Thank you!Morning Prayer & FinalsChristmas EveNew dates for focus groupsPeeps contest winnersThe stories behind Advent musicSaying farewellAdopt-a-Family 2011Advent Christmas Vespers 2011Bible exhibit at Chapel, CCLIRPastor is featured speakerGraduation newsHandbell concertIce cream!Learn about the PsalmsOver $5,000 for JapanAll Saints' remembranceArchived NewsPSJS 2011Thanking seniors & volunteersEnd of year servicesPrayer Walk is Oct. 30Gospel praise serviceStudents design candleHoly Week 2011'Wrestling with our Callings'About Palm SundayThe Way of the CrossWRC raises $14,000Easter diorama contest returnsRemembering Pastor DarleneSculpture honors former pastorSumo wrestling for WRCDr. Bernthal retiring5K & Babysitting benefit WRCTalk about griefPastor Jim joins honored authorsHelping victimized womenUpcoming musical eventsCome home to the ChapelPraying for JapanELCA pastor finalistsTanzanian dinner supports WRCSpring break 2011Late night worship at the ChapelSem reps visitBowls for the hungryPoet coming to VUMemorial Service for Dr. KrekelerSpring retreatSenior ServiceExplore baptismGoing on a spring break trip?'Beware of Christians'Arts-a-Budding 2011'Healthy Boundaries'Who's speaking at Morning Prayer?International art showJoin Fellowship Hall Sem reps to visitInterfaith Youth CoreBSO vigil April 11Video reflections wantedPlug into Bible studyStudents forming campus ministry networkSummer camp fairJohnson to be installedBlack history praise serviceOrgan recital canceledCalling all PeepsSunday morning prayer team This month's Global Music EventBusy person's retreatPraying for Christian UnityMemorial service for Dr. Marion9/11 Flag Lowering EventGospel Choir to sing for MLK SundayLutheran Basketball TimeMLK Day at the ChapelStudents help food pantryMorning Prayer leaders neededTell your servant storyPastor Cox's InstallationMP moves to 10 for finals weekChristmas EveMealcard money helps pantryVigil for victims of violence2009-2010 NewsA salute to December gradsAdvent Christmas Vespers 2010Lend your voice to Gospel ChoirTown Hall meeting setPastor Jim's cartoon publishedSpiritual Direction OfferedHandbell Concert at 8 p.m. SaturdaySeeking student feedbackMusic Under the GalleryNew Phone NumberSilent film is Dec. 7Lend a hand!Lenten vespers & art receptionGospel Choir newsThanksgiving Meal plannedLive in Fellowship Hall next yearLuther's BirthdayRemembering the departedTheology Lecture presentedAlum gives organ recitalPeace and Social Justice SymposiumGood grief?Face-to-face with Invisible ChildrenAsh Wednesday servicesRetreat Planned for Nov. 5-7Gospel Praise Service is Oct. 26Vespers Services for Lilly ConferenceSummer worship scheduleChristian Wolff preaches Oct. 17Lutheran Festival of Writing Student Volunteers Needed for ShopFaith conversationsPrayer WalkELCA pastorGlobal Music Oct. 12Memorial service is Feb. 122008-2009 NewsVigil is Oct. 11Study in BostonHomecoming 2010Staff in the newsLutheran Volunteer CorpCROP WalkLifetree RetreatLemonade, anyone?Meet Bible translatorsSearch begins for new university pastor (ELCA)Founders Day at the ChapelBernthal Organ Recital Jan. 29"On Our Way" AvailableImmigration Reform is Topic of TalkChoir Sings for InstallationCampus Ministries FairGlobal Missions Rep Visits Sept. 14On Our WayGlobal Music Sept. 14Community Organist FestivalInterested in Gospel Choir?Picnic Time!Pastor Cunningham ResignsRuben Studdard and Gospel Choir5K Registration Form 2010Gospel Choir News
Students design new candle
Each year during Lent, students design and sculpt a new paschal candle, which is used first at the Easter Vigil service. Our 2011 candle design was inspired by Jesus’ “I am the vine” statement in John 15: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”  Following Easter Vigil, it will take its place in the baptistery for the remainder of the church year.

The candle features a plant-inspired structure in which all elements of the design are connected to one another as if by veins on a leaf.  Within the vine of Christ, we all take different paths, yet we meet together at the birth and death of Christ.  The leaf structure meets the stem at a star and puncture wound, the star which led us to the birth place of Christ and the holes in Christ’s hands where he was crucified for our transgressions.  At the focal point are a chalice, bread, and grapes representing the communion of all Christians in the body and blood of Jesus Christ.  The color scheme of the candle uses all of the colors of the liturgical year, also symbolizing the unity of Christian practice as branches of the one true vine.  Indeed, the candle is filled with minute detail and symbolism.  We invite you to take a closer look and bring your own vision to the interpretation of the design.

A special thanks to Jacob Just and Jessica McCallum for their design talents and artistic inspiration.  Thank you also to the Sacristy Staff for their time, effort, and skill in carving and making the final product.