DOCSLIB.ORG

EVOLVING SYMBOLS – EVOLVING MINISTRY: an Exploration of Diaconal Symbols in the United Church of Canada

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
EVOLVING SYMBOLS – EVOLVING MINISTRY: an Exploration of Diaconal Symbols in the United Church of Canada St. Stephen’s College EVOLVING SYMBOLS – EVOLVING MINISTRY: An Exploration of Diaconal Symbols in The United Church of Canada by Sharilynn Gail Upsdell A thesis submitted to the Faculty of St. Stephen’s College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES – DIACONAL © Sharilynn Gail Upsdell Fall 2015 Edmonton, Alberta Permission is hereby granted to St. Stephen’s College to reproduce single copies of this thesis and to lend or sell such copies for private, scholarly or scientific research purposes only. Where the thesis is converted to, or otherwise made available in digital form, St. Stephen’s College will advise potential users of the thesis of these terms. The author reserves all other publication and other rights in association with the copyright in the thesis and, except as herein before provided, neither the thesis nor any substantial portion thereof may be printed or otherwise reproduced in any material form whatsoever without the author’s prior written permission. ii Abstract This thesis is an exploration of how uniforms, pins and other symbols of diaconal ministry evolved, and how their evolution continues to impact the understanding of diaconal ministry in The United Church of Canada. Theological lenses of incarnational creativity, identity, and faithful response, shape reflection in a two-part process using a mixed methodology of historic and narrative research and writing. First, a narrative history of Deaconess uniforms and the introduction of badges and pins, from early times, through remission, resurgence in Europe, into Great Britain, the United States, and Canada, reveals the connective heritage for uniforms and pins of the Methodist, Presbyterian, and after 1925, United Church Deaconesses. The evolution of United Church uniforms, pins, and other symbols sets the historic context for the second section, the narration of the development of a new pin and coloured logo for Diakonia of the United Church of Canada in 2011. The new pin process and design reveal vital themes of diaconal identity: connection to the United Church, dynamic life-giving theology, action/reflection analysis, creative ministry on the margins, and, accountability to the diaconal community which embodies justice. iii Acknowledgements This community story has only become possible through the many layers of diakonia in both historic and present contexts. This metaphorical archeological dig had many team- mates: I am grateful for: the deep interest and dedication of my thesis supervisor Caryn Douglas. Her passion and fascination for diaconal research was a constant source of encouragement and support. Her vital companionship sustained my energy on this journey through multiple threads of research; her experience and wisdom offered guidance in analysis and editing of details to create a comprehensive story. Members of Diakonia of the United Church of Canada for their enthusiastic encouragement and their participation in a process of shared wisdom, creativity, and analysis on the meanings of our ministries and symbols that led to a new shared design. Diakonia of the Americas and Caribbean - Central Committee members were steadfast cheerleaders, compelling me to explore meaning and symbols of diakonia from this wider region, inspiring the creation of a process to design the new pin for Diakonia of the United Church of Canada. Artists who transformed the abstract reflections of the DUCC community into tangible symbols - Joyce Cosby (Graphic Designer) for her ability to listen and offer and refine designs to create a singular meaningful symbol and Robert Hall (Pewter Artist) who produced the new pewter DUCC pin from this symbol. Members and communities of World Diakonia Federation who provided encouragement, along with samples, photographs, and details about their symbols and history. Friends, colleagues, and mentors who maintained their interest and read through pieces of this work, providing helpful proof-reading, critique, and encouragement through long periods of research and re-writing. Family members who endured and supported my many solitary hours of research and writing to achieve this goal. Table of Contents A Story to Begin: ............................................................................................................ 1 Chapter One: Introduction: ................................................................................................. 2 Chapter Two: Methodology ................................................................................................ 8 Historical Methodology .................................................................................................. 8 Narrative Methodology ................................................................................................... 9 Mixed Methods ............................................................................................................. 12 Validations .................................................................................................................... 13 Chapter Three: Literature Review .................................................................................... 15 Theory and Theology of Signs and Symbols ................................................................ 15 A Theologian's Theory of "Signs" versus "Symbols"................................................... 