It’s another Windows Wednesday! Today we are looking at the bottom portion of Sanctuary Window 6—The Friend of Sinners. This window has examined the Christ-like quality of extending God’s love to everyone, including those who have sinned. In this image, we see a pastor connecting with a prisoner who has served his time and is leaving jail. This points to two critical pieces of prison ministry. In addition to connecting with prisoners serving sentences, it is incredibly important to continue that connection while they are attempting to reintegrate into society.

Recidivism rates in Ohio are fortunately very low compared to the nation-wide average, but based on 2014’s report, more than 25% of criminals in Ohio are returning to jail after serving their sentences. (http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2014/03/state_report_recidivism_rate_i.html) The General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church is deeply involved with all aspects of social justice and faith in action (see more at http://umc-gbcs.org). Ministry to prisoners and advocacy for positive change in the criminal justice system are large focuses of their mission. Through them, we can see the core of the theme of this window: Christ calls us to serve sinners, to make ourselves available to those who need His love and guidance. In connecting with those who have disconnected from God, we can follow the example of Jesus and bring about positive change in our world.

Click or scroll over the image below to see the artist’s design for this window.

Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:34–40

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About the Author

Adam Alderson is the business manager and director of Resurrection at the United Methodist Church of Kent. He has a B.A. in Classics with a minor in Art History from Kent State University, and enjoys reading, graphic and web design, and singing and acting locally. Adam lives in Stow with his wife, Patti, and son, Alexander.