| Stained glass creation illuminates identity of New Covenant UMC By David E. Bohnert UMConnection Staff For hundreds of years, light has streamed through colored glass and illuminated Gods people.  Last month, New Covenant UMC in Cumberland lit up its new space when the congregation dedicated a new stained glass window, created by world-renown artist, Hilmar Gottesthal.
The new window, dedicated Nov. 23, combines the themes of hands raised in worship and praise, and the union of Kingsley, Grace, and First UMCs. Three pairs of hands symbolize the three churches, which united in 2000. The hands reach toward the brightness of the cross, which is partially encircled by a stylized rendering of the United Methodist cross and flame. The window was created at Gottesthals studio, just a few miles from the church. Gottesthal was born in Austria. After graduating from the University of Vienna and the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, he spent the next 30 years painting and sculpting in Greece and Turkey. He came to the United States about 10 years ago and about five years ago settled in Western Maryland near Flintstone. This environment and the rural area are very inspiring because of the soothing and almost healing effects of nature, he said. Gottesthal added that here the rolling hills and undulating countryside provide breathing space, contrary to the crowded atmosphere of the urban areas of the world. The artist was approached about the stained glass window by Lenore Lancaster, a local Cumberland artist and New Covenant member who had painted murals in several panels on the walls of the churchs fellowship hall. Gottesthal began to create the window during the Christmas holiday season in 2002 and completed it May 2. During that time, he worked exclusively on the project. The Rev. Richard H. Jewell, pastor of New Covenant, led the dedication service, assisted by the Rev. Edwin DeLong, an associate council director, who preached the sermon. The Rev. John W. Rudisill, Jr., superintendent of the Cumberland-Hagerstown District, led the dedication of the window, Lancasters mural, and the sanctuary improvements. The Rev. John W. Zsittnik, associate pastor of New Covenant, created an anthem, The Parable of Light, especially for the dedication service. During his dedicatory remarks, Rudisill congratulated the New Covenant members for their Kingdom mentality. It is amazing what can be accomplished if we dont care whether we are recognized, said Rudisill, who defined Kingdom mentality as working for the building of the Kingdom without regard for recognition, particularly in view of the merger of the three congregations in 2000. During his sermon, DeLong emphasized the inspiration that characterized the partnering of the three congregations as they became one in New Covenant UMC. You have given me a story to tell, he said. Gottesthal has created 20 stained glass windows, including a rendering of the 15 stations of the cross in a chapel at Priestfield Retreat Center, near Charles Town, W.Va. Of the 20, the New Covenant window is the largest. According to Jewell, the entire renovation project, including the stained glass window, cost about $150,000. The stained glass window was New Covenants first project. We started from scratch and raised $40,000 for the window in less than a year. The project solidified the congregation and demonstrated a financial and time commitment to make it a reality, Jewell said. Sanctuary Studios, Gottesthals studio, is located at 139 Scofield Road, N.E., in Flintstone. He can be reached at (301) 478-2735 or at
His wife, Penny Knobel-Besa, a professional photographer, shares the studio with him. They welcome visitors. | 
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