16 Scriptural use of Signs and Symbols ............................................................................ 18 Symbols in Organizational Culture ............................................................................... 19 Theological themes ....................................................................................................... 20 Creativity of God Incarnate .......................................................................................... 21 Theology of Identity: .................................................................................................... 22 Theology of Faithful Response ..................................................................................... 24 Chapter Four: Research..................................................................................................... 28 Historic Garb, Uniforms, & Pins .................................................................................. 28 Early Deaconesses in Ordinary Dress ....................................................................... 29 Evolving Theology 'Habits' ....................................................................................... 29 Catholic Habits .......................................................................................................... 29 Protestant Sisterhoods ............................................................................................... 31 The Kaiserswerth 'Dress of a Matron' ....................................................................... 31 1857 Kaiserswerth Blue Spotted Garb ...................................................................... 34 Great Britain .............................................................................................................. 37 UK Military Colours Influence Deaconess Garb ...................................................... 38 "Brown Ladies" - Deaconesses of Presbyterian Church of Scotland ........................ 38 American Methodist Deaconess Uniforms ............................................................... 40 Canadian Methodists ................................................................................................. 45 Canadian Presbyterian Deaconesses: ........................................................................ 48 v Influences of Change ................................................................................................ 50 Military Politics Influence Uniform Styles: .............................................................. 51 United Church of Canada Deaconess Uniforms ........................................................... 53 Approved Uniform Designs for UCC Deaconess Order. .......................................... 54 Winter Uniform ......................................................................................................... 54 Summer Uniform ...................................................................................................... 55 Uniforms on the Decline: .......................................................................................... 57 Rejection of Uniforms ............................................................................................... 59 The Blue Deaconess Ribbon: .................................................................................... 62 Deaconess Pins ............................................................................................................. 64 Introduction to Pins History ...................................................................................... 64 Ancient History of Pins and Badges ......................................................................... 64 Ecclesiastical Seals ................................................................................................... 65 Faith Symbols in Educational Centres ...................................................................... 66 Kaiserswerth Dove .................................................................................................... 66 Presbyterian Burning Bush ......................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Th E Bells of St. M Ar
    GOD IS GOD IS FEBRUARY 2017 Dear Saint Mary's family, We are off to a good start for 2017. As I write this letter we are just three full weeks in to the new year and already so much is happening. We have held our first Annual Meeting together, and the response has been very posi- tive. At that meeting we were able to make amendments to the church’s By-Laws that will allow us to go forward with a smaller eight person Vestry, all of whom were elected unanimously by the members present at the meeting. At our February Vestry meeting we will vote for a Junior Warden, Treasurer, and Secretary. With that accomplished we will begin the process of looking at all of the different aspects of the way we at Saint Mary’s currently do things. The end goal of that process is to identify and eliminate any barriers to growth that might not have been considered, and to find ways to improve upon many of the things we are already doing well. To that end, please begin to pray to see if God may be calling you to participate in any of the ministries that currently exist at Saint Mary’s. This is going to be a fun and exciting time for us to bond and grow together as we seek to strengthen the teams and look at the ways they function. Ushers and Greeters, the Flower and Altar Guilds, Eucharistic Ministers and Visi- tors… Perhaps you have a special talent or hobby that could be used to the Glory of God and you have never considered how.
