DEBUT OF NEW INTERIOR PAINT JOB

This fall, the interior of our church was repainted with new colors. The sanctuary, which now features red front walls and beige side walls, was painted by Kautman Painting of McGregor. Click pictures for a larger view.

The red walls really highlight our baby grand piano.

The fellowship hall was freshened up with two shades of blue and light green trim. This job was performed entirely by volunteers, which included Randy Bunn, Donna Reed, Pastor Laura Gentry, LaVern Timmerman Senior, Kerry Rathbun, and Wendy Morris. Thanks to all those who worked on this project.

The kitchen was also done by Kautman Painting. It has the same color scheme as the fellowship hall. New curtains were made and installed by Donna Reed.

We'd also like to thank the paint committee who selected the colors and oversaw the entire project: Donna Reed, Jean Meyer, Sharon Kiesau and Pastor Laura Gentry. All photographs on this blog were taken by William Gentry (www.thegentryjoint.com).

ORIGINAL ART INSTALLED IN FELLOWSHIP HALL

Pastor Laura Gentry donated the five Lenten paintings she created for worship to Our Savior's Lutheran Church. They have been framed and installed in the fellowship hall. On Sunday, November 15th, they will be dedicated in worship. They are given in loving memory of her mother, Sharon Smith (1942-2009).

Each painting was carefully designed based upon a group of scripture passages with a particular theme. Pastor Laura meditated upon the texts, then created the painting. A new one was unveiled each Wednesday night in Lent of 2007 and used as the basis for the evening's message. Now, they have been permanently placed in the church for ongoing inspiration.

Eagle's Nest Gallery of Lansing dry-mounted each of the acrylic paintings on canvas and framed them. Owner John Schild also helped hang them at the church. Below, you can see him at work.

Here are additional images of the group of paintings as they look in the fellowship hall.

The painting below, entitled "Listening," is designed to help viewers focus on drawing near to God, listening intentionally for God's call. Read more about this painting & the accompanying scriptural texts.

The painting below, entitled "Peace," is designed to help viewers open to receive God's gift of peace—a peace that passes all understanding. Read more about this painting & the accompanying scriptural texts.

The painting below, entitled "Love," centers around a cross embedded in a heart—symbolizing how Christ's act of self-sacrifice was an act of love. The figures that embrace one another beneath the cross show how followers of Christ are called to love one another with the love they themselves have received from God. Read more about this painting & the accompanying scriptural texts.

The painting below, entitled "Joy," is designed to help viewers shine forth the joy of the Lord, just as the candles shine in each figure's hand. Read more about this painting & the accompanying scriptural texts.

The painting below, entitled "Healing," depicts a figure bent over in pain (bottom) that is given the healing waters of God and is transformed into the joyful figure at the top, living in the resurrected life of Christ. Read more about this painting & the accompanying scriptural texts.

To view more of Pastor Laura's art, please visit the on-line gallery she shares with her husband, William: www.thegentryjoint.com.