River
A visual symbol that can be placed on the cover of service bulletins, within the written liturgy, or on a large screen display.
Black and white .jpeg image for download.
Description of River
At the baptism of our Lord we see the relationship of the Son with the Father through the unifying love of the Spirit. The baptismal water and the dove remind us of our covenant God, who graciously gives us this same gift. Joining Christ, through the cleansing of our sins and the movement from death into life, we are anointed with the gift of the Spirit to boldly live in unity. The flow of grace is highlighted in this print by the element of movement. As God's grace flows to us (vertical movement) so we could reflect this flow of grace to one another (horizontal movement).
Scripture References
- Mark 1:10-11
- Isaiah 42:1
- Ephesians 4:4-6
Occasions for Use
- Baptism of Our Lord
- Baptism
- Profession of Faith
- Remembrance of Baptism
- Creation
- Pentecost
- Ordination
The image is an original linoleum block print resulting from a printmaking process in which an image is drawn on a block of wood covered with a thin layer of linoleum, and then hand-carved to expose areas that will be white. Ink is rolled onto the block, covering the surface not cut away. Paper made from the mulberry tree is laid on top and hand rubbed with a Japanese barren or wooden spoon. In transferring the ink to the paper the resulting image is a reflection of the design placed on the block. It first appeared in the book Visuals for Worship (Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2006) which is no longer in print.
When using the image please include the following acknowledgment: “Linoleum block print by Elizabeth Steele Halstead."