Why do pastors wear what they wear to preach? Is it commanded in Scriptures?

The pastors on “Worship Anew” wear vestments to show that they share the Words of Christ and speak His forgiveness. One big reason for vestments is to take the focus off the individual (and whatever the choice of clothing may be) and to keep the focus on Christ. This practice echoes back to passages in the Bible such as Exodus 28 where priests were directed to wear specific clothing to distinguish their office. Wearing white also symbolizes the purity we have in Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for us. The stole is worn to signify the pastor’s ordination and the yoke of Christ. The cincture (rope belt) represents the readiness for service.

What are the meanings behind the stained-glass windows on the sides of the chancel area on “Worship Anew”? 

In the historic Christian church, the four Gospel writers — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — are often depicted with symbolic creatures known as the Tetramorph, drawn from the visions in Ezekiel 1 and Revelation 4. These ancient symbols remind us that the four Gospels proclaim the one saving work of Jesus Christ from different, complementary perspectives:

Matthew (1) – Winged Man (or Angel): Emphasizes Christ’s true humanity and incarnation—God made flesh for our salvation.

Mark (2) – Winged Lion: Signifies courage and royalty, portraying Christ as the victorious King who conquers sin and death.

Luke (3) – Winged Ox: Represents sacrifice and service, pointing to Christ as the perfect priest who offers Himself for the world.

John (4) – Eagle: Symbolizes spiritual vision and the divine nature of Christ, lifting our eyes to His eternal glory.

These symbols, often seen in stained glass windows and sacred art, call us to rejoice in the unity of the Gospel message: Jesus Christ, true God and true man, crucified and risen for us and for our salvation. You’ll see two of these pieces on “Worship Anew”—the one of John is on the left and the one of Luke is on the right side of the altar. The other two are located above the main entrance into Worship Anew.

Have Social Security Payments been renamed “Federal Benefit Payments”? Is there anything I need to do?

The term “benefit payment” appears in federal documents and has long referred to payments for federal entitlement programs (Social Security, SSI, VA benefits, etc.). Social Security checks have always been considered federal benefit payments since the program began in the 1930s. The phrase is therefore not a recent rebranding or legal change. While there is movement to modernizing payment methods, such as moving from paper checks to electronic deposits, the government is not changing program names at this time.

A note from the Editor ...
In our letters to the editor section, we would like to answer any and all questions that you have about Scripture, aging well, and our ministry. Please send your questions to editor@worshipanew.org. Please know that we will try to answer as many questions as we can. Thank you and enjoy!