The Weaving: Windows to Heaven

The Weaving: Windows to Heaven

8 October 2025

Dedicated!

So many of you are passionately DEDICATED to Jesus’ mission in the world. As complementary inspiration, I’m thrilled that last Saturday, in a special ceremony, we dedicated a stunning weaving as the latest feature in our Sanctuary Renewal Process.

Commissioned by an anonymous donor in honor of a loved family member, the 6’ by 7’ “Windows to Heaven” was hand-woven by the renowned artist and university professor Suzanne Halvorson.

Since Mrs. Halvorson and her husband traveled to Peachtree City to install the weaving themselves, we were blessed to hear first-hand of her artistry and approach behind the doubleweave with hand painted warp including rayon chenille, metallic thread, and tencel. (Additionally, as a fun twist, I enjoyed learning how she helps one of my favorite musicians, John Mellencamp, curate and sell his artwork.)

We’re delighted that the COS refreshed sanctuary is packed with special symbolism.

We know how our chancel includes stones from the Holy Land’s Sea of Galilee, Bethlehem and Jerusalem and Wittenberg’s Castle Church where Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses, so we can say our preachers not only stand on the chancel and God’s Word, but also literal pieces of our faith foundations. The sanctuary flooring features 5 inlaid crosses on the north side and 2 on the south, reminding us of Jesus’ 5 loaves and 2 fishes and how Jesus uses our sanctuary to feed us and multiply love still today.

Now, we welcome in the inspiration of “Windows to Heaven,” situated on the sanctuary’s north wall between our two clear windows looking out on to our community’s natural beauty. This weaving, too, is a source of spiritual reflection.

First, I invite you to check out yourself this weaving. Walk up to it. Touch it gently. Consider the following questions:

1. How are you stitched together with others? Israel Zangwill referred to America as a melting pot of immigrants. But how might a tapestry or weaving be a better metaphor. How do we not lose our individuality, but see God weaving our lives with those of others, to make something beautiful? With whom are you being woven these days? And do you trust God the weaver in the process?
2. Notice how the “windows” are 3-D because of the artist’s double-weave technique. You can actually put your fingers into the window. The windows could hold small gifts or objects like Advent calendars. What gifts might the Lord be allowing us to see through these windows? In our own futures or that of COS?
3. Why do you think the artist chose the title “Windows to Heaven”? Does this weaving make you think of loved ones who have passed?
4. The weaving features many colors. To which are you most drawn? What feelings do the various colors conjure?

Secondly, consider the dedication language we used this past Saturday:

“To the glory of God this weaving, Windows to Heaven, is dedicated as a gift of faith, beauty, and devotion.

Handwoven in the spirit of Lydia, the seller of purple (Acts 16:13–15), this work reflects the holy colors of the church year—purple, red, blue, green, and white—woven into windows that catch the Light of God and open our hearts to the nearness of heaven.

These windows also call us to peer out of this sanctuary of praise to the world into which Jesus sends us that we may see and serve our neighbors.

Through its shimmering threads and stained-glass form, this weaving reminds us that the saints who have gone before us are not far away, but just beyond the veil of this life, held forever in God’s love.

May these windows draw our eyes toward the light, our hearts toward Christ, and our lives toward praise. May they be for this congregation and all who enter here a source of meditation, inspiration, and hope. Soli Deo Gloria.”

So friends, it’s a tremendous joy to celebrate the dedication of this new wonderful work of art.

But even more, I celebrate your dedication to the ongoing weaving our Lord does in our midst. For the Holy Spirit is weaving each of you—treasures beyond measure—together, into beautiful windows through which the world may see and even touch Jesus’ love and grace.

In Christ’s hope,

Pastor Fritz

Let us pray.  

Gracious God, you are the Master Weaver, stitching together our lives with beauty, purpose, and grace. We thank you for the gift of this weaving—Windows to Heaven—and for the hands that crafted it. May it inspire all who gaze upon it to look not only heavenward but also through the windows of our everyday lives into the world we are called to serve. May you shine through the threads of our lives. Bless this sanctuary and this congregation, that we might reflect your glory and become living windows of your love to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.