T H E D A W N F R O M O N H I G H

Gary United Methodist Church presents Dan Forrest’s

Gary United Methodist Church

Welcome Guests!

We are delighted you have joined us for worship. We invite you to complete the Welcome Card in the pew pocket, and stop by the Welcome Desk on the main level outside the west Sanctuary entrance to receive a gift and more information about our ministries.

Hearing aid devices are available (including the neck loop for telecoil programs). Large print song sheets are also available. Please see an usher for assistance.

Children are invited to worship with their families today. Children’s bulletins and activity bags are available from the ushers. Childcare is available for newborn–4 yrs. from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the lower level. At 10 a.m., Preschool 3’s and 4’s will be transitioned to Gary Kids Sunday School in the Preschool Room on the lower level.

MISSION STATEMENT

Grow in faith, knowledge, and understanding of Christ as Lord and SaviorServe our community and the world by sharing time, gifts, talentsNurture one another through worship, fellowship, loveDemonstrate our discipleship to ChristProclaim God’s grace and Good News

SERVING TODAY

9 a.m. ServiceGreeters Bud & Melissa Wheaton, Keith & Terri Nystrom, Audrey Cicmanec, Gray CicmanecWelcome Desk Donna Trieschmann, Phyllis Geyer, Michelle YounkinUshers Chuck Miller, Paul Calderwood, Sam Calderwood, Joe Davisson, David Plate, Dick Raber, Lisa Rozwat

11 a.m. ServiceGreeters Mike & Terri Kinney, Steve & Jackie HelmWelcome Desk David & Teresa ExnerUshers Bob Hawkins, Bill Austin, Michael Graves, Doug & Tammy Halenza, George King

Sound Technicians: Kevin Carlson, Phil Johnson, Alyn Mann, Dave Mann, Tony Venezia

Staff Ministry Team: Rev. Dr. Chris Pierson, Rev. Brian Felker Jones, Rev. Bruce Anderson, Jennifer Whiting, Kevin Lange, Carey Bebar, Kim Austin, Alexa Isaac, Becky Lemna, Pam Keller, Raven Larkin, Deb Evans, Deb Hafner, Mike & Donna Capra

Celebrating a Milestone: On Sunday, March 10, we will celebrate reaching the $1.8 million goal of the God’s Next Big Thing AllIn Campaign. Although the campaign continues until the spring of 2020, the campaign committee wishes to mark this important milestone and invites everyone to enjoy cake during the 10 a.m. hour.

Bring your whole family to enjoy the light-hearted humor and poignant drama of Life of the Party: The Story of Mary and Martha, presented by Gary kids and youth.

Following the musical, plan to stay for the Soup & Chili Cook-off & Auction—a fun event to benefit the high school summer mission trip to Kansas City.

Tickets for the cook-off are $10 per person or $20 for a family. Sign up in the Commons to enter your best soup and/or chili for the opportunity to win the prestigious Golden Ladle and bragging rights for another year.

We are still collecting donation items for the auction. If you can help, please contact Alexa Isaac at aisaac@garychurch.org with your donation ideas.

Weekly Grief Support Group Wednesdays, beginning March 6, 10 a.m. in Commons A This group, for those grieving the death of someone close, provides a place to be with people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. RSVP to the Church Office.

Praise Service Saturday, March 9, 5 p.m. at Winfield UMC This service features musicians from both the Gary and Winfield congregations. All are welcome.

Lunch Group Thursday, March 21, 12 p.m. in the Commons Main dish provided; bring a dish to share. Cost: $2.

Fourth Friday Game Night Friday, March 22, 6:30 p.m. in the Commons Join adults of all ages for an evening of bridge, dominoes, Scrabble, friends, and fellowship.

Burning Bush Art Gallery An Outreach of Gary Church

Radical Love: from Occupy to Standing Rock featuring the works of local artist Frank Esposito is on display through today. Frank uses photography to educate and organize in the endless struggle for equal human rights, social justice, and respect for Mother Earth.

