A Mission Reminder Symbol

If you’ve been around Pilgrim Lutheran for any length of time you’ve seen that we use at least three symbols to help identify who and what we are.

If you come to worship perhaps the most memorable symbol you’ll see is the golden cross that hangs over the altar, as if by magic. Hanging at the point where the transepts and chancel intersect, forming a cross (technically called a cruciform), it was chosen to help emphasize that we preach Christ crucified. The cross is at the center of who we are and all we do.

Then there’s the symbol that appears on the cover of every newsletter as well as graces the front entrance. It’s Pilgrim’’s Good Shepherd symbol. Its usage is to remind us that Jesus is our Good Shepherd (see Psalm 23 and John 10:11-18) who guides us during our earthly pilgrimage.

We’ve emphasized this symbol quite a bit during my time here at Pilgrim Lutheran. Besides being on the covers of every Pilgrim’s Progress newsletter, you’ll find it on the back of our bulletins and as the symbol on our various reports.

We’re going to change that emphasis, however. We’re going to go back to a long-time Pilgrim Lutheran symbol that hasn’t gotten as much emphasis in recent years. Since I’ve been here you’ll find it on the letterhead — but that’s about all. What am I talking about? What, for lack of a better term I’ll call The Pilgrim Cross.

Its symbolism is quite profound. As you look at it, look for these major elements:

• First of all, look for the central cross. That emphasizes that we place the cross at the center of who we are and all that we do. That’s a good reminder to all of us as we seek to move forward into an uncertain future.
• Next, look for the “P” which is formed from one of the cross arms and circles. As Pilgrim Lutheran this reminds us that we are pilgrims here on this earth; our true home is in heaven.
• Third, the cross arm and one of the lighter circles make up a shepherd’s staff. This re-minds us of Pilgrim’s Good Shepherd symbol and reminds us that Jesus is He who guides and directs us during our earthly pilgrimage.
• Fourth, you can see a dark circle. This represents eternity.
• Fifth, the three lighter circles remind us of the Trinity. There is one God, yet He reveals Himself to us in three distinct persons.
• Sixth, the four circles stand for the four corners of the earth and the four Gospels. As the four corners of the earth, they remind us that we have a message to take out to the ends of the earth. As the four Gospels they reminds us that message we have is Good News to show and tell.

Here in January we’ll begin to reemphasize this symbol in many different ways. We’ve entered the season of Epiphany and its emphasis of taking the Gospel to the Gentiles. Through the work of our Evangelism chair we’re “ramping up” a mission emphasis that will encourage each of us to look and pray for people to whom God is directing us who need to hear this Good News.

Yes, all these things are pointing to this basic fact: mission must be at the heart and center of who we are and what we do.  That’s why you’ll see this Pilgrim Cross popping up all over materials we produce. When you see it hopefully you’ll remember some of what it means. Perhaps you can even use it as a way to introduce others to Jesus.

Regards, in Christ,
PJKreft