Dear UCUMC Congregation:

All windows were designed by Kathleen Akers, who designed with Jim for ten years and was a dear friend. These photos (see below) are from our ceremony to finish Jim's window.  My son, Chris and son Jeff were there to cement the window with me and the members of the studio. Peter Billington, owner, Janet Lipstreu and David Smith, all who were trained by Jim.

The first and second photos show both Jim's window and the Diversity window in the Yoder Room.  These are mockups and they are not installed yet.  The bible reference for the Diversity Window is (John 15:5)"I am the vine and you are the branches". Jim Whitney' s window represents the the most important things in his life, his family, his stained glass craft and his search for knowledge.

The third one is a close up of the "All are Welcome" window as it is viewed in the location for it in the sanctuary. The central theme for the windows is "All are welcome".  The biblical reference is "Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew or Greek, there is neither slave not free, there is neither male or female, for you are all one in Jesus Christ.  In the window going into the sanctuary, Christ is shown as a welcoming figure.

The four people in the fourth photo represent all people but specifically memorialize, (from the left), Kelly McCarthy-Piacente, niece of Jim Whitney and Kitty McWilliams; Greg Armstrong, son of Pat Nelson, Chiyoko Burge, wife of Marvin Burge, Sr. and mother of Yukari Drucker and Marvin Burge, Jr. and Marcio Frietas, partner of Ron Palka, friend of Kitty and Jim.

Key Points

• Memorial windows three and 1/2 years in making.  Windows are now completed.
• Installation can be done at new University Circle UMC if $5000 in funding is donated.
• To Donate online click on the button above and below.
• Checks can be made out to First UMChurch with note for Memorial windows.  Checks can be sent to Epworth-Euclid UM Church, 1919 E. 107th, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 or First Church 3000 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.  Questions call the Church Office at 216-421-1200.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration,

Kitty McWilliams 

       

Click here to download:

Donate_to_the_Jim_Whitney_Wind.zip (1988 KB)