CHURCH GETS NEW ARTWORK IN GLASS.

Byline: Douglas Clark Daily News Staff Writer

The installation of four stained glass panels has provided a window of opportunity for the parishioners of Trinity Lutheran Church.

As the colorful glass was lifted into place Thursday, Pastor Alvin P. Young said the $13,000 project, three years in the making, has set a new standard for worshippers.

``This is a window that is first-class, made by a fine artist. That means we're giving our best to the glory of God,'' he said. ``That thought affects everything else we do. It lifts everybody. It inspires us to do better in other areas.''

The window was installed behind the pulpit on the east wall of the Alamo Street church by San Jose artist Pat Haeger and her son Mark. Her design unites symbols of Christianity: a dove for the holy spirit, grapes for holy communion, a rainbow abundant with hope for a new life.

``I prefer the church windows,'' said Haeger, who also designs windows for residential projects. ``I like the symbolism. It's like another language.''

Although the 330 families who attend the church will get their first glimpse of the window Sunday, the official dedication is set for May 1.

The congregation is familiar with deferred gratification.

Three years ago, Haeger, who has designed hundreds of windows throughout California, was contacted by church member Rob Hitchcock.

Hitchcock believed that a stained glass window would be the crowning touch to church renovation after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.

Although the building received no serious structural damage, repairs to walls, floors and the roof were necessary.

``When something like that happens, you don't just want to replace what you have; you want to take a step up,'' said Hitchcock.

Despite an impressive presentation by Haeger, church members felt the window - then expected to cost $18,000, including installation - was beyond their reach.

Undeterred, Haeger offered to design a window, 10 feet by 13 feet, for free - if the congregation would commit to a fund-raising drive.

Tom Thelen, president of Trinity Lutheran's board of directors, was impressed by the artist's largess.

``She did it on faith that we would see how beautiful it was and pay for it,'' he said. ``A project like this doesn't happen unless the congregation gets a vision.''

Haeger said that she was confident Trinity Lutheran would find a way to get the window.

``You do a lot on faith,'' she said. ``It's very rare for it not to work out.''

To raise funds for the project, Hitchcock sold parishioners each piece of glass that would be included in the window. The symbol of the dove went for $700, while the Bible symbol went for $800. The smaller pieces cost $27 each.

But fund-raising stalled at the $10,000 mark.

Haeger suggested Hitchcock speak to San Diego contractor Harold Campbell, who has installed many stained-glass windows. Campbell helped the church knock $5,000 off the project's costs by organizing volunteers to do some of the construction labor needed to prepare for the installation. Soon the fund-raising goal was fulfilled.

``Harold did an excellent job cutting the window,'' said Haeger. ``Everything is fitting perfectly.''

While Young hopes the addition to the church will inspire all those who behold it, he knows he too must rise to the occasion.

``We can't do mediocre things,'' he said.

CAPTION(S):

3 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) (Ran in Simi Edition only) Pat Haeger shows her stained-glass window design.

(2--Color in Simi Edition only) At Trinity Lutheran Church, Mark Haeger installs a stained-glass window designed by his mother, Pat.

(3--Color) (Ran in Simi Edition only) Work progresses on the church window to be dedicated May 1.

Phil McCarten/Daily News