EDITOR'S NOTE: In October 2021 I began a new venture writing a newspaper column titled "Finding Faith" for the Forum Communications Co. network of newspapers and websites. I was asked to contribute to the company's ongoing conversation about faith, lending a Lutheran and fairly ecumenical approach to the discussion. The column was published in several of the company's papers and websites, including The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. This column originally appeared as a "Finding Faith" column on Nov. 10, 2023.
By The Rev. Devlyn Brooks
Those entering Pelican Rapids’ Trinity Lutheran Church’s gathering area now encounter a stunning new piece of art commissioned to celebrate the church’s 75th anniversary this fall.
The mixed media wall hanging portrays Christ hanging on the cross, but what catches a discerning eye is the three points at the top of the cross end in arrows directed outward from where Jesus hangs in crucifixion.
Designed by professional designer/illuster Paul Johnson, a lifelong Trinity member, the artwork symbolizes Jesus’ love for everyone, inside the church and out, a nod to Trinity Lutheran’s mission statement.
“The piece is about sharing the love of Jesus by meeting people where they are,” said Trinity’s Lead Pastor Eric Schwirian, “and that is outside the church.”
Hence the multiple crosses arrows directed outward the piece depicts, as well as a halo of additional arrows surrounding the cross also pointed outward.
At 3 feet by 5 feet, the piece weighs about 15 pounds, making it easy to hang on the wall and allowing for it to be mobile. However, akin to a magician who doesn’t divulge how a trick is performed, Johnson doesn’t share the process used to create the piece, saying it’s out of respect to the high school art teacher who inspired him to utilize such a multimedia form.
“This piece is an excellent example of stunning, yet affordable, church artwork,” Pastor Schwirian said. “It enhances Trinity's gathering space and regularly reminds us about our congregation's mission to share the love of Jesus.”
While the artwork helped to create a celebratory mood at the church’s 75th anniversary celebration held Sept. 24, Pastor Schwirian said the church’s evangelism board intended it to have a greater purpose than just to look beautiful. And that intention, says the pastor, is about “mission and ministry.”
So, in addition to commissioning the piece itself, the church had 3-inch-by-5-inch prints of the piece made to give to everyone in attendance at the anniversary celebration. And the suggestion to the worshipers was to make a free will donation in appreciation of the gift.
Ultimately, all of the proceeds from sales of prints will go toward mission, Pastor Schwirian said. And those interested in purchasing a print to support Trinity’s mission work, may call the church at 218.863.2424.
Pastor Schwirian said all who were involved with the process are more than pleased with the outcome, adding that when the work was unveiled during the 75th anniversary service, there was an audible gasp from the crowd.
Johnson, the artist, said he thinks the audience’s intense reaction was in response to the immense texture and three dimensional nature of the piece.
“People want to touch it. Texture is an element of art; but we’ve lost it in today’s world, though,” he said. “We stare at flat screens all day long. But we’re human beings, and we love touch.”
“I’m going to look at it every Sunday for new insight, new inspiration,” Pastor Schwirian said.
Devlyn Brooks is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and serves Faith Lutheran Church in Wolverton, Minn. He also works for Forum Communications Co. He can be reached at devlynbrooks@gmail.com or comments and story ideas.
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