Bethany Beach
Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
7 N. Pennsylvania Avenue
Bethany Beach, DE 19930
(302) 539-4118
Disciples of Christ chalice

Church Banners

The church has many special banners we hang during different times of the year, each featuring symbolic colors and imagery.

Open to the Holy Spirit

The dove is a symbol of hope, peace, and the Holy Spirit and appears above all. The swooping sections of color represent God's love and spirit flowing down and surrounding the people. The people represent all worshipers - many have arms raised in praise and showing an openness to the Holy Spirit. On the bottom corners of each banner are tassels that in the Hebrew custom remind us to pay attention to God's commandments to us.

Red is used in the church and then changes to green.

Peace

Created in celebration of the BBCC 10th anniversary and to highlight our Congregational theme, Peace, in 2008-09, the green background represents the earth. The word “peace” is represented in many languages and printed in silver and gold because peace is so precious to all. The doves carrying olive branches are used as the universal symbol of peace. The pale yellow sheer fabric represents the Holy Spirit and is designed to move at the spirit's will. The beads along the bottom edges are made of many sizes, materials, and colors to represent humanity.

Green is used in the church.

Easter Season

The banner that hangs to the left shows the hands of God sending his spirit down to earth. The cross on the rugged hill calls us to remember Christ’s great sacrifice for us. The Crown of Thorns reminds us that Jesus suffered for us. The palms, historically a symbol of victory, were used during Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem to honor him and are included as we continue to honor him. These palms then continue on the banner to the right, and the bare branches represent Christ’s death. His resurrection is represented by the butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, growing larger and more beautiful.

The color purple is used during Lent and changed to white at Easter until Pentecost.

Advent

In 2007, Bonnie Rae and Pat Drizd partnered to create the Advent banners. Our inspiration was the Advent journey and our location at the ocean, knowing that Bethlehem was also near the sea. We chose to represent the “waiting” or Advent:

We also included the many names we use for Jesus, as in 2007, Rev. Chris featured these in his Advent messages. As we view the banners each week of Advent and into Epiphany, remember that the rest of the story is in your hearts.

Purple is used for Advent, and white is used for Christmas.