The Design - Cross and Banner

The cross, though simple, houses a modified Episcopal shield in the heart of the cross.  The shield being placed in the heart of the cross is because that is what I see the Episcopal Church as - allowing one to find their own way, in their heart, to Christ and the willingness and ability to be able to help them in their journey - because Christ and his children are at the heart of the Episcopal Church. 

 The collage of pictures - well, I wanted to make it about the Episcopal Church.  In my research, I have come to realize that I truly love what the Episcopal Church is about.  I took a picture of the Book of Common Prayer that I received on the day of my confirmation - it had to go in the collage - great book.  I love the Blessing of the Animals - therefore, the medal had to be incorporated into the collage.  (I can't say this about one person I know - that they are truly happy to see me every time they see me, except for my dog (Unconditional Love - Christ-like.)  In my search, I was so very happy to find that there is an Episcopal Rosary.  There is quiet calm...a peace in praying the rosary.  I still pray the Catholic Rosary, because of the peace I find with God and within myself.  I hope this will encourage others to inquire about the rosary.  The statue of "Doubting Thomas", is beautiful in it's own right - because God's mercy, allowing disbelief from one of his disciples and letting him touch his wounds, should ultimately heal our wounds of disbelief.  "Faith is the guarantee of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen."  "Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."  The stained glass from the choir loft of Jesus the Good Shepherd has a comforting beauty that transfers through the camera straight to the soul.  The "Amazing Grace" hymn stands for the beautiful music that St. Thomas' allows us to experience through the choir's hard work and dedication.  The Holy Bible - well, it speaks for itself.  The small pictures of the "Baptism of Christ" and the "Lord's Supper" were put in...because that is how it should be - all that are baptized are welcome - I believe that is the way God would want it.  It makes me proud to be an Episcopalian.  The Compass Rose - I like it and the symbolism behind it - that we are more than ourselves finding our way with Christ.  The little cross is from Palm Sunday at church.  Something so simple, but so cool.  The centerpiece, the heart of the collage - it's what it is all about.  I wanted something more for that area and the "Our Father" seemed appropriate.  I typed it up, manipulated it somewhat, then placed it to see if it was right.  Placing the "Our Father, who art in heaven" above Jesus' head was what I was looking for -because of the meaning behind it.  I kept going, moving the other items around, etc. and then noticed that over the heart of Jesus was the word "daily".  I knew then that it was supposed to be a part of the collage.  Everything is part of the Episcopal Church - some specific to St. Thomas'. 

When I started going to the Episcopal Church there were so many questions - the information provided in the site hopefully will help visitors to understand better what we are about.  I tried to take it from my quest for knowledge about the Church - being new - and provide information to questions that arose in my quest.  If people know what to expect, the next step becomes easier - hopefully, a step through the front doors of the Church and into a world that they can also be proud of and grow from.

-Debbie K.