Size: 69Ó/98Ó X 54Ó
Artist: Peg Normandin
Shape: Rectangle with angled upper edge that follows the ceiling beams
The central motif of this quilt is a large gold cross. Surrounding this is a geometric pattern with each seasonal liturgical color radiating outward from behind the cross. There is a glow of light symbolic of Ňthe lightÓ from behind the cross. On top of the cross is an open book, which indicates the usefulness of the Word of God. Scrolls, ancient manuscripts and books are commonly believed to contain significant knowledge and are therefore symbols of wisdom. Foremost among Christians are the four Gospels because they contain the story and teaching of Jesus. The Bible, which contains these Gospels, therefore signifies Jesus as GodŐs Word to people. The Bible also the symbol of power of the gospel, of the proclaimed and read Word, of the presence of Jesus, and of the commission to evangelize the world. Descending from above is a dove. The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit since according to the evangelists, it was chosen to embody the Holy Spirit at JesusŐ baptism.
Surrounding this is a border that repents the liturgical colors. To the left of the cross is the wheat and bread. Bread is a symbol of nourishments, of Jesus, of the gift of salvation, and of the church. Long held as a staple of life and as a sources of strength, bread is brought into existence through hard work and ample harvest. Its daily availability depends upon God so it symbolizes gift. In Holy Communion, bread as staple, strength and gift manifest the presence of Christ. In eating of this holy food believers are nourished by Jesus, the bread of life. Grain or wheat demonstrates the life cycle of nature and thus is used to denote the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Grain also means Holy Communion, since from the gathered grain bread is made.
To the right of the cross is the chalice and grapes. The chalice is the vessel that holds the wine and often used to symbolize the wine. Wine symbolizes joy, conviviality, life, and suffering. In Holy Communion Jesus chose to use win to symbolize the pouring out of himself in suffering and offering, just as grapes under pressure yield their juices. The grapes and vine symbolize Jesus as he identified himself as the true vine. The branches of that vine are a symbol of the church. In the New Testament, grapes and wine, both fruits from the vine, became a symbolic presentation of the gifts of grace available in Holy Communion. In the Old Testament, grape clusters were a sign of GodŐs gracious providence. The people of Israel were encouraged to think of themselves as GodŐs vineyard.
On the bottom of the quilt, the monogram ŇI H S,Ó which are the first three letters of JesusŐ name in Greek capitals.
Each individual color in this quilt would continue as dominating colors for the quilts to be used for each of the liturgical season. The colors symbolize as follow:
Blue which symbolizes truth, is the color of the clear sky and of the water, and is thus also a symbol of purity. Its use during Advent is meant to elicit hope in GodŐs truth; in royal shades, blue heralds the coming of the King.
Gold is the symbol of JesusŐ resurrection.
Purple symbolizes royalty since important secular leaders wore vestments made in these colors.
Green is the color of vegetation, growth, spring, and also hope. In liturgical usage it symbolizes growth, and specifies that time between known as regular days. It is also used most Sundays in Epiphany season and the season after Pentecost.