    [Show full text]
  • Chrismon Tree Ornaments
    Chrismon Tree Ornaments 1106 North Main Street Garden City, KS 67846 Chrismon Ornaments were originated and first made for use on the Christmas tree of Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia, in 1957 by Mrs. Frances Kipps Spencer, a church member. The designs were monograms of and symbols for our Lord Jesus Christ. Because these designs have been used by his followers since biblical times, they are the heritage of all Christians and serve to remind each of us regardless of denomination of the One we follow. All Chrismon Ornaments are made in a combination of white and gold to symbolize the purity and majesty of the Son of God and the Son of Man. Please use this Chrismon booklet to teach others about our Lord Jesus Christ. Return the booklet to its original place so others can use as a form of discipleship as well. Thanks and enjoy! Alpha & Omega Bell Alpha and Omega are the first and last Bells have been used for centuries to call letters in the Greek alphabet. Used people to worship. They were mentioned together, they symbolize that Christians as early as in the 6th century. Before clocks believe Jesus is the beginning and the end a church bell was rung to tell people it was of all things. time to attend a wedding, funeral or other services. High church towers were built just so that the bells could be heard as far as possible. May the bells we hear remind us of God’s gift to us, the birth of Jesus. Anchor Cross Bottony Cross The Anchor Cross was used by early The cross always reminds us of Jesus’ Christians as a symbol of their faith when great gift to us through his death and they had to avoid recognition as Christians resurrection.
    [Show full text]
  • Some of the Most Important Symbols for Orthodox
    Walking in Light with Christ - Faith, Computing, Diary Articles & tips and tricks on GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Windows, mobile phone articles, religious related texts http://www.pc-freak.net/blog Some of the most important Symbols for Orthodox Christians in The Eastern Orthodox Church - Symbols in the Eastern Orthodox Christian Faith (Eastern Orthodox Symbolism) and Christian Symbolism in the Roman Catholic Church (Symbolism in Western Catholicism) Author : admin Yesterday, while browsing randomly I came across an interesting Roman Catholic webpage. The website is created by Catholics with the idea to better explain the Catholic religion and Symbolism. Though as an Orthodox Christian, my interest towards Roman Catholicism is only scientific, it's really interesting to see the common symbolism surrounding Roman Catholicism and compare with the Orthodox Christian symbolism. Many of the Roman Catholic Symbols are equal symbol with the one we nowadays used in the orthodox church. I presume this common symbolism between Orthodox and Roman Catholic church,has stayed the same from the time before Roman Catholics split from the Only Holy Apostolic Church to become the Church of the West Roman Empire, that's how the naming Roman Catholic came forward. To find out more about Roman Catholic symbolism please see the following links I've mirrored the information from Fisheater's website which is btw is a great website targeting Roman Catholic layman. Everything on the website is explained in a simple everyday language without too much terminology which makes it a great resource for Roman Catholic Christians and people like me who who like to take a look in Roman Catholicism.
    [Show full text]
  • The Growth of the Christian Church (Chapter 2 of "Expressions of Faith") Ken Badley George Fox University, [email protected]
    Digital Commons @ George Fox University Faculty Publications - School of Education School of Education 2004 The Growth of the Christian Church (Chapter 2 of "Expressions of Faith") Ken Badley George Fox University, [email protected] Dana Antayá-Moore Amy Kostelyk Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/soe_faculty Part of the Christianity Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons, and the History of Christianity Commons Recommended Citation Badley, Ken; Antayá-Moore, Dana; and Kostelyk, Amy, "The Growth of the Christian Church (Chapter 2 of "Expressions of Faith")" (2004). Faculty Publications - School of Education. 167. http://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/soe_faculty/167 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the School of Education at Digital Commons @ George Fox University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Publications - School of Education by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ George Fox University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. CHAPTER 2 The Growth of the Christian Church No time machine will transport you to faraway places and times, Introduction but through this chapter, you can come to understand something of the history of the Christian Church. In doing so, you will gain a better sense of how there came to be a variety of ways of inter­ preting this faith, which has had a major impact on Canadian society and on the character of Newfoundland and Labrador. As you explore the five scenarios presented here, you will learn how various Christians struggled to live as persons of faith. This chapter begins about 300 years after Paul wrote his letter to the Galatians, telling them to focus on faith, not rules.
