Colour and Light: The new window for St Mary’s.
The design for our new stained glass window for St Mary’s is exciting interest. An original piece by Helen Whittaker of Barley Studios in York, includes bronze figures in an abstract reflection on Psalm 84. It may help to think of this psalm as a song or a poem, speaking about celebration, longing, journey and hope in those who travel through life. Here’s what people are saying:
David Whitfield, manager of Sharrow Neighbourhood Renewal, says "What I get when I look at the window is a contrast of flowing energy and diversity but with peace, harmony and cohesiveness; an overall impression of hope; not at all unlike the area that it represents. Also this is a stunning work of art"
Abdhul Gooljar, president of the Islamic Society of Great Britain in Yorkshire, comments on this window “For me the Haj has taken me on a great journey to understand the love of God and to find inner peace.” I am excited by this window which is a symbol of our efforts to build peace and justice between faiths for the good of humanity.”
Richard Caborn our MP has said “This window captures the spirit of enterprise and forward momentum which is Sheffield in the 21st Century.” St Mary’s is a symbol of what Sheffield is all about, traditional values in a modern setting, moving with the times.”
Jack Nicholls, Bishop of Sheffield says “I love it. It has something to say for everyone on the pilgrim journey through life. People of faith and those without can find themselves absorbed in the strength and the beauty of it. This is just right for St Mary’s and for Sheffield – a place for all people.”
Now look at the window. What can you see in it?
A new stained glass window for St Mary’s.
This is an opportunity for a major commission of contemporary stained glass to symbolise the life of St Mary’s and the city of Sheffield in the 21st Century. We need to raise £55,000 to meet the cost. A second phase, includes two figures sculpted in bronze at a cost of £25,000..
The Designer - Helen Whittaker
Helen Whittaker works from Barley Studios in York and is much in demand nationally for her figurative and abstract designs. Her window for St Mary’s is inspired by psalm 84 about pilgrimage.
Of the window, Helen says “two paths crossing over in the upper half, symbolise the cross. A third path, in the lower half of the window represents the dry valley. At the foot of the cross and continuing to the centre above, there is a circle which represents the dwelling place of God. The cross, the circle and the light in this part of the window represent the three fold nature of God as Father Son and Holy Spirit.”
Since this theme originates from Psalm 84, other symbols mentioned in the psalm, emerge in the design. There is a bird nest at the meeting point of he cross, a symbol of he security of those who dwell in the courts of the Lord. At the lower light of the window there is a spring and droplets of rain, creating pools of water, pointing to the way God blesses those who follow his path. In one of the traceries, there is a keyhole, indicating access to the kingdom of God and eternal life. “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God.”
The appeal is going well with half the coast of the window already secured. If you would like to be part of this new project, gift envelopes are available on reception in the foyer. A book will record the names of all who contribute for future generations.
The Complete Psalm 84
1How lovely is your dwelling place, O
Lord of hosts!
2My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts
of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow
a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord
of hosts, my King and my God.
4Happy are those who live in your house, ever
singing your praise. Selah
5 Happy
are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to
Zion.
6As they go through the valley of Baca they make
it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with
pools.
7They go from strength to strength; the God of
gods will be seen in Zion.
8O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear,
O God of Jacob! Selah
9Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of
your anointed.
10For a day in your courts is better than a
thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my
God than live in the tents of wickedness.
11For the Lord God is a sun and shield; he
bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from
those who walk uprightly.
12O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts
in you.