I have a stained glass artist in my congregation who does incredible work. This past week, as a graduation gift, the congregation gave me this stained glass piece. It is of a bent oak tree like the one we named the church after. I listened as they explained how the church had been for them a bent oak, a tree designed to point towards safety and water. They are common in the Ozarks. Native Americans would tie down young trees and force them to grow in odd shapes as markers. I have always been impressed by their willingness to do that work, knowing that it might be only be later generations that would benefit from them. Still, it’s a weird name for a church. I know. But to hear people personally resonate with what moved me those many years ago was an incredible gift. And this stained glass piece is now one of my favorite possessions.
2 days ago