    [Show full text]
  • All Saints Parish Paper 7, MARGARET STREET, LONDON W1W 8JG JULY 2016 £1.00
    All Saints Parish Paper 7, MARGARET STREET, LONDON W1W 8JG www.allsaintsmargaretstreet.co.uk JULY 2016 £1.00 ASSISTANT PRIEST’S LETTER Seven years ago — a good biblical opening — Fr Alan was on the Road to Santiago. This was one ‘Road to’ movie Bing Crosby and Bob Hope didn’t make (a pity: Bing Crosby in a soutane singing plainchant Vespers while Bob Hope wrestled with the Botafumeiro would have ticked a few boxes for me). Now, after this properly sabbatical interval, he’s at it again from the opposite direction. We all applaud his dedication as we pity his feet. As one who enjoys walking in a non- masochistic sort of way I am in awe of the whole enterprise. Many thanks to those who have sponsored him to raise funds for the Bishop of London’s Appeal in aid of persecuted Christians and refugees from the conflicts in Iraq and Syria; keep those sponsorships coming (see note on page 5 Blessed with a rare fine evening, for how to do it). There is an update from All Saints processed around the Parish him below. for Corpus Christi 2016 (Photo: Andrew Prior) Looking at Fr Gerald’s letter to you in the October 2009 Parish Paper during the gets colder and wetter more people take Vicar’s last pilgrimage, I notice that Fr refuge in church. It is also natural for us Alan records encountering ‘Olympic level to be uncertain how to engage with this snoring’: I am tempted to remark that he challenge, but it seemed to me time to needn’t have gone so far to experience that.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cross, Fish, Menorah, and Star of David As Divine Symbols by Helena Lehman
    The Cross, Fish, Menorah, and Star of David as Divine Symbols By Helena Lehman May 07, 2008 NOTE: A seven-page illustration supplement to this article is available for download at the following LINK: Illustrations_Four-Symbols_Essay.pdf It grieves my heart when well-meaning people of faith condemn various Judeo-Christian symbols like the Cross, the Fish, the Menorah, and the Star of David as Pagan or occultic symbols. I say well-meaning because they have all been swayed by the misinformation on web sites and in books that claim that most of the symbols used by Jews and Christians today have a Pagan or occultic origin. Therefore, it´s no wonder that these people often see an imaginary demon lurking behind any and every symbol. However, as proven in my Language of God Book Series, all things were created as good by YHWH in the first place, and all the symbolic associations within the material Universe were likely originally associated with the goodness of their Creator as well. It shouldn´t come as a surprise to us that YHWH wants to engage our hearts, minds and spirits with the righteous messages that are allegorically evident everywhere in His Creation. After all, YHWH specifically created mankind in His image so that we can have a deeper and more rewarding relationship with God than any other creature within the Universe, including the angels. For this reason, we were given intellectual, emotional, and spiritual capacities that far exceed those of any other living thing. When the preincarnate Yeshua (i.e. Jesus) walked in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, it would seem logical that He did so not only to enjoy their company, but to instruct them in the ways of righteousness, and to check on their intellectual and spiritual progress (Genesis 3:8).
    [Show full text]
  • The Religious Life for Women in Australian Anglicanism, 1892-1995
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Sydney eScholarship THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN THE CHURCH : THE RELIGIOUS LIFE FOR WOMEN IN AUSTRALIAN ANGLICANISM, 1892-1995 BY GAIL ANNE BALL A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Studies in Religion University of Sydney (c) Gail Ball June 2000 CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 9 CHAPTER ONE 10 The Introduction of the Religious Life into the Church of England in the Nineteenth Century CHAPTER TWO 34 The Introduction of Dedicated Work for Women in the Anglican Church in the Australian Colonies CHAPTER THREE 67 The Establishment and Diversification of the Outreach of Religious Communities in Australia: 1892-1914 CHAPTER FOUR 104 From Federation to the Second World War: A Time of Expansion and Consolidation for the Religious Life CHAPTER FIVE 135 The Established Communities from the Second World War PAGE CHAPTER SIX The Formation of New Communities 164 between 1960 and 1995 CHAPTER SEVEN 187 An Appraisal of Spirituality particularly as it relates to the Religious Community CHAPTER EIGHT 203 Vocation CHAPTER NINE 231 Rules, Government and Customs CHAPTER TEN 268 The Communities Compared CHAPTER ELEVEN 287 Outreach - An Overview CHAPTER TWELVE 306 The Future CONCLUSION 325 BIBLIOGRAPHY 334 General Section 336 Archival Section 361 APPENDIX ONE 370 Professed Sisters of the Communities in Australia, 1995 Professed Sisters of Former Communities 386 Bush Church Aid Deaconesses
