The Peace Window

in memory of Margaret Stewart

The new Peace Window, dedicated on 25 July was commissioned and presented to the church by her family in loving memory of Margaret Stewart. Designed and built by Mark Lamey with calligraphy by Dorothy Bicknell, It is offered as  a focus of prayer and inspiration for all who worship in our church.

The design has gone through many changes and modifications to reach its final form. It incorporates colours and images expressive of Margaret’s strong and living faith…. 

The central Celtic cross is in the style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose work inspired Mark while on holiday in Scotland.  The circle motif represents the whole worldwide church of Christ. Margaret loved to visit other churches on her travels, and as a lifelong ecumenist had friends in all the churches in Garstang.

The road signifies Margaret’s many journeys, above all the Christian pilgrim’s life journey, which she travelled joyfully and with unquestioning faith to the end.

Some have short, straight, easy journeys towards an understanding of Christ and his love. Others have long, often difficult, even tortuous ones. Sadly some are diverted and never complete the journey. 

But at journey’s end, there is peace: Christ’s peace which is beyond understanding. So the window is crowned with the dove of peace, the dove of the Holy Spirit, which also represents the liberation of the soul after death, with freedom from all pain, cares and woes.

 Margaret carried her cross throughout her life with constant hope and total trust, even to the end, and reached her peace with God.

The Peace Window is in memory of Margaret, an active, faithful and lovingly remembered member of this church for thirty five years.

God of light and life,

we seek your blessing upon this window,

and upon all those who will see it and be helped and inspired by its message and meaning.

 Let it newly remind us of your love in Christ, crucified and risen,

and of our part in the wider family of Christ’s church in all times, all places.

Let it cast light on and help to direct every journey we are yet called to travel,

and may we know the power of your Holy Spirit in our lives.

Then may we know your peace at the last, which passes all understanding.

God of life and light,

bless now this window

which we are glad to dedicate to your praise and glory,

in the name of Jesus Christ, our living Lord.

Amen.

 The Revd. David Greenwood conducts the Dedication Service.

Bob Stewart with designers Mark Lamey and Dorothy Bicknall infront of the window.