St Saviour’s Church, Branston: Monday 27th August 2018
St Saviour’s Church commemorates the centenary
of the Armistice Agreement in flowers
through stories from the bible with the themes of
sacrifice, peace and hope.
A synopsis of our flower arrangements:
…with great thanks to our ‘Tea Ladies’.
THE GARDEN OF EDEN.
Pulpit. By Lin Dolman and Beryl Durose
Illustrating the serpent’s temptation and sin entering the world,
bringing death and destruction. After the first murder of Abel by
his brother, despite his banishment a mark of protection was
given to Cain by God leaving the hope of God’s grace to come.
“Cain replied to the LORD, “My punishment is too great for me to
bear! You have banished me from the land and from your
presence; you have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who
finds me will kill me!” The LORD replied, “No, for I will give a
sevenfold punishment to anyone who kills you.” Then the
LORD put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try to kill
him. So Cain left the LORD’s presence and settled in the land of
Nod, east of Eden.” Genesis 4. 13-16
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS.
Font. By Marlene Bishop
Denoting Jesus being filled with the Holy Spirit and God
revealing him as His son. The dove has now become a recognised
symbol of peace, also featuring in the story of Noah when God
had cleansed the earth and brought Noah and his family to
safety. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, through his life and death
true peace is achievable for all, and is aspired by most, this is
signified by the cooperation of so many in the writing and
signing of the Armistice Agreement which achieved peace
following the First World War.
“As Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened
and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling
on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved
Son, who brings me great joy.” Matthew 3.16-17
NOAH AND THE ARK.
Top of reredos. By Jill Fisher
Depicting a rainbow, symbolising God’s promise of an end to
destruction after a cataclysmic event and bringing hope for a
better future for all humanity.
“God said, ‘I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and
with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed
my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you
and with all the earth.”’ Genesis 9.12-13
THE CRUCIFICATION.
Cross in the Church Garden.
By Jill Fisher, Sylvia Hazlehurst and Susi Ludlow
Representing the sacrifice Jesus Christ made to save mankind
and mirroring the sacrifice made by members of the armed
forces in giving their lives for their fellow countrymen and to
make the world a better place.
Jesus said “Love each other in the same way I have loved you.
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s
friends.” John 15.12-13
“He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only
our sins but the sins of all the world.” 1 John 2
THE BURNING BUSH.
Porch. By June Field
Representing Moses in the presence of God, devoting his life to
God’s purpose for him to lead His people to freedom, echoing
the work of the armed forces devoting their lives to protect their
countrymen and eradicate war in the service of their country.
“God sent Moses to be their ruler and saviour. And by means of
many wonders and miraculous signs, he led them out of Egypt,
through the Red Sea, and through the wilderness for forty years.”
Act 7.35-36
JACOB’S LADDER.
Back of Church. By Sarah Henry
Representing Jacob’s dream of a heavenly host revealing God’s
presence, protection and covenant with His chosen one,
promising hope for the future. Through the trials of this world
God does not desert us, in the depths of despair we can cling to
his ladder of hope and promise of peace.
In his dream God tells Jacob “I am with you, and I will protect
you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I
will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I
have promised you.” Genesis 28.15
THE ASCENSION OF JESUS.
Sanctuary. By Sylvia Hazlehurst
Depicting Jesus ascending from earth to heaven after his
resurrection, to prepare a place for each of us in His heavenly
kingdom, bringing the hope of eternal life in bliss when each of
our work is done.
The First World War saw a catastrophic loss of lives, yet it was
this belief in Jesus death, resurrection and rising in Glory that
gave so many hope and peace in their grief and fear.
He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received
Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the
sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood
beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand
looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you
into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched
Him go into heaven.” Acts 1.9-11
MIRACLE OF THE FEEDING OF THE 5000.
Under the Holy Table. By Janet Williams
Depicting the loaves and fishes representing God’s compassion
and care for his people. During the great war there was
horrendous famine and hunger across the globe, nations were
taught to share resources amongst all people.
In the bible Jesus teaches us that “One does not live by bread
alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4.4
Jesus is the bread of life, giving mankind spiritual, emotional
and physical support in generosity
CREATION.
Windows. By Laura Owen and Carol Derry
God created everything in perfection and harmony. The world
was at peace.
After the horror of war, God created an image of peace with
poppy fields, and through the Armistice Agreement hearts were
stirred and nations united to recreate the peace and harmony
found in that first creation.
