Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)

Spring Valley's art glass windows tell an ordered story of God's quest for us. From the Sanctuary's southwest corner clockwise to the southeast, chronological Bible scenes are rich reminders of God's eternal promise to love his children. Sweeping from Old Testament to New Testament to modern Methodism, the great covenant is kept time and again.

Overall color use is symbolic. From southwest to southeast, the flow is from dominant cold, blue tones, into strong, hot yellows and reds. This cyclical transition speaks of change: from midnight into morning, from darkness into light, from death into life.

Local master glass painter John Kebrle created the window series especially for Spring Valley UMC in 1982. His identifying trademark is the use of small, radiant, many-pointed stars.

Many symbols from other windows unite into the central theme of the Church Incarnate- Christ's command for us to go out in service, representing him. Set within the great Genesis circle of God's love and eternity, Christ lifts his arms to beckon us-and, at the same time-to send us in mission. Behind him is the suggestion of a golden cross, and from his feet rise the orange flames of Pentecost and faith. God's annointing love is seen-as in the Baptism window-as a white dove, the symbol of the Holy Spirit and ofundying love. The disciples here look calm and steady. One seems to ask for instructions; Another turns to wave good-bye to a friend. In the upper right is a sailing boat, connoting global mission as Paul experienced it on his voyages. In the upper left is Spring Valley's own bell tower-reminding us that service to others begins in our own community. Halfway through the spectrum, an equal color balance subtly speaks of harmony and peace.
In memory of Phillip S. Moore by Pat Moore.

Click on images below for larger pictures.