Acorn Coffeehouse presents Cathy Barton and Dave Para, Saturday, March 9, 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cost: $10. Barton and Para have celebrated the musical traditions and folk life of Missouri and the Ozarks in festivals, clubs, concert halls, schools, and studios across the U.S. and Europe.

Explore Gary Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m. in Commons E Whether you are new(er) to the church or just ready for new opportunities to grow and serve, join us for this overview of the ministries of Gary Church. Come learn how you can connect and build friends in faith.

Explore Membership Sunday, March 24, 1:30–3 p.m. in the Anderson Room If you are considering membership, join the pastors and others newer to Gary to get better acquainted and discuss what it means to be United Methodist. Contact Kim Austin at kaustin@garychurch.org to register. Participants are also encouraged to attend Explore Gary on March 17 at 10 a.m.

Musical + Soup & Chili Cook-off + Auction Sunday, March 17, 4 p.m.

Please NoteAltar Flowers: If you would like to provide flowers for our altar on Sunday mornings, call or e-mail the Church Office.

Bus driver needed for the third Sunday of the month beginning in June to pick up those not able to drive to church. Contact the Church Office for more information.

Usher positions are available for both the 9 and 11 a.m. worship services. Contact Dick Seloover through the Church Office for more information on this way to serve on Sunday mornings.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE Please remember these individuals and families in your prayers this week. Jan Adair, Jessica Bianco, Sharon Blanchard, Zoey Bohmer, Heidi Brewer, Pat Davisson, Jim & Carol Eaton, Dixie Hawthorne, Barbara Heeley, Pat Hill, Betty Jeppsen, Mike Krueger, Norvis Land, Chris Loken, Dan Meeks, Tom Miller, Cubby Minauskas, Emma Moreland, Jennifer Ruth, Rich Schilling, Jim Trieschmann, Lynne Watkins, Jack & Shirley Williamson, Phil Zeller

Our sympathy to Judy Grote and Scott, Katie, Zach, and Wes Bordner on the death of Judy’s uncle and Scott’s grandfather, Francis Trielkemeier, on Feb. 25

Congratulations to Chase & Kelsey Kadlec on the birth of their daughter, Emerson Jane, on Feb. 24. Grandparents are Tom & Le Ann Kadlec.

Prescription for Life: Pick up a Prescription for Life pill bottle and fill it with spare change, cash, and/or checks. Donations will be used to provide services for older adults that are supported by the Outreach Community Center. Filled pill bottles can be returned to Gary by March 24.

People’s Resource Center is in need of Food Pantry Stockers to prepare the Wheaton Food Pantry for clients, sort food donations, and shelve items between Food Pantry sessions. If you are available to help Mondays, 7-8:30 a.m. or 8 a.m-noon, contact VolunteerDepartment@Peoplesrc.org.

MISSION

Today at Gary Church

Vacation Bible School and BLAST Camp registration is open at garychurch.org. Join us June 19–21. Roar VBS is for children entering Preschool 4’s–grade 4. Blast Camp is for students entering grades 5–8.

CIY Summer Camps registration is open. We are thrilled to have camp options for both middle and high schoolers this summer! High School: MOVE Camp, June 24–29 in Holland, MI. Middle school: MIX Camp, July 29–August 2 in Carlinville, IL. See garychurch.org for details and to register.

Gary Youth Midweek will not meet this week. Middle schoolers are encouraged to attend the Ash Wednesday service either at 7 a.m. or 7 p.m. with their families. Midweek will resume Wednesday, March 13, 7–8:30 p.m. in the Activity Center.

4th & 5th Grade Fellowship | Giant Games Friday, March 8, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Fourth and fifth graders are invited to participate in a night of GIANT Games!

Parent’s Night OutFriday, March 22, 6:30–8:30 p.m. in the lower levelDrop off your children at Gary Church for supervised play time and enjoy a night out. Parent’s Night Out is open to children ages 6 months–grade 3. Reservations are required through the Church Office and a donation of $5 per child is suggested.

SuperStart Friday–Saturday, April 12–13 Fourth and fifth graders, mark your calendar for one of our favorite weekends of the year. Participation details and registration are at garychurch.org.

