From the desk of Pastor Jan . . .  Of Arts and Faith

Last July 10, Bethel Wesley UMC family and friends went to Dubuque, Iowa to visit St Luke’s United Methodist Church and Steeple Square (formerly Saint Mary’s Catholic Church). Both churches were built in the 1800’s in faith by their growing congregations. Over the years they were both blessed with members who have deep appreciation of arts as shown in the architecture of the church building, stained glass windows, paintings, mosaic arts, sculptures, bells, pipe organs, and the exterior and interior designs. <!–split–>

St. Luke’s memorial Tiffany windows were remarkable. Louis Comfort Tiffany’s stained-glass artworks were unique of its own. The former Saint Mary’s Catholic Church steeple and interior paintings were amazing as well. The church’s steeple is one of the tallest in the area.

Today, St Luke’s is still a place of worship. “A place where faith can grow, empowering people to live lives of generosity, compassion, service and justice.” (stlukesdbq.org)  Steeple Square is a place of service, a center for culture, community and education. It houses a childcare center, culinary kitchen, and community center.

The tour is a showcase of God’s creativity through the people who, over centuries, have created and restored those artworks. It shows the amazing talents of artists and hard work of the laborers. It’s a showcase of commitment and generosity of people who made it happen. It shows the variety of ministries we can do as people of God. May we be inspired to be God’s partners in creating and making our world a more beautiful place.