Wheat and Cup
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 Wheat and Cup
In Scripture the grain from which bread is made is a symbol of God's nourishing our whole being. Most familiar in the Old Testament is the manna given to the Israelites to physically sustain them through the wilderness. The loaves placed in the tabernacle represented their spiritual sustenance through God's continuing care. The New Testament contains many examples of people being fed. In the Lord's Supper these elements come together in our rendering thanks through communal remembrance of the incarnate Word, Christ's body broken and raised for us. In this design the wheat is accompanied by the cup, a symbol of Christ's blood shed for us. May we share in the banquet of the Lord until Christ comes again!
Scripture References
- John 6:48-51
- John 6:53-56
- Isaiah 25:6-7
Occasions for Use
- The Lord's Supper
- Providence
- Thanksgiving
- Maundy Thursday
- Unity of the Church
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."