Symbols & Reflections

Some items to look for and points to ponder in SOMC.

The large, empty cross symbolising the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is the focal point of the church. The communion table, designed to resemble a workbench, is a reminder that Jesus grew up in the home of a carpenter; the pulpit represents a sheepfold and recalls the stories and images of shepherding in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. The ceiling lights have been likened to stars in the sky: we are at home in the universe.

Jesus the Guru

This batik by the Rev. Dr. Solomon Raj, shows Jesus in terms of Indian culture as a teacher of the ultimate things. The position of the right hand depicts the imparting of truth and the left hand the giving of comfort. Jesus is sitting in the lotus position, which Indians associate not only with teaching, but also with holiness. The lotus flower and the cross form the logo of the Church of North India.

The Kneelers at the Communion Rail

The kneelers, designed by Jean Wells and made by the women of Oadby Methodist Church, Leicester, depict a variety of elements from the Bible, the Christian tradition and Selly Oak Church's contemporary setting.

The three central kneelers are the interwoven triangles, the lamb and the dove. The celtic and latin crosses, the Methodist shell of discipleship and the logo of the World Council of Churches remind us of the diversity of the Christian family. The local area is represented with the oak leaves and Bournville Green Rest House, England is called to mind by the bow and arrows of Blake's 'Jerusalem', and the communication tower was included to signify the Selly Oak Colleges and their work in education and world mission. The lamp, fish, palm leaves, grapes, communion cup, crown of thorns, and hammer and nails will be readily identified. Two kneelers (not shown) name the writers of the Gospels in Greek.

The picture tells the story of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus escaping to Africa to save Jesus from being killed. We reflect on the plight of tens of thousands of refugees throughout the world today.

This tapestry was woven in the small, poor village of Harrania in Egypt (around 1965) by Maryam Hermina. Professor Wassef, a Christian Egyptian expert on art and architecture, gave the Muslim and Christian villagers an opportunity for community development by supplying looms and teaching spinning and dyeing. He then withdrew and the young people devised their own styles and patterns. The story of the making of the tapestry reminds us that individuals can make small but important contributions to God's kingdom of love, peace and justice in the world which He created, and to which people of all religions and nationalities belong.

Jesus carrying the cross and meeting the women of Jerusalem.

Whilst the large empty cross at the front of the church symbolises faith in the living presence of the risen Christ, the crucifix leads us to think of the suffering which preceded His death. Straw-work has a long history in Mexico, as amongst farming communities in other parts of the world. Creativity is a precious gift.

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