Epilogue

It would be impossible to acknowledge all the gratitude to God that I feel to be the pastor of Rose of Sharon United Methodist Church. To have the opportunity to be a small part of the stained glass window project has endeared the church to me.

Inspired by Barb and Vern Kujath, who wanted to express their love and gratitude for the blessing of their daughter, Jonna, whose life was so fleeting, yet so precious to them, and to the church family in which she was raised, the stained glass window idea got a sympathetic hearing from Ruth Keene, who became its guiding light. Creating the windows that adorn the sanctuary today, she was supported by the entire congregation.

Fortifying herself with friends who helped with design and construction, Ruth quickly went to work. Because of her love for God and her church, she labored unstintingly to tell the story of those memorialized in the medallions so that their heritage would be remembered by us and our posterity. Her love for the church, her commitment to excellence in the service of God, the simplicity of her designs, and her meticulous labor are all captured in the glass. Ruth one said, “When I do something for God, it comes together beautifully.” With the help of the work crews who installed them with such care, it certainly did.

The beauty of the Rose of Sharon United Methodist Church windows will inspire and tell the story of our Christian heritage to all who see them for generations to come. And to think, it was all done in-house, a blessing straight from heaven.

Ken Tulloch, Pastor
October 31, 1993