Norwegian Protestant churches all have an altar, often with a painted altarpiece, an altar table, candles and a Bible. The most common motifs of the altarpieces are the crucified Christ or The Gethsemane scene.Not long ago Liv and I attended a funeral in Tysvær Church.
It was one of these harmonious ceremonies; a long life, a peaceful ending, with lots of friends and relativities gathered, praising the dead man's life on earth as well as his entrance into heavenly dwellings.
I was breath taken by the altarpiece. Jesus sitting with the Emmaus wanderers and the text "Abide with us" carved in wood underneath.
Last Sunday, after having done some research, Gunnar and I went back to attend Sunday mass. I brought my camera, and shot from the hip, as the congregation were leaving.
The painter of the altarpiece, Ole Frøvig , was a local artist with a personal message and a brave angel, even though his works are seemingly conservative.
The framework is woodcarving work illustrating the beatitudes.
The minister was a heartwarming and straightforward chap, the psalm song mighty and the church members plain and friendly. I think we'll make that 30 minutes drive to church once more, it truly is a place to revisit .
