Preparing for the birth of a child is an exciting time. In churches worldwide, preparations have begun to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Scriptures, sermons, songs, and prayers prepare us for this celebration. Desert Hills Lutheran Church is no exception.
While sitting in the sanctuary, listening to the ensembles raise their voices in celebration of the blessed event, have you noticed the beautiful Bethlehem mural hanging in the choir loft and wondered how it came to be? Was it purchased? Where from? The answer may surprise you. “That beautiful mural was designed and completed by our very own members and was inspired by a simple Christmas card I received,” shared Nancy Borstad. “It spoke to my heart of a miraculous birth in a simple place, I knew it was leading me to something bigger.”
Nancy and Gretchen Ramsey were on the Worship Arts Committee in 2012-2013. After sharing the card with Gretchen, “the two of us knew we wanted to make a mural using the card design. A large project we were confident we could undertake with the help of others in the church.” So, they made a plan, and off they went. “We went to Michael's to find some canvas, but the pieces we found would need to be pieced together to make a large enough banner. Luckily, the person helping us found a large enough canvas in the back storage for us to use.” It was as if God was leading them on this endeavor.
“Once back at the church, we blocked out the card and canvas and began sketching the design. Our next step was engaging church members who have artistic backgrounds. Barbara Bentley, Hugh Beykirch, Dixie Fundingsland, Jon Lind, and Kari Miller helped us paint the entire mural adding all the details that made the Christmas
card so special when I saw the design. We mixed paints in the janitor’s room, hung the canvas in the back hallway, and painted it there. The biggest challenge was carrying it into the sanctuary and figuring out how to hang it.”
To prepare for Christmas in 2012, the artists with friends and family carried the mural in a long procession. With custodian Don Champagne’s help, they hung it in the choir loft. “Every year that it is hung brings back those special memories. It is time those newer to the church know the story.”
As we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ, let's turn towards the choir loft and enjoy the beautiful Bethlehem mural depicting the story of his birth.