GARY KIDS AND GARY YOUTH

The Light of Christ: Gary’s Stained Glass Windows10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary | Join Fred Wayland for a fascinating discussion of Gary’s stained glass windows.

10:00 a.m. Sunday School Preschool 3’s–4’s meet in the Preschool Room Kindergarten–Grade 5 meet in Gamon Hall Grades 6–7 meet in the Heritage Room

Confirmation (Grade 8) meets in the Jr. High Room Grades 9–12 meet in the Sr. High Room

PlaydateWednesday, March 6, 4–5 p.m. in the Activity CenterCome play with us! This is a great way to socialize with other parents while your little ones play.

Transfiguration Sunday March 3, 2019 9 & 11 a.m.

Prelude How Lovely Shines the Morning Star arr. Flor Peeters Chorale tune by Philipp Nicolai

Mission and Ministry at Gary Church

Introit Brother Sun: A Meditation on “All Creatures of Our God and King” Lasst uns erfreuen arr. James Woodman

Praised be You my Lord through all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun,

Who brings the day; and You give us light through him.And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor!

Of You, Most High, he bears the likeness.~ St. Francis of Assisi

*Call to Worship The light shines in darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.By the mercy of our God the dawn from on high will break upon us,to give light to those who sit in darkness, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Light from on high, come illumine us. Alleluia!

*Hymn Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise 103 (Stanzas 1, 2, and 4)

Opening PrayerAlmighty God, you are light, and in you there is no darkness at all. As sunlight fills the sky, fill us with your love, that we may have fellowship with one another and fellowship with you. We ask this through your son Jesus Christ, the light of the world, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

Scripture Luke 9:28–36, The Transfiguration

*Hymn Creator of the Stars of Night 692

LUX: The Dawn from On High Dan Forrest

I. Illuminare (Illumine us)

II. Lux in tenebris (The light shines in darkness)

III. The Sun Never Says

IV. Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest)

V. Creator of the Stars of Night

Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Dedication of Our Tithes and Offerings

Give Me Jesus African American spiritual Andrzej Stec, tenor arr. Hall Johnson

In the morning when I rise,In the morning when I rise,

In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.Give me Jesus, give me Jesus,

You may have all this world, give me Jesus.

Dark midnight was my cry, Dark midnight was my cry,

Dark midnight was my cry, give me Jesus.Give me Jesus, give me Jesus,

You may have all this world, give me Jesus.

Just about the break of day,Just about the break of day,

Just about the break of day, give me Jesus.Give me Jesus, give me Jesus,

You may have all this world, give me Jesus.You may have all this world, but give me Jesus.

*Hymn I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light 206 (Stanzas 1 and 2)

*Benediction

Postlude Alleluia: An Exclamation on arr. James Woodman “All Creatures of Our God and King”

The Saints and ApostlesLuke, Matthew, John, Mark, Peter & PaulThese windows sound like the boys in the bandThey’re disciples and writers, authors of the stories we welcome each liturgical season. Luke with his quill pen Matthew writing, too, leaving his tax booth to follow The One.Paul’s conversion and the strong haunches of the horsewho fled from lightning, and John, healing the lame. Mark takes dictation directly from Peter and Paul His window reminds us that thy word is a lamp unto our feet.Peter holds the keys to the kingdombut we can never forget the crow of the roosterreminding us of our own denials, our frailties, forgiven already.

MosesA whole book is within this window,from bulrushes to the burning bush.The tablets of ten rules to live byand a staff, later striking the rock that will give his whining people water. He stopped at the edge of the promised land; He taught us how to lead.

Colors! Paintings and stories and emblems,Stars and flowers and crosses and symbols that bring those stories to life.

Prisms of colorfall on the shoulders of the personI love bestand I rest against him, sighing,thinking what it took to get us here.

The light catches my ring and an exact replica of St. Paul’s shield of faith sits on the table of my diamond in perfect detail.

