Richmond, B.C.
Pair of Fabric Hangings (measuring 12' x 5')
by Karen Brodie c. 2001
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Broadmoor is a long established church with strong music and worship opening its arms to missions, to connecting people with God and others, to networking, to birthing new churches, to winds of change, a spirit of openness and a willingness to move beyond. The following description speaks of the visual images which attempt to illustrate this. The hands are raised in praise, thanksgiving, and joy in acceptance of the Holy Spirit raining down on us. Together we raise our hands to allow God in. These hands and the round lines of the sky consciously help to visualize Broadmoor's desire to be open to the community. The rains are cleansing, like Baptismal waters.
In the foreground The Bible symbolises the Word of God. The boat overflows with nets. It illustrates the New Testament lessons of Jesus calling his first disciples. After the fishers have filled their boats to overflowing with fish at the grace of the Lord, Jesus asks them to go with him. The fishers leave and follow Jesus. This reminds us to do the same. We are called to leave behind what is comfortable and known in order to trust and follow God. We are called to embrace the winds of change. We are called to risk, just like the disciples of the day. The waters symbolize the many references to water in the Bible. Those on the right are not calm, glassy waters. They are seas roaring with Biblical stories, lessons and history; the foundation of our faith. The left side is based in the book of Revelation. You will see the river flowing out of the city of God. You will see dry land off to the left, while green fertile lands hold the promise at the edge of the waters. At the edge of this river, a pomegranate. This symbolizes makes it such a powerful symbol. It is like the church: the oneness of God, many believers; one universal church: the Holy Catholic Church. It also reminds us of a risen Jesus who burst forth alive from the tomb. It is that which makes it a symbol of hope and renewal, because we too, have that possibility for life anew. Beyond the fruit of the pomegranate, is the tree it grows on. This tree of life brings forth the fruit of the Spirit, the seasons of life, leaves for the healing of the nations, and a tree no longer forbidden, but for all to partake.
One of John's visions in Revelation speaks to the calm and peace he imagines we will know in the new heaven and new earth. It is my hope that there is enough in this design to stir us like winds of change, but also enough calm and light and warmth to give us a renewing peace. The peace of Christ be with you all.
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"Revelation
is kaleidoscopic, one picture melts into another" says the
Oxford Companion to the Bible. This visually stirring image made me
imagine that perhaps in the New Jerusalem one would not know where
earth begins or where it ends. Or where the water begins and where it
ends. Nothing would be definite; all things infinite. The design
illustrates this. The sky feels like it's being reflected in the
waters. The water is lifted like the fountain of life as a part of
the sky.
