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Sanctuary Banners

The sanctuary banners represent The Great Ends of the Church – what it means to be the Church.  A dove representing the community of the Holy Spirit appears in each banner.  If you are facing the back wall of the sanctuary and looking at the banners, the first one is to the left.

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Banner 1 “The proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind.”  On the banner the book represents the scriptures from which a dove arises.  This indicates the source of both the original witness and the present understanding.  The same Spirit that inspired the original writers enables us to receive the gospel.  The cross behind the book and the dove remind us the heart of the gospel is Jesus Christ, God with us and for us.

 

 

Banner 2 “The shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship of the children of God.” This banner has multi-hued hands representing all of the children of God.  The dove’s wings are tipped downward sheltering the people of God.  The triangle of light links the dove to the people.

 

 

Banner 3 “The maintenance of divine worship.”   The chalice represents the Lord’s Supper while the three drops of water represent baptism in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  The dove reminds us that the same Spirit is present in these sacraments as in the proclamation of the gospel.  The sacraments enact the gospel.  The raised arms signify our response of praise and thanksgiving – our worship of the living God.

 

 

Banner 4 “The preservation of the truth.”  This banner represents the light of truth shining in the darkness.  The dove reminds us that the truth we proclaim to the world is the gospel of Jesus Christ, God with us and for us.  “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

 

 

Banner 5 “The promotion of social righteousness.”  This banner represents Amos 5:24, “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream.”

 

 

Banner 6 “Exhibiting the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.”  The dove is in flight over the earth carrying an olive branch, echoing Genesis 8:11, “And lo, in her mouth a freshly plucked olive leaf, so Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth.”  This represents God’s grace coming into the world, the reign of God proclaimed by Jesus Christ.  The light rising behind the earth represents the dawning of God’s kingdom.

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The Great Ends of the Church

  • The proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind

  • The shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship of the children of God

  • The maintenance of divine worship

  • The preservation of the truth

  • The promotion of social righteousness

  • The exhibition of the kingdom of heaven to the world

Book of Order (2017-19) F-1.0304

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