	CREATION: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1) The circle, symbol of eternity and endless love, dominates star and planet images. A fiery shaft of light breaks through the deep blues of space. In memory of Mary Jo Barren by Paul and Pat Christley.
	NOAH AND THE ARK: "So God said to Noah, 'This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.'" (Genesis 9:17) The ark moves toward us from under the rainbow to green land in the foreground. Noah's white dove swoops down from the sky. In memory of the grandparents of Charles and Lynne Dedmon.
	EXODUS: "Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.'" (Exodus 14:13) Symbols of the Israelites' journey to freedom - Pharoah's Great Pyramid, the open Torah scroll, the thundering Red Sea waves--converge visually into Judaism's 6-pointed Star of David. In memory of William and Margaret Luedecke and Bruce Luedecke by Garnette and Mozelle Luedecke.
	THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel'" (Exodus 34:2 7) Mt. Sinai rises from the desert behind two inscribed stone tablets. The triangular shape is mystically remindful of Pharaoh's pyramid...the Israelites have indeed moved from one kingdom into another. In honor of Kenneth E. and Jeannie F. Carter
	KING DAVID: "David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people." (II Samuel 8:15) David's crown represents his mighty kingship over a glorious, unified Israel. His harp reveals a man who, besides being strong and powerful, was sensitive and poetic. In honor of Levon and Tommi Ezell.
	MESSIAH: "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit." (Isaiah 11:1) Jesse was King David's father. Here, Isaiah predicts the Messiah will grow from the "stump" of their dynasty--all but a remnant of which was destroyed by Babylonian exile. In Hebrew, branch is "neser", perhaps relating to Jesus' hometown of Nazareth. In memory of Jack Fuller by Helen Fuller.
	NATIVITY: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." (John 1:14) The Christmas star shines down as a large Chi Rho rises in the foreground. The Chi Rho is made of two Greek letters, and means "God with us"--the central message of the Christmas stories. The tilted X effect is strangely suggestive of the cross-death Christ suffered. In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent C. McManus, and Mr. and Mrs. John H. Kelly by Charles and Nippy McManus.
	BAPTISM: "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out on the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God, descending like a dove." (Matthew 3:16) Christ fully identified Himself with man's sin by asking for baptism. God expressed approval and blessing by letting His spirit flow down. That is pictured here by the white dove coming down over the River Jordan's blue waters. In honor of Irby N. and Marion H. Taylor
	WEDDING AT CANA: "This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him." (John 2:11) Accounts of Jesus' ministry include many miracle stories. At Cana, Jesus changed water into wine for wedding guests. Large ceremonial jars like the five shown could have been carried to Jesus for the transformation. In memory of Delma Weir and Donna Price by Jack and Jessie Weir Price.
	PRODIGAL SON: "Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." (Luke 15:24) Jesus' parables, symbolized by this window, teach about God's unconditional love through simple, everyday terms. Even though the dejected son feeds pigs after wasting his father's inheritance, he will soon experience a great reconciliation. In memory of Nettie and Isaac Leatherwood by Jaspar and Kathryn Wright.
	SUFFERING SERVANT: "I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him." (John 13:16) Jesus dramatized our servant role and God's love by washing the disciples' feet. A water bowl and scarlet towel lie on a table of stone to symbolize here that tenderness. In honor of 23 years of membership in SVUMC by Richard and Sarah Arnett.
	LAST SUPPER: "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.'" (Luke 22:19) Indicating the great sacrifice he was about to make, Jesus himself served the traditional Passover fare---represented here by a loaf of bread, wheat stalks, grapes, and a chalice. Out of all the disciples, Judas alone understood. In memory of Mr. and Mrs. James T. Bryan and Mr. and Mrs. M.W. Tinkle by Jim and Nancy Bryan.
	CRUCIFIXION: "When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him, along with the criminals-—one on his right, the other an his left." (Luke 23:33) Here, Jesus is shown nailed to the cross. He is near death, but is still enveloped by the circle of God's everlasting presence and love. In memory of Mr. and Mrs. U.F. Tipton and Mr. and Mrs. FE. Seale, Sr. by Doug and Roberta Tipton.
	RESURRECTION: "Woman, " he said, "Why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" (John 20:15) Still defying traditional social customs, Jesus appears first to a woman. With welcoming arms, he steps out of a stone sarcophagus to surprise and comfort Mary Magdalene. In memory of Willard and Ruth Leigh by Mr. and Mrs. L.L. Leigh.
	ASCENSION: "When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven."(Luke 24:50-51) Even after isolation, pain, and death, Jesus bathed in the warm colors of God's love. It lifts him above the shadowy, blue figures of the disciples. They are awe-struck, but sad. They think that, once again, Jesus has left them. In memory of Clayton and Ruby White by Mr. and Mrs. L.L. Leigh.
	PENTECOST: "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting" (Acts 2:2) Gathered together for the Feast of Weeks, the disciples and their early Christian friends first recognized the presence of the Holy Spirit. The white dove represents God's descending love; fiery flames also indicate divine Presence. Suddenly, the followers understand; their exciting task to spread the story begins. In honor of J.E. McCravey.
	CONVERSION OF PAUL: "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?'" (Acts 9:34) Saul, a notorious adversary, is on the ground here, stunned by the force of Christ's presence, blinded by light. His horse rears up excitedly in the background, but nearby friends see nothing. Saul changes his name to Paul--signifying his new identity, and a new life in Christ. In honor of Connor and Doris Chaddick.
	PAUL'S VOYAGES: "Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ " (Acts 28:31) Paul worked feverishly to spread the Gospel through the Roman Empire and Mesopotamia. Many of his adventures required sea travel--dangerous in those days. Here, Paul's ship, with a red Greek cross on its sail, crosses an ocean full of fish--another early Christian symbol. In honor of Jim and Charlotte Reese and Vernon and Ettie Norwood by David, JoAnne, Phil and Brian Norwood.
	THE REFORMATION: "I cannot, I will not recant. Here I stand, God help me--I can do no other. " (Martin Luther, on trial at Worms, 1521) Reacting to the Roman Church's vast network of religious/political corruption, Martin Luther ignited the Reformation by hammering 95 proposed changes onto the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg. Although he was sentenced to die as a heretic, the church exiled him to avoid controversy. Seen here with co-leaders John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli, Luther again focused attention on the personal, loving relationship between God and man. In honor of the Seekers Sunday School Class.
	CIRCUIT RIDER: "The world is my parish."(John Wesley, 1780) The founder of Methodism was tireless in spreading his unique doctrine, which excludes no one. He rode for miles on horseback among English villages, carried his Bible, and gave sermons about God's all-encompassing "catholic spirit." His world-parish view lives today through the litany, traditions, and mission efforts of the United Methodist Church. In memory of Mildred and Warren Terrell and Dorothy and Dorland Smith by Irwin and Rosemary Smith.
	AMERICAN METHODISM: "To God the Father, Son, and Spirit one in three, be glory, as it was, is now, and shall forever be." (Hymn 812, by John Wesley) Understanding our need for organized, formal structure, Wesley authorized the Christmas Conference at Lovely Lane Chapel in Baltimore. Wesley chose Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke, seen here in front of the chapel, to gather and lead lay preachers. John shipped orders for Sunday services, complete with many of his original hymns, by boat for this event. December 24, 1784, is the date of the famous Christmas Conference, which marked the organization of the Methodist Church in America. In honor of Dr. Bruce Weaver by Doris P. Weaver.
	CORPORATE WORSHIP: "Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness." (1 Chronicles 76:29) An important part of the Methodist experience, community worship builds faith, strengthens human bonds, and delivers God's message of love. Here, musical notes are interwoven with images of a robed minister reading the litany and with people kneeling in prayer. In honor of Dorothy and Frank Colegrove and Phyllis and Brooks Brickley by the James A. Brickley Family.
	SERVANTHOOD: "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40) The church brings Christ's presence to others through outreach. Caring for the sick and grief-stricken symbolize here the church's ministry efforts. A robed clergy figure in the background reminds us that we are always tied to and strengthened by our corporate worship experience. In memory of Olin Steele by Louise, Ron and Mary Steele
	THE NEW JERUSALEM: "I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God...." (Revelation 21:2) John's vision of the re-created City speaks of renewal, forgiveness, and starting over. As Jerusalem herself "died" at the time of Christ's death, so she is re-born in the resurrection. The same story applies to churches, to congregations, to individual lives. Here, the walled city sits atop fluffy white clouds, and glows hot with the fire of renewed faith. In memory of Charles 0. Lundy and Myrtle V. Lundy by William J. Lundy.