Spiritus Victor Covenant of Joy's stained glass window depicts the dove as the Holy Spirit, rising above the flames of Pentecost. The nine windows are a striking foreground to worship, situated above the chancel in our Celebration Center. ABOUT THIS WINDOW We live in the time of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, traditionally represented by the dove. Most artistic renderings depict the dove descending, or swooping downward. Because we are a "people of joy," it was our desire to illustrate the victory of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Therefore, the dove rises out of the fires of Pentecost to spread his wings as a blessing to all who come near. That's why we have named the window "Spiritus Victor" (Conquering Spirit). Something we never anticipated was how beautiful this backdrop is for weddings. When a couple stands on the chancel before the minister, pictures taken from the back show the dove's wings reaching out to enfold the couple as they make their vows of love to one another. What Can You See? All three "persons" of our Triune God are represented. Can you find them? God the Father is represented in the Alpha and Omega emblazoned on the wafer. The gift of God's Son is remembered in the bright yellow cross, and in the bread and chalice. The dove symbolizes God the Holy Spirit with us. This window is one of those multi-faceted images one never gets tired of seeing, for each time it is viewed, there is always something different to behold. The splash of colors surrounding the main elements of the window represent the diversity of God's creation, both human and natural. In the very center is green for the growth God gives. Near the bottom you can see water, like splashing waves, which represents the waters of Christian baptism. The baptistry is just below the window. The Chalice The red chalice with the white St. Andrew's cross (X) upon it is the denominational logo of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Our forebears came from Scotland to begin a new, biblically-based church movement in America. St. Andrew is considered the patron saint of Scotland, for he is credited with taking the gospel to that land. Tradition has it that the disciple Andrew was crucified on a cross formed in the shape of an "X." Because we celebrate Holy Communion each Lord's Day, the chalice is an important symbol to our church. The Donors The window was donated to honor the life of Lane Huckabay by his sister and mother (both COJ members), and his grandparents (who live in Clovis, New Mexico). The inscription on the dedicatory plate reads as follows: TO THE GLORY OF GOD In memory of Lane Huckabay by Alicia and Vivienne Huckabay and Raymond and Mary Mildred Andrews ___________________________________________________ Return to COJ Home Page