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The All Saints banners were designed and fabricated by Melissa Sobotka with final stitching by First Church volunteers. The banners were donated by members of First Church in honor and memory of loved ones.
Artist’s Statement by Melissa Sobotka
 When the Altar Guild asked me to design new All Saints Banners, my first thought was that they should enhance the sanctuary in the same way our new kneelers had enhanced the sanctuary – with rich colors. In researching the history of our most celebrated saints, I was surprised to learn that the traditional symbolism of each saint had not always been a pretty picture, and had often been an image of martyrdom involving suffering or death. Then, I discovered several images of saints in stunning stained glass windows at Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Finding these stained glass images made me think of the stories of the stained glass windows originally proposed for our beautiful sanctuary but that were never created due to the onset of the Great Depression.
With these two thoughts in mind, I set out to design and create similar traditional images of saints for our sanctuary in a fabric version of stained glass. The symbols for each saint were crafted from Indonesian Batiks with a modeled pattern to give effect of light through colored glass, and then appliquéd to black wool. The symbol for each of the gospels rests on a quatrefoil, while the symbols for the remaining saints rest on shields similar to those found in the architecture of the sanctuary. These symbols and backgrounds were then hand sewn by a group of dedicated stitchers to a field of red velvet, symbolizing martyrdom.
It is my hope that these new All Saints Banners will serve as a beautiful reminder of the saints who gave their lives for the church, and all those who lived, and are still living, saintly lives.
(For more information about Melissa Sobotka and her art: www.Msfiberarts.com)
St. Andrew
Tradition says that Andrew was bound to a cross to prolong his suffering. A variation of the cross is the boat hook or anchor to symbolize his occupation as a fisherman.
St. Bartholomew
Bartholomew, also known as Nathaniel, was martyred by crucifixion and then flayed, thus the symbol of a knife. The open book on which the knife is placed is in reference to a copy of the book of Matthew that he left in India.
St. James the Greater
The scallop shells symbolize James' missionary journeys. The term Greater refers to him being the older of the two saints named James. He is described to be one of the first disciples to follow Jesus.
St. James the Less
James, to distinguish him from the other apostle of the same name, was called the Less; which appellation is supposed to have taken its rise, either from his having been called later to the apostleship than the former, or from the lowness of his stature, or from his youth. James is depicted in Christian art by the tower and blades associated with his death.
St. John, son of Zebedee
Legend says that an attempt was made to poison John, and the chalice with flames coming from it commemorates that event. The eagle rising from fire is the traditional symbol of John.
St. Jude
Jude is traditionally identified as the brother of James and the writer of the epistle of Jude in the New Testament. He is a popular intercessor for those who are in desperate straits. The boat symbolizes his missionary trips.
St. Matthew
Mattherw, the author of the gospel account, is symbolized by a man with wings. Matthew's gospel starts with Jesus' genealogy from Abraham. The symbol represents Jesus' incarnation, and so Christ's human nature, signifying that Christians should use their reason for salvation.
St. Mark
Mark, the author of the gospel account, is symbolized by a lion, a figure of courage and monarchy. Mark has John the Baptist preaching "like a lion roaring" at the beginning of his gospel. The lion also represents Jesus' Resurrection (because lions were believed to sleep with opened eyes, a comparison with Christ in the tomb) and Christ as king. The symbol signifies that Christians should be courageous on the path of salvation.
St. Luke
Author of the gospel account, Luke is symbolized by a bull, a figure of sacrifice and strength. Luke's account begins with the duties of Zacharias in the temple. The bull represents Jesus' sacrifice in His Passion and Crucifixion, signifying that Christians should be prepared to sacrifice themselves in following Christ.
St. John
John, author of the gospel account, is symbolized by an eagle, a figure of the sky believed to be able to look straight into the sun. This symbol reminds Christians to look on eternity without flinching as they journey towards their goal of union with God.
St. Matthew, son of Levi
The money bags symbolize how the Lord called Matthew when he was a tax collector. The ax symbolizes how he was martyred.
St. Matthias
An open book refers to Matthias’ work as an apostle and the double-headed ax alludes to his martyrdom.
St. Peter
Peter is symbolized by a church on a rock because of Jesus’ statement, "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hades will not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18
St. Philip
The cross represents the way Philip was martyred by crucifixion, the same as Christ. The bread basket at the base reminds us of Philip's response to Jesus when Jesus fed the multitude: When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come to him, He saith unto Philip, "Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" (John 6:5)
St. Simon the Zealot
The fish symbolizes that Simon was a fisher of people. The book symbolizes the gospel message that he taught.
St. Thomas
A carpenter’s square is used to depict the profession of Thomas. He is said to have built a church in India where he was martyred with a spear.
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