Art on the Altar

Each Lent, the brass and the Alleluias are removed from the altar, creating a simpler, more contemplative space until Easter morning. When Joanne Tyjeski invited Bee Hahn to turn new wooden candle holders for the season, Bee’s first instinct was hesitation. Known for crafting smaller pieces, Bee questioned whether the task belonged to someone more skilled.

Encouraged by friends to simply try, Bee selected two matching pieces of catalpa wood salvaged from a storm-felled tree that once stood in front of the church. As the second candle holder took shape, a natural worm trail appeared in the grain. Rather than conceal the imperfection, Bee chose to highlight it with red coral inlay. The result: two candle holders that are not identical twins, but cousins—distinct, yet beautifully connected.

As a preacher’s kid, Bee grew up understanding the symbolism of altar candles: Christ’s light present in worship and carried into the world. These handmade pieces quietly reflect that same truth—faithfulness is not about perfection, but about offering what we have with courage.

Mark Runke serves as Trinity’s Visitation Minister, a role he considers a true calling and blessing. Outside of ministry, woodworking is both a hobby and a source of renewal. He finds deep satisfaction in shaping raw lumber into something meaningful.

When Joanne learned of his woodworking and asked if he would create a cross for the altar, Mark was surprised and honored. It was the first time he had been invited to craft something so central to worship. Accepting the opportunity, he approached the project with both care and gratitude.

For Mark, creating the altar cross was more than a woodworking project—it was an act of service. Contributing his craftsmanship to Trinity’s worship life reflects his joy in being part of the church’s ministry and mission.

Julie White’s Lenten paraments guide worshipers visually through the journey of Christ’s passion and resurrection.

On the altar parament, deep purple represents the gathering darkness surrounding Jesus’ path to the cross. Graduated steps of color trace His walk toward crucifixion, while woven triangles along the base evoke the crown of thorns.

On the pulpit parament, dark purple symbolizes the sealed tomb. Emerging hues of yellow and orange suggest the stone rolled away, the rising sun, and Christ’s ascension—hope breaking through sorrow.

Julie’s artistry is rooted in a lifelong love of sewing, first nurtured by her mother, a gifted seamstress who transformed worn garments into something new. From ironing pillowcases to sewing her first apron and skirt, Julie learned at her mother’s side. Quilting came later, including a special album quilt they created together for Julie’s daughter’s wedding—one of their final shared projects before her mother’s passing.

When Julie begins a new piece, she still hears her mother’s quiet encouragement: “You can do it.” The Lenten paraments were stitched with that same spirit—an offering of memory, faith, and hope woven together.