The Great East WindowIf you’re lucky enough to stand in front of the congregation knees knocking and mouth dry, singing or speaking or pretending to be a doctor asking for prescription bottles to be filled with coins,you can see this window, the boy Jesus teaching at the temple.I remember when we didn’t know where our daughter was; Mary and Joseph must have flipped out.But there he is, Jesus the boy-man, taking his place in the world beginning to open the door we go through now.

John WesleyThe fire from under the kettle burns so brightly when sun strikes the window full-on a miners’ family and the founder of Methodism preaching to them.A Celtic cross and a satchel, saddlebags that set the stage for itinerant pastors everywhere. Our children of the ‘50s paid for this window.Two globes intersectAs the mission and message of the Good Newsis carried throughout the world.

Christ, The Light of the WorldWon’t everyone say this is their favorite?Because, by faith or magic or both, that lamp shines even in the dark.Adorned by a Christmas rose, a manger scene reminds ofof the baby he was while the other panelreminds us of the resurrection. He is risen, alleluia.The light shines, a beacon to the north, hypnotizing babies in the pews as they fall asleep soothing our fears a promise, the eternal flame.

Glass continued

T E X T A N D T R A N S L AT ION S

I. Illuminare (Illumine us)

Per viscera misericordiaeDei nostriin quibus visitavinos oriens ex altoilluminare his qui in tenebriset in umbra mortis sedentad dirigendos pedes nostrosin viam pacis.Lux ex alto,veni nos illuminare.

Lux de luce apparuisti Christe,cui Magi munera oferunt,Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

II. Lux in tenebris (The light shines in darkness)

Lux fulgebit hodie super nos,quia natus est nobis Dominus.

Lux in tenebris lucetet tenebrae eam non superaverunt.

III. The Sun Never Says

EvenAfter

All this timeThe sun never says to the earth,

“You oweMe.”

LookWhat happens

With a love like that,It lights the

WholeSky.

(Daniel Ladinsky, from The Gift, ©1999)

By the mercy of our God the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Light from on high, come illumine us.(based on Luke 1:78–79)

You appeared as Light from light, O Christ, to whom the Magi offered gifts, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. (Antiphon for Epiphany, 14th c.)

A light will shine on us today, for the Lord is born unto us. (Introit for Christmas Dawn, 10th c.)

The light shines in darkness; and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)

IV. Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest)

Gloria in excelsis Deo,et in terra pax.

V. Creator of the Stars of Night

Creator of the stars of night,Thy people’s everlasting Light,O Christ, Thou Savior of us all,now hear Thy servants when they call.

Creator alme siderumaeterna lux credentiumChriste redemptor omniumexaudi voces supplicum.

O Blest Creator of the light,Who made the day with radiance bright,and o’er the newborn world did callthe light from darkness first of all.

When the whole world drew on toward night,Thou camest, not in splendor brightas sovereign, but the humble Childof Mary, virgin mother mild.

To God the Father, God the Son,and God the Spirit, Three in One,laud, honor, might, and glory befrom age to age eternally. Amen.

It lights the Whole Sky.Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace. ( from Luke 2:14)

Creator of the stars of night,Thy people’s everlasting Light,O Christ, Thou Savior of us all,now hear Thy servants when they call.

(7th-c. chant, various translations)

GlassVickie Austin

Once plain, the glass is now A litany of stories in colorsLit up like jewels in the day, illuminated by moon at night.

These windows, worlds within worlds history and scripturedesigned by artists with a messagegiven as gifts from and for those who gather here.

Mary in the NarthexTucked between the balcony and the narthex (a word which means “porch”)Mary blinds us with her blue robeexactly as we want to think of her dedicated by a family to their father and husband taken too soon. The mother, with Jesus until the end,the only woman with her own window.The star of David reminds us of her, and her son’s, lineage.

Martin LutherOne pastor referred to Martin, sporting his jaunty hatwith something like suspicion. Were it not for those theses (pronounced “thee-sees”)where would we be, though? What was it about that window that irked the pastor so? We’ll never know.

