blessing the Children
March 10, 2024
The next window in our series is Christ Blessing the Children, located in the back of the sanctuary on the courtyard side of the church. It depicts a loving Jesus affectionately welcoming the children to him. The window was given in memory of Ethel Lindsay Klutts and Ella Mae Hunter by their Sunday School Class. These women were beloved teachers in the children’s department and representative of the countless teachers at First United Methodist Church who have welcomed and cared for the children of this church. As you prepare for worship this week, spend time with the scripture which inspired the window, Luke 18:15-17. Reflect upon the questions 1) How night you need Jesus’ blessings this week? 2) How might you bless a child? 3) What are ways in which you can serve the students at First United Methodist Church? See you Sunday as we see the beauty and hear the story! Rev. Sherri
The Sermon on the Mount
March 3, 2024
The next window in the series, The Sermon on The Mount, is located off the narthex in the acolyte room, facing Chestnut Street. It depicts the Master Teacher as He taught the beatitudes to the multitude and is a tribute to one of the most beloved teachers in the history of First United Methodist Church of Gadsden, Rena Hudson McCord. While the associated scripture is Matthew 5:1-2, the entire Sermon on the Mount can be read in chapters 5,6, and 7 of Matthew. In the sermon, you will find Jesus’ teaching upon conflict, worry, money, dealing with enemies and the blessed life. I encourage you to spend time with the Sermon on the Mount this week and ponder these questions 1) What are the connections of Jesus’ teaching long ago and the need for such teaching today? 2) What lesson from this sermon do you most need to take to heart? 3) How is applying Jesus’ teaching like building our house upon a rock? See you Sunday, as we see the beauty and hear the story! Rev. Sherri