In the fall of 1989 Midland Christian Church approached
a local graphic-design artist by the name of Daria Smith to help design
an appropriate logo. The only instructions she was given were to design
a logo that stated how much we cared about hurting people because of
Jesus' example of sacrificial love So it is because of Jesus' example
we care about those who are in need of help.
In the original design the only character in the logo
with any features is the one who appears seated. It is very easy to
look past, or not even notice, those in need of help like the unfortunate
soul in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25ff).Sometimes you
need to put a face on those in pain. The three persons who are standing
together in the logo represent members of the Church who need not be
recognized for helping others. Our Lord told us about people whose goal
it was to be recognized or "seen by men" (Matthew 6). Those who follow
Jesus will be recognized by our Lord for the good we
may accomplish for His glory. It is the Church's goal to see everyone
able to stand on their own. At the same time we realize that it is never
just us, but God working through His people, who are enabled to accomplish
great things.
"God never asks us to do anything we can do. He asks
us to live a life which we can never live and to do a work which we
can never do. Yet, by His grace, we are living it and doing it. The
life we live is the life of Christ lived in the power of God, and the
work we do is the work of Christ carried on through Jesus by His Spirit
whom we obey. Self is the only obstruction to that life and to that
work. May we each one pray from our hearts: 'O Lord, deal with me!'
Sit, Walk, Stand, p. 56, Watchman Nee
For a few years the dream of putting our logo in an
appropriate medium was a far-fetched idea. Slowly God worked through
the hearts of people and the generosity of friends and foundations.
Finally the hands of James F. Hopfensperger have made it a reality.
May God bless those who helped make our vision a reality.
Our Sculptor James F. Hopfensperger is an artist whose
reputation is not limited to Midland. He has done many commissioned
pieces out of the area. His works have been primarily in bronze and
with faceted and leaded glass.
James F. Hopfensperger received his formal education
in Wisconsin. He has a Bacbelors Degree in Art Education (1954) from
Wisconsin State College (currently The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee)
and a Masters Degree in Sculpture and Printmaking (1965) from The University
of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. He has shared his knowledge and skill
with many students through the years.
He has taught art for Midland Public Schools (1954-66).On
a part-time basis (he has given instruction in Michigan at Northwood
Institute, Midland; Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant; Saginaw
Valley State University.Saginaw; Regina Catholic High School, Midland;
and at the Midland Community Center. He was an Associate Professor of
Art EducatioI1 at Delta Community College, University Center; and The
Coordinator of Art Education with Midland Public Schools. The piece
we have created together with James F. Hopfensperger is entitled"People
Who Care About Other People".It is an attempt to bring illustration
to our Savior's words found in Matthew 25:37-40.Weare indeed thankful
that God has completed this project through the hands of his servant
James F. Hopfensperger.
"People
Who Care About Other People"
This sculpture was made possible through the generosity
of: The Charles J. Stomacher Foundation, Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation,
and The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation working with the friends
and family of Jack G. Smith and Midland' Christian Church. It was created
by James F. Hopfensperger.
Dedicated to the glory of God on June 8, 1997.
