Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

This reredos is inspired by liturgy, sacrament, and Lutheran theology. Foremost, the empty cross points to the Resurrection of Christ. The abstraction behind the cross provides an image that can remain responsive to the liturgy and support the changing readings throughout the lectionary cycle. It also speaks to faith, which is as individual as each member of the Holy Trinity congregation. Each viewing will be unique, and each reflection will build on the last — allowing for growth and refinement in one’s faith journey.

The larger reredos wall is composed in three parts, representing the Trinitarian foundation of the church. The vertical orientation suggests both a traditional altar triptych and the Holy Trinity. The “U” shape of the design suggests a receptacle, or open hands in prayer. The central vertical column suggests God’s influence in our lives, extending from heaven to earth — moving from sky to water through a red passage suggesting the creation, the firmament, the Sea of Galilee, transfiguration, and the renewal of grace for the planet. Through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, all of creation is reconciled to him. The orange passages in the side panels, rendered from infinite fractal shapes, suggest clouds, spirit, movement, and ascension.

The mosaic is created from thousands of pieces of hand-cut stained glass, intended to evoke through abstract gesture, movement, brilliant color, and interwoven forms a majestic setting for liturgy and worship. The structure of the mosaic wall has several physical levels of relief to further create dimension and shadow.

The sacraments are present in the blue waters of baptism and the red of communion wine. Wind, fire, flame, and waters — imagery found throughout the Bible and associated with the divine love of God — trace the evolution of God’s creative activity and divine partnership with humanity. The visual range of these images extends from the waters of Genesis to the Psalms of exile, the life-giving water of Christ and Baptism, and the river flowing through New Jerusalem in Revelation.

“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy.”

— Psalm 77:11–13