We can thank Robert Langdon, Dan Brown’s
fictitious Harvard professor, for popularizing the word "symbology" that is,
the study or interpretation of symbols. Take for example the official PC(USA)
seal: of the eight symbols hidden within it (can you find them?), my
favorite is the fish. During persecution the earliest Christians used the
fish as a secret sign that both disguised and revealed their identities as
followers of Christ. As John Mulder writes, "The carved symbol of a fish
might be worn around the neck. A believer might draw the outline of a fish
in the dust, or during conversation a person might draw only half a fish,
leaving it to the other person to complete. As early as the late second
century, Clement of Alexandria recommended using the fish on seals and rings
with no explanation of its meaning... the fish is also found frequently on
the walls and tombs of the early catacombs."
Of course multiple references to fish also appear throughout the Hebrew and
Greek scriptures. My favorite account appears in all four Gospels ~ Jesus’
feeding of the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. Jesus has
compassion on the crowds and chooses to feed them; yet as Jesus sends his
disciples out to feed the hungry crowd, they raise their hands in
frustration knowing that they have nowhere near the money. Even so, Mark
tells us that Jesus blessed the fish and broke the bread, and when the food
was distributed to the crowd, "all ate and were filled (6:42)." More than
that, there were leftovers! In an age of tightened budgets, this account
beautifully illustrates the power of compassion. It shows us what
discipleship looks like.
October is Mission Month at Westminster. Mission comes from the Latin
word missio which means "to send out." During this harvest month of
our centennial year, we present multiple opportunities for you to send out
your compassion for a physically and spiritually-hungry world:
October 2: World Communion Sunday: Welcome members of our German sister
church who have flown across the pond to worship with us. If you can, give a
little extra to our Peacemaking Offering.
October 9: Lincoln CROP Walk Sunday. Don’t talk the talk if you can’t
walk the walk. Get some great exercise and do something to end hunger. Put
on your walking shoes or sponsor a walker. CROP Walkers will be recognized
at the 10:30 worship service (if you can, purchase and wear a $10
Westminster centennial shirt, available on Sundays in the Garden Room).
October 16: FISH TALES Sunday: This is the day we unhook all 103 (!)
fish, and it’s all to raise money for our Habitat for Humanity house. The
silent auction begins at 9:00 a.m. Artists and their fish will be recognized
at a special 10:30 worship service. That night come back to church at 6:15
for desserts, coffee from The Mill and auction previews; the bidding begins
at 7:00 p.m. This will be an incredible night for Westminster ~ bring a
neighbor or friend!
October 23: Stewardship Training Sunday: During the 9:00 a.m. hour learn
what Westminster has in store for 2006 and how our pledges will enable
Westminster to do ministry in the local community and world. Mission and
stewardship go to together like... fish and loaves.
See you in church,
the Rev. Sara Dingman
