The Banners Project
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The Beaconfield United Church Banners Project began in 2001 with the desire to revitalize the worshiping environment by using art as a medium to express our faith in a visual tactile form. Three of the four main symbols contained within the United Church crest have been completed and the forth is in the final planning stage. The Banners, each measuring approximately 9' x 12' , are quilted, hand painted and have taken many years to complete. The ancient symbol of the fish is thematically used surrounding each of the banners. The Chancel Group presently, as it works on the symbol from the Methodist Church representing the Holy Spirit, are using the manifold references to the spirit in the Scriptures, the poetry , music and lyrics contained in hymns, impressions in art, nature and, expressions of spirit beyond the Christian tradition.
The first Banner, Alpha and the Omega was dedicated in 2005 by Moderator Peter Short, a former Minister of Beaconsfield United Church. Unique to this particular banner are the depictions of the four Evangelists, Mathew, Mark, Luke and John, flanking the main banner and on the other side, the Matriarchs, Deborah, Naomi, Ruth and Ester. The second banner, The Burning Bush was dedicated in 2007 by former Ministers, the Reverend Dr. David A. Williamson and the Reverend E. Bruce Ross on the occasion of Beaconsfield United Church's 50th anniversary. This banner symbolizes the Presbyterian influence and traditions of one of the founding Churches. Unique to this banner, are the embroidered lists of names flanking the main symbol of individuals who have influenced members of the congregation in their understanding and belief in the ready presence of God. The third banner, The Open Bible, was dedicated in 2012 by 40th Moderator Mardi Tindal on the occasion of the opening of the annual meeting of the Affirm United Conference. Unique to this banner is the text from Deut. 30: 14, "I have put my word in your mouth and in your heart that you may do it". In addition to the English translation, the universal application of this text is hinted at in five other languages being represented: French, Hebrew, Arabic, Mohawk (we dwell on Mohawk ancestral lands) and Baybayin (an ancient script of the Philippines long suppressed, by three hundred years of Spanish oppression). Surrounding the open Bible are over fifty individuals, groups or organizations who are or who have being "Workers of the Word in the World". Some of the hand painted individuals are Lydia Gruchy, Nelson Mandela, Norman Bethune, William Wilberforce, Florence Nightingale, Mother Teressa and Kateri Tekakwitha. The fourth banner featuring the Dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit is still under creative review. At the heart of the banners, among the many meaningful names and symbols represented, are the following: (Excert from "History, United Church Crest", United Church of Canada)
Other banners and environmental designs The Affirm Banner based on the National Affirming Ministries' design was dedicated by the Reverend Neil Whitehouse on the occasion of Beaconsfield United Church becoming an Affirming Ministry within the United Church of Canada on May 15th, 2011. The Saint Brigid of Kildare Cross frames our Mission Statement. Each of our statements rests within the four quadrants of her Cross. Each quadrant holds Healing, Art, Hospitality and Spirituality. Saint Brigid was an amazing Celtic Church leader and contributed widely to the early Church, particularly with the role of women. The Sanctuary's environmental displays change thematically with the themes of the Seasons of the year. |
Saint Brigid's Cross and our Mission Statement.
Our Affirming Ministries Banner
Advent Banners
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