The Rose WindowYes, everyone expects the Rose Window to be first because she’s so beautiful.the object of fascination mesmerizing children as they slump against a parent readying themselves for the sermonThe object of adoration by a congregation used to her brilliant blues and redsas if at the bow of a shipnearly eclipsed by the cross Dan Maust, now gone, made for our sanctuary.She shines down on us and, like a diva, is backlit she’s not dependent on the sun.

continued

Mark Ben Bebar (age 9, grade 3)

Mark with your robe so greenYou deserve a queenYou’re like a knightYou are so strongYou can’t go wrong

Old WindowOlivia Cline (age 8, grade 2)

There is an old windowAnd I have named it Kindall.It has been saved from a fireAnd there is no buyer.It’s up the stairsAnd everyone will just stare.It is as pretty as a diamondAnd everyone will want to buy it.

(Olivia was inspired by the narrow window in the stairwell south of the Sanctuary. This window was created from the only two windows rescued after Gary Church burned down in 1929. You may read more about this window on page 38 of Lighting the Way.)

UntitledMaggie Bebar (age 12, grade 6)Reflecting on windows

BelieveAccountabilityPriesthoodTimeImmersionSacred covenantMade clean

This morning’s concert of worship is a celebration of light. Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Light streams through our stained glass windows reminding us of his person and his purpose. During significant moments in Jesus’ life and ministry, images of light appeared.

When he was born, his morning star shone over Bethlehem. When he was baptized in the Jordan River, heaven was opened. When Peter, James, and John walked up a mountain with Jesus, they saw his face shining like the sun, and his clothes were as white as light.

In utter contrast, as Jesus was dying on the cross, darkness covered the whole land “while the sun’s light failed.” But when Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome visited Jesus’ tomb, the sun was rising. They met an angel whose appearance was like lightning, and his clothing like snow.

Music will serve as our sermon today. LUX: The Dawn from On High is Dan Forrest’s third major work for chorus and orchestra. “Lux” (sounds like “Luke’s”) is the Latin word for “light.” You might wonder why we sing in Latin—a good question! The lyrics of this piece include ancient scriptures and chants, some as old as 1,500 years. We are marvelously and mystically connected to our Christian brothers and sisters who sang and prayed these very same words many centuries ago. Singing in Latin acknowledges our eternal fellowship with Christians of every nation, over thousands of years.

The composer drew inspiration from these ancient texts as well as from modern poetry. The five movements carry us through a narrative that begins with dawn, moves through midday, and ends with sunset. Here is a brief look at this musical journey.

I. Illuminare (To shine light)The first movement begins with one ray of light in a single note. The sun slowly rises, and the promised light descends to us from heaven. The movement builds with a crescendo of glorious “alleluias” as the light of Christ appears. Based on Luke 1 as well as a 14th-century song, this section is full of hope—the start of a new day.

II. Lux in tenebris (Light in darkness)The second movement is a drama of contrasts, from elegant dance to military advances, from soft to loud, from key to key, from the gentle flute to the insistent snare drum. Opposing musical ideas depict the spiritual struggle of light to shine courageously in the darkness. The light of Christ is born into a dark world.

III. The Sun Never SaysIt is now high noon, the sky is blazing, and the sun becomes a metaphor for unconditional love. What are the words that “the sun never says”? (They are also the words that Love will never say.) The swell of orchestra and chorus evokes the sun’s radiant, selfless love that “lights the whole sky.” This beautiful movement is also published as a single anthem and is quickly becoming a standard in the choral world.

IV. Gloria in excelsis (Glory in the highest)Here is a bit of Latin we all know! The angels declared it when Jesus was born, and we sing it every Christmas. This joyful and jazzy movement celebrates the light that has come into the world. Listen for long connected phrases contrasted with rhythmic ideas. These combine to lift our hearts with joy in response to the gift of God’s Son.

V. Creator of the stars of night We come to the close of day with an evening hymn based on a 7th-century chant, which we just sang as a congregation near the beginning of this service. Listen for the lovely melody first as a solo, then in unison, and then in a round, one voice echoing another like a chorus of fervent prayers. Graceful and soaring themes return from Movement III, carried by the orchestra. Peaceful “amens” from the choir and a final benediction from the soprano soloist leave us with deep assurance of God’s love, “It lights the whole sky.”

