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Worship
has been aided by visual elements ever since Moses was
instructed by God how to build the Temple. Perhaps
because visual images are dominant in today’s world,
research has concluded that 60 percent of the population
can be defined as visual learners. Most people learn by
seeing illustration as well as hearing explanation.
Using this knowledge, St. Thomas Episcopal Church in
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, commissioned worship banners
that visually celebrate the seasons of the church year.
The Rev. Martha Eilertsen
and the St. Thomas Vestry decided to commission seasonal
banners so that through the course of a liturgical year,
the congregation would be reminded of the mystery of
Jesus Christ. Eilertsen believes that the colors of the
banners with their symbols aid the congregation’s
appreciation of the sacred. Like many small parishes
built around the turn of the century, the founders of
St. Thomas had great appreciation for the visual:
architectural evidence includes nine colorful and well
preserved stained glass windows that tell the powerful
story of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
The textile banners
created by Pittsburgh artist and teacher, Jenny Gallo,
are in concert with the existing structure as they hang
in the chancel flanking a narrow stained glass depiction
of Christ the King.
Advent
The
Advent banners focus on hope and everlasting life. The
candles symbolize Christ’s approach and birth as the
divine light shining in the world and the spiritual joy
that we celebrate as we recall Christ’s birth. Holly,
like all evergreens, symbolize eternity. The circular
wreath emphasizes eternity because there is no beginning
or end. The banners have a purple background to remind
us of Christ the King. The images are a variety of gold
to help us reflect on the magnificent glory of God.
Christmas
Angels are God’s heavenly messengers. Angels appear to
Mary, to Joseph, to the shepherds, and to the Magi –
guiding, warning, filling the skies with music and the
viewers with wonder. A simple and humble animal for our
king, the donkey that Mary rode is seen beside the
manger. The donkey will again play a role in Christ’s
life as he takes him triumphantly into Jerusalem on Palm
Sunday. The banner background is pure white reminding us
of Christ’s purity. It is bordered and accented by the
symbols in gold representing the joy of the season.
Epiphany
Offering a bold artistic and theological expression, the
Epiphany banners celebrate the fact that Jesus came to
all people. The wise men followed the star to Jesus
(Matt. 2:1-12). Foreigners bowing before the new king
remind us that God offers the Messiah to the whole
world. Jesus was baptized by John, the heavens opened,
and the Spirit of God descended like a dove and rested
on Jesus. (Matt. 3:16-17) We also celebrate Jesus’
power. This was manifested at the wedding feast in Cana.
It was here that he performed his first public miracle,
changing water into wine.
Lent
Lent is a season of prayer, fasting and penitence. In
essence, it is a time of cleansing. The banners employ
this thought with their simplicity. The rooster is a
passion symbol representing Peter, who denied Jesus
three times before the cock crowed on the morning of
Jesus crucifixion (Mark 14:72). The banner fabric is a
variegated red violet. The reds will remind us of the
passion.
Easter
Gleaming gold and white Easter banners joyfully
recognize and proclaim the sacred cycle of life. Because
of its life cycle, the butterfly is a Resurrection
symbol. It is a symbol of eternal life. The lily has
long been a symbol of purity, innocence, and
immortality. The banner background will be pure white
reminding us of Christ’s purity. It is bordered and
accented by the symbols in gold representing the joy of
the season
Pentecost
Bright red Pentecost banners speak to the manifestation
of the Holy Spirit in our spiritual gifts. The doves
represent the seven spiritual gifts noted in Romans
12:4-8. Acts 2 tells of the Pentecost story the fire
represents. We celebrate Pentecost, the birthday of the
church with the splendid fiery reds in the background of
this banner.
The church year cycle
concludes with green banners signifying the importance
of community: a vine motif representing the chosen
people (Isaiah 5:1-8) being faithful together.
Jenny
Gallo and The Rev. Eilertsen first worked together while
Eilertsen served as a deacon at St. Paul’s Episcopal
Church in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Together with the
children of the congregation, they developed worship
banners that affirmed both life on earth and the hope of
heaven. The pictorial content included images that
recalled for the children: baptism, communion, and
eternity.
St. Thomas Episcopal
Church
139 N. Jefferson Ave.
Canonsburg, PA 15317
(724) 745-2013 |
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