In October 2009 a small banner was added to the pulpit. Voirrey Guy shares the story behind it, and the effect she hopes it will have:

This design came from a sculpture by Jonathan Hemingray. As I stitched, I realised that God was directing every idea I had and every part of the design had a purpose and a meaning: a communication to us as the people of God as well as individuals.

I struggled for ages with making it just white. But the words holiness then purity kept coming into my mind. I believe that is to remind us that we have a Holy God who we should not treat casually. Equally, we are a holy people and the word purity reminds us to keep ourselves in the world but not of it. As I got closer to finishing, I noticed it had a bridal quality and I believe that this reinforces that we are the pure Bride of Christ.

• The circle represents God the Father;
• the cross, God the Son;
• and the flame, God the Holy Spirit as a purifying flame or cleansing water.

The break in the circle is the path to the cross.

To the left of that path is a collection of leaves and to the right is a collection of fish. These represent our mission statement of Growing Up & Growing Out. You can’t see the detail until you get closer but that has a point. It means that though you may be far away, you can still see God.

The pieces of white fabric making the silhouette represents us as Pip ‘n’ Jayers, near and far, coming together as a whole in God and playing our part in the Body of Christ.

The raised arcs on the top section symbolise the rainbow reminding us of the Father’s love for us.

The background is made of hessian - an untreated, natural fabric, showing us that God takes us as we are and refines us into a beautiful, new creation.

Finally, the chord over the corner shows us that God meets us where we are: if you are altogether or if you are fraying at the ends.

I hope that this piece of work blesses you each time you see it and reminds you that YOU are a beautiful and special work of art in God’s eyes - whom He loves. He is the Creator God of the universe but wants to know you.

Click to see large versions of these pictures:

If you would like to find out more, or take part in making new banners for the church building, please contact Voirrey Guy.