~ Jennifer Whiting

T HO U G H T S F R OM T H E C ON D U C T OR

F E S T I VA L C HOI R

SopranoAllison AtteberryCarol BarnesVirginia BlackwellMarilyn CareyAleia ChambersCindi CopelandMeredith DuBonLeigh Ann GaulJudy GroteSue HagenseeRose KingLinda KruegerKelly MitroffSharon Schmidt

AltoNaomi AllenVickie AustinTerry BalkeBrynn E. BixbyAmanda Brex-CastilloDebby ConnorBeth EllisTeresa FrakerJanet MathisKendall PeakCarolyn RaberPaula WaylandMarsha Woodruff

TenorDale AtteberryMatthew BobisRob CampbellRich DobsonCarter GaulMike KruegerDavid Skarin

Bass Bob BarnesMichael ClausonNick GravesJess KoehnBob MartinAnthony QuarantaDavid RankenBob RunkeGeorge SmithMichael Thoms

Flute/PiccoloRuth Cavanaugh

OboeLea Wells

French hornStephanie Diebel

ViolinMichael McGuanSonghea SackriderKathy KaneAnna EricksonChelsea Edemni

ViolaChristine D’AlexanderDavid BeytasElianna Nielsen

CelloMicah ClarkAlexandria Sanders

Double BassCameron FullerHannah Novak

PercussionDavid Rush

Keyboard (harp/vibraphone)Beth Graves

OrganKevin Lange

ConductorJennifer Whiting

F E S T I VA L OR C H E S T R A

We are grateful to all who contributed time and talents behind the scenes. Each one is an integral part of today’s worship through music. Jennifer Castino – Sunday school lesson plans for “Window Reflections” poetry project Carey Bebar and Jared Hackworth – Help and support for the “Window Reflections” project Mike and Donna Capra – Equipment setup Deb Hafner and Deb Evans – Office support and printing Kim Austin, Pam Keller, Becky Lemna, and Phil Johnson – Graphics, design, and publicity Ushers and Sound Team – For their help and service each week

T H A N K YO U, D ON OR S

We sincerely thank each one who has donated funds to the Music Ministries over the past year. Your gifts enable us to rent and purchase scores, to hire musicians, and to create a worship experience such as this for the praise and glory of God. Thank you for supporting this ministry so that we can share the love of Christ through music. We pray that you are encouraged, uplifted, and blessed. All honor belongs to Christ, the Light of the World!

John (grades 1 and 2)They answered the question, “What does John tell us about Jesus?

Jesus is our Savior.Jesus is real.Jesus heals.Jesus is powerful.Jesus gave wisdom to the disciples.Jesus was strong, brave, and kind.Jesus is the Son of God.Jesus is a Shepherd and we are his flock of sheep.Jesus helps people.Jesus died and came to life.

Mark (grade 3)

Marvelous, majestic,Amazing, awesome,Radiant, rock, religious leader,Kool, kaleidoscope, King

Soprano Henriët Fourie, a native of South Africa, has been hailed as “stellar” (Chicago Tribune) and for her “luminous tone” (Chicago Classical Review). Based in Chicago, she pursues an active career as a solo and ensemble musician. She is an experienced oratorio singer and an enthusiastic supporter of new music.

Fourie has been a featured soloist at several festivals and concert series in the USA, and has appeared with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. She is a founding member of Fused Muse Ensemble, and is a member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Grant Park Music Festival Chorus, and Bella Voce. She recently performed as part of the solo quartet in Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms with the CSO at the Ravinia Festival.

In South Africa, Fourie recorded Woestynblom (Desert Bloom), a recital of all Afrikaans art songs, released in 2016. She holds degrees in Vocal and Piano Performance from the College of Charleston (SC) and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from DePaul University where she studied with Julia Bentley. Fourie lives with her husband, trombonist Andrew Thompson, and their two sons Jurgen and Cornelius in North Riverside, IL.

