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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. Color .jpeg image for download.
The circle, having no beginning or end, symbolizes God's eternal being and helps us recognize our human limitations in understanding him. Only as we experience God breaking through his transcendence to be near and present with us, guiding all and providing for all, can we begin to encounter such a love that endures forever. The circle's boundlessness has the opposite character of the square, with its orientation through specific directions and corners. Turning this design on its edge highlights this distinction and reveals a cross, symbolizing God's greatest gift of love, restoration, and peace to the world.
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."