    [Show full text]
  • Peter's Epistles # 27 Threats to Salvation
    Peter’s Epistles # 27 Threats to Salvation (also available on-line at Ichthys.com) by Dr. Robert D. Luginbill “Faith is the heartbeat of our eternal life.” Introduction: Before completing our treatment of 1st Peter 1:6-9, we need to examine three false doctrines related to salvation. All three can have a devastating effect upon the believer’s faith. They are the false teachings of ... 1) Institutional Security 2) Positional Security 3) Tribulational Security These three false teachings have proved harmful throughout the history of the Church, and they continue to damage faith today. Even more alarming is the potential threat they pose to believers of the future who will face the Great Tribulation. 1 The Insidious Nature of False Teaching: False teaching has been around from the beginning of the human experience, ever since the Garden of Eden, when the devil perverted our Lord’s injunction against eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: “You will surely not die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that on the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5 This was a lie. Our first parents did die an immediate spiritual death (alienation from God), followed by an eventual physical death (one of the consequences of their disobedience). Satan’s words uttered through the serpent in Genesis 3:4-5 provide a chilling example that all believers should take to heart, for the temptation in the garden is a paradigm for all subsequent satanic deception.
    [Show full text]
  • A Primer to Catholic Symbolism
    Nihil nisi Jesum Dedicated to Mary Mother of God _______________________________________________________________ www.boston-catholic-journal.com [email protected] A Primer to Catholic Symbolism Contributed to the Boston Catholic Journal by a Cloistered Poor Clare Colettine Nun (Click any link below to jump to it) • The Alpha and the • Lamp Omega • Crown of Laurels • Anchor and the Cross • Lion • Ship • Stag (Deer) • Fish • Keys of the Kingdom • Pelican • Peacock • Chi Ro • Eagle • IC XC NIKA • Lily • IHS • The Sacrificial Lamb of • Cross God • Jesus and Mary • The Sacred Host 1 Christian Symbolism is an artistic representation, an outward expression, or object, that has shades of various, often hidden meanings. The most commonly used symbol is probably that of the Cross. For each of us, the Cross will have various levels of meaning according to our life's experience .. .this symbol can convey a wealth of ideas, concepts, scriptural quotes, experiences of suffering etc. We need symbols in our spiritual journey, they can be points of focus that lead us into deeper prayer. They all have an ecclesial dimension. They are part of our patrimony in the Church and perhaps it would be a good idea to explore again — or possibly for the first time — their inner meaning and message. In the early era of the Church during the times of Christian persecution, the use of symbols was very prevalent, and a means of being identified as to belonging to Christ, thus witnessing to other Christians. They were if you like, the password in times of persecution. Christian symbols can be seen carved upon the graves and walls of the early Christian catacombs in Rome, especially St Priscilla, Domitilla, and Calixtus.
    [Show full text]
  • Bible Basics: Essential Doctrines of the Bible Part 5 Pneumatology (Also
    Bible Basics: Essential Doctrines of the Bible Part 5 Pneumatology (also available on-line at ichthys.com) by Dr. Robert D. Luginbill The Spirit – the One who empowers all things in our lives for Christ. Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 KJV When He [the Holy Spirit] comes, He will call the world to account regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment: - regarding sin, because they do not believe in Me. - regarding righteousness, because I am going to my Father and you are not going to be seeing Me any longer. - regarding judgment, because the ruler of this world has now been judged. John 16:8-10 Contents of the Series: Bible Basics: Essential Doctrines of the Bible Part 1: Theology Part 2: Angelology (A); Eschatology (B) Part 3: Anthropology (A); Hamartiology (B) Part 4: Christology (A); Soteriology (B) Part 5: Pneumatology Part 6: Peripateology (A); Ecclesiology (B) Part 7: Bibliology Contents of Part 5: Introduction I. The Person of the Holy Spirit A. The Holy Spirit is a Person B. The Holy Spirit is God C. The Holy Spirit's Chosen Role in the Plan of God 1. As described in scripture 2. As illustrated by symbols a. Oil b. Fire c. Seven Spirits d. Seven Lamps 1 e. Seven Eyes f. Seven Seals g. Dove h. Sword of the Spirit i. Pledge 3. As Illustrated by His names a. The Holy Spirit b. The Spirit of Truth c. The Spirit of Wisdom d. The Spirit of Christ e.