Andrzej Stec is a Polish tenor who inspires hearts around the globe with his warm, vibrant voice and personality. A favorite of many conductors and theaters including the Cleveland Opera, and Polish and French societies in Montreal, Stec communicates in six languages and many musical styles. An interpreter, voice teacher, an Ambassador of his native city Stalowa Wola, as well as a musical scholar specializing in French repertoire, Stec is the first prize winner of Marchella Kochanska Sembrich Vocal Competition 2012, and a recipient of the 2017–2018 Prix Roger Lessard.

Granted a warm and vibrant voice noted for charisma and beauty of interpretation, Stec devoted himself to classical singing after years spent in theatre and dance. He holds a BA in Vocal Performance from Northern Illinois University, a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Northwestern University, and a doctorate in Vocal Performance from l’Université de

Montréal where he specialized in French repertoire. He has performed with orchestras and in festivals around the world. In the Chicago area, Stec has performed at the Chicago Opera Theater and with the Paderewski Symphony Orchestra. His concert repertoire includes Beethoven’s Mass in C and Missa Solemnis, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Berlioz’ Les nuits d’été, Bach’s cantatas, Handel’s Messiah, and requiems by Mozart and Donizetti. Stec is presently a voice professor at Northern Illinois University where he will perform this April as a soloist in Verdi’s Requiem.

Henriëtt Fourie, soprano

Andrzej Stec, tenor

RosesVirginia Blackwell

Fragments of glassFragile flowerThe Rose of Sharon

Melted dustCreated from dustDust and Spirit united

Forged in fireFashioned by natureFormed as God/Man

Light shines throughReflects the sunlightIs the Son Light

Panes…Petals…Pain…

Dye-stainedPigment-stainedBlood-stained

FragileFadesEverlasting

Swirls and traceryWhirls and bractsEncircling infinite love

DazzlingDelicateDivine

Window ReflectionsPoetry Project

The following pages

include poems submitted

by members of our

congregation after being

invited to reflect on the

brilliant stained glass

windows of Gary Church.

Matthew (grades 4 and 5)

MessengerAbraham to JesusTax collector andTreasure chestHeaven is like a treasure hidden in a fieldEverything for ChristWinged man, angel

The Good Shepherd (pre-K and kindergarten)

I see an angel.I like the flowers.All of the colors!I see a star and a bald eagle.Red shows strength.Jesus is dressed up.I feel happy!

Mark (grade 3 poem)

Marvelous, majestic,Amazing, awesome,Radiant, rock, religious leader,Kool, kaleidoscope, King

Martin Luther WindowBob Martin

Indulgences were required by the Catholic congregationMartin Luther questioned that path to salvationGrace comes from faith in Jesus he thoughtEverlasting life in heaven could not be boughtSuch was the beginning of the Protestant Reformation

A Shining LightTeresa FrakerInspired by “Christ, the Light of the World”

A shining light draws all those nearAs his followers, we see it clearGuides the path toward EmmanuelWe trust, we pray, it illuminates our stepsTo Jesus, where our heart is kept

2 Corinthians 3:18Dr. Beth Felker Jones

The barrier that once allowed me to sit in that luminous presence, without saltflowing down? It’s melting, melting, away;and I can feel the day rushing headlong at me; and, oh, it’s coming fast, when I’ll lose all power to hold back the flooding tears.

All defenses now diminish to the glory glory gloryburst from all the human faces that near Sinai have crept.As both veil and skin are thinning and I lose all categories,I’m flayed by the already breaking forth in the not yet.

Christ, the Light of the WorldKaren Binkerd

Jesus said to the people, “I am the Light of the world.” John 8:12

Oh Lord, You are my Light.You make my darkness bright.You are always there for me.What other comfort could there be?

You light the way when the sun is bright.You show me the path through the night.I need you always and forever.You are my guiding Light.

Your Light surrounds me and shows me the Way.Your loving presence is my comfort throughout the day.

Sometimes I stumble.Sometimes I fall.Your Light shines brightly to see me through it all.

And if by choice I lose my way,your guiding Light goes with meto surround me throughthe dark of day.

Oh, thank you Lord!You are my constant Friend.With You there is no end.You fill my life with Love.

