It all started in 2001...
Visual, Tactile FaithWe wanted to change our worshipping environment using art to express our faith.
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Talented ArtistsEach banner is quilted, hand painted, and around 9' by 12'. They all took years to make!
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RepresentativeThe ancient symbol of the fish surrounds each banner. They are unique and represent our beliefs.
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Our Four Banners
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.
Meaningful Names and Symbols
The Open BibleThe Open Bible represents the Congregational Churches emphasis upon God's truth, making people free.
From this communion we have:
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The DoveThe dove is emblematic of the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:10) whose transforming power has been a distinctive mark of Methodism.
Here our heritage is one of:
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The Burning BushThe burning bush is the symbol of Presbyterianism. It refers to the bush that burned and was not consumed (Exodus 3:2), and symbolizes the indestructibility of the church.
From Presbyterianism we have received:
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Alpha and Omega
The symbols alpha and omega in the lower quarter are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
They symbolize the eternal living God, in the fullness of creation (Revelation 1:8). |
Other Banners and Environmental Designs
Affirm Banner
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.
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Saint Brigid of Kildare Cross
This piece 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. |
Our Sanctuary
The Sanctuary's environmental displays change thematically with the themes of the Seasons of the year.
Pictured above is our Christmas seasonal advent banners and decorations. |