    [Show full text]
  • Saints on Earth Final Text 21/9/04 3:39 Pm Page I
    Saints on Earth final text 21/9/04 3:39 pm Page i Saints on Earth Let saints on earth in concert sing With those whose work is done For all the servants of our king In heaven and earth are one. Charles Wesley Saints on Earth final text 21/9/04 3:39 pm Page ii Saints on Earth final text 21/9/04 3:39 pm Page iii Saints on Earth A biographical companion to Common Worship John H Darch Stuart K Burns Saints on Earth final text 21/9/04 3:39 pm Page iv Church House Publishing Church House Great Smith Street London SW1P 3NZ Tel:020 7898 1451 Fax: 020 7898 1449 ISBN 0 7151 4036 1 Published 2004 by Church House Publishing Copyright © John H. Darch and Stuart K. Burns 2004 The Common Worship Calendar is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council, 2000 – 2004 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored or transmitted by any means or in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system without written permission which should be sought from the Copyright Administrator, Church House Publishing, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3NZ email: [email protected]. Printed in England by iv Saints on Earth final text 21/9/04 3:39 pm Page v Contents Introduction vii Calendar of Saints 1 The Common Worship Calendar – Holy Days 214 Index of Names 226 v Saints on Earth final text 21/9/04 3:39 pm Page vi To the staff and students of St John’s College, Nottingham – past, present and future Saints on Earth final text 21/9/04 3:39 pm Page vii Introduction In using the word ‘saint’ to described those commemorated in the Holy Days of the Common Worship calendar we are, of course, using it as a shorthand term.
    [Show full text]
  • History of the Christian Church, Volume I: Apostolic Christianity
    History of the Christian Church, Volume I: Apostolic Christianity. A.D. 1-100. by Philip Schaff About History of the Christian Church, Volume I: Apostolic Christianity. A.D. 1-100. by Philip Schaff Title: History of the Christian Church, Volume I: Apostolic Christianity. A.D. 1-100. URL: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/hcc1.html Author(s): Schaff, Philip (1819-1893) Publisher: CCEL First Published: 1882 Print Basis: Revised edition Rights: Public Domain Date Created: 2002-11-26 Contributor(s): Wendy Huang (Markup) CCEL Subjects: All; History; LC Call no: BR145.S3 1882-1910 LC Subjects: Christianity History History of the Christian Church, Volume I: Apostolic Christianity. Philip Schaff A.D. 1-100. Table of Contents About This Book. p. ii History of the Christian Church. p. 1 Preface to the Revised Edition. p. 1 From the Preface to the First Edition. p. 2 Preface to the Third Revision. p. 3 Contents. p. 4 Addenda. p. 4 Literature. p. 6 Nature of Church History. p. 7 Branches of Church History. p. 10 Sources of Church History. p. 12 Periods of Church History. p. 13 Uses of Church History. p. 17 Duty of the Historian. p. 18 Literature of Church History. p. 21 Preparation for Christianity in the History of the Jewish. p. 36 Central Position of Christ in the History of the World. p. 37 Judaism. p. 38 The Law, and the Prophecy. p. 43 Heathenism. p. 46 Grecian Literature, and the Roman Empire. p. 49 Judaism and Heathenism in Contact. p. 54 Jesus Christ. p. 57 Sources and Literature.
    [Show full text]