“Arise, shine, for thy light is come,And the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” (Isaiah 60:1)

UntitledLora KochInspired by a view of all the windows from the Chancel Choir steps

Standing at the foot of the altar facing out towards the rearReminds me of my sweet Savior who is always infinitely near.Brilliant light rays pour through all windows in majestic display,Becoming like God’s loving arms, hugging all on His Holy day.

Christ, the Light of the WorldKaren Binkerd

Jesus said to the people, “I am the Light of the world.” John 8:12

Oh Lord, You are my Light.You make my darkness bright.You are always there for me.What other comfort could there be?

You light the way when the sun is bright.You show me the path through the night.I need you always and forever.You are my guiding Light.

Your Light surrounds me and shows me the Way.Your loving presence is my comfort throughout the day.

Sometimes I stumble.Sometimes I fall.Your Light shines brightly to see me through it all.

And if by choice I lose my way,your guiding Light goes with meto surround me throughthe dark of day.

Oh, thank you Lord!You are my constant Friend.With You there is no end.You fill my life with Love.

“Arise, shine, for thy light is come,And the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” (Isaiah 60:1)

UntitledLora KochInspired by a view of all the windows from the Chancel Choir steps

Standing at the foot of the altar facing out towards the rearReminds me of my sweet Savior who is always infinitely near.Brilliant light rays pour through all windows in majestic display,Becoming like God’s loving arms, hugging all on His Holy day.

Crown Jewel in the Evening Sky Carol Barnes

It was a number of years ago while walking west on Seminary Street on a summer evening that I had a new perspective on this “crown jewel”—the Raach window. I was with several friends as we made our way from Wheaton Public Library to the church parking lot. As we approached Main Street, I could see the amazing Raach window. It was backlit with a brilliance that I had never noticed before. I realized then that there was a beauty about this window that not only radiated within Sunday morning worship, but this window’s light and faceted glass was shining for all the outside world to see! I did not realize that those other than in our worshipping congregation would ever see of the beauty of this magnificent, artfully created stained glass window. Many jewel tone colors were shining forth on the corner of Main and Seminary on that summer evening sky in such a very striking way.

This work of art, dedicated to a faithful follower of our Lord and Savior, shines forth in our community each day, as it remains lit in the evening hours. May its light represent the love of Christ that goes forth from the people of Gary UMC to those outside the walls of the church building. May its many colors represent the diversity of all of God’s creation, the many levels of faithfulness within the Christian community, and the intricacy of how each piece of glass and color, arranged so precisely, is a much needed part of a total brilliant artwork that radiates light for all of our world to see. Amen.

A S H W E D N E S D A Y S E R V I C E SWednesday, March 6, 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period of preparation before Easter. Both services will include the imposition of ashes, and we will celebrate

Holy Communion at the 7 p.m. service. Childcare will be available for the evening service by request through the Church Office.

Communion during Lent: We will celebrate Holy Communion at the 11 a.m. service each Sunday during Lent, beginning March 10 and continuing through Palm Sunday.

Lenten Study: Forgiveness Sundays, March 10–April 14, 10 a.m. in the Chapel

Forgiving others and humbly asking for forgiveness are central disciplines for all Christian believers. Lent, a time to reflect on our Christian journey, is an appropriate season to deepen our understanding and practice of forgiveness. Using Marjorie J. Thompson’s book Forgiveness, we will explore this topic as Christian people in community. Books can be purchased for $10.

Pastor’s Lenten Study | The God We Can Know: Exploring the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus Wednesdays, March 13–April 17, 7–8 p.m. in the Anderson Room

The Gospel of John records several declarations of Jesus known as the “I Am” sayings, which help us to know God through Jesus. Join Pastor Chris for this study by Rev. Rob Fuquay that helps us form an answer to the most essential question in the Christian faith, “Who do you say I am?” To request childcare during this study, contact the Church Office.

224 North Main Street Wheaton, IL 60187 (630) 668-3100 garychurch.org

Affiliated with Winfield Community United Methodist Church 0S347 Jefferson St, Winfield, IL 60190 winfieldumc.org