Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Last year, as renovations began at St. Peter Church in Lincoln, pastor Father Eric Clark reached out to parishioner Vern Steiner, Ph.D., president of the Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies, to write a series of reflections on the new stained-glass windows that were going to replace the old ones in the space.

Most of the 17 windows, each depicting a scene from the life of St. Peter, were installed in the church before the March 23 rededication. The final window, depicting the scene from Matthew 16, the Keys of St. Peter, was hung in the narthex in May.

“We are blessed to have so many people who have contributed their skills and finances towards our project,” Father Clark said. “When I asked Vern, I asked him for his gift of knowledge. Vern is the greatest biblical scholar I have encountered. Since he is in the parish of St. Peter, it was the logical choice to have him put together a bible study on the life of St. Peter.”

Beginning his project just over a year ago, Steiner finished a draft before Christmas and finalized edits in March. Now, the 110-page booklet titled “Encountering the Light of Jesus through the Eyes of St. Peter: Stained-glass reflections from the life of our patron saint” is available to order.

The booklet includes a full-color photo of each window and Biblical text corresponding to each image from either the Gospels or Acts of Apostles. This is followed by commentary written by Steiner aimed at drawing readers into understanding each passage.

Each entry also includes questions or suggestions for reflection and a short prayer. Steiner mentioned that both individuals and small groups could use this book and expressed hope that it would be as useful to others as it has been for him.

Blake Vajgrt, St. Peter’s parish catechist for four years, highlighted how beauty in parish renovations prompted many questions about depictions and changes made within the church's imagery—questions anticipated when commissioning Steiner’s book.

Vajgrt noted that early Christians learned through sight when scriptures were less accessible than today: “[Steiner] adds an extra element to that… we can all benefit from viewing a picture study of the windows even when we’re not here.”

Steiner shared his appreciation for church leadership's vision using new windows as educational tools: “For anyone who wants to learn about the apostle whom Jesus called ‘the rock,’... here’s a book that will help us appreciate his role in Church life.”

Father Clark praised Steiner's work: “It draws people into St. Peter’s life; there isn’t much work out there on his life... He was bold and cowardly... In short, St. Peter was a sinner who kept trying until he became a saint.”

Vajgrt added that everyone can relate to St. Peter: “In him we see boldness and zeal we should aspire to... We can relate to him and his model of contrition.”

In his preface, Steiner clarified that his book aims not at exhaustive study but rather seeing Christ through Peter's lens: “Surely this is how Peter would desire it—with our focus on Christ at love’s center.”

The first window depicts St. Peter's call on Galilee Sea through establishing Church work in Acts.

Steiner identified "Keys of St. Peter" as his favorite window covered extensively in his book's last chapter—a fun writing experience reflecting thoughtful prayerful study with other resources' engagement.

“It was such an enriching spiritual experience,” said Steiner hoping similar effects on readers journeying through it.

Available at Saintpeterlincoln.com or Parish office pickup ($10 suggested donation), mail orders suggest $20 donations covering printing costs with proceeds supporting Emmaus Institute additionally.

A separate booklet featuring salvation story murals co-written by Vajgrtand Chad Steiner is also available; proceeds support Emmaus Institute after printing cost coverage.

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