Symbols and Values ​

Through our symbols we represent our values of inclusive, affirming,
​multi-voiced, gifts-based, advocating peace and justice for all.
For more information, see our FAQ page.

Circle. In the middle of a park-like setting, we have a circular building. It’s very different from sitting in pews all aligned in perfect rows. A diverse circle connotes our welcome for all colors, abilities, and all gender identities or sexual preferences. They join hands and appear to be dancing, a suggestion that we welcome the spirit of celebration along with an identity of inclusion.  

Chalice. The highlight, the climax, the center of our circle is not the sermon or the altar call but the communion, represented by the chalice. This is a symbol of our connection beyond the local church to our region and denomination. It’s the chosen symbol for the Christian Church – Disciples of Christ, a group of Christian churches in which ALL are welcome to Christ’s table, where you don’t have to be vetted and approved to receive Christ’s gifts. The sidewalk leading to our entrance is in the shape of a chalice as is our pulpit.  Read more about the meaning and history of the chalice here.

​Table. The center of our worship is the communion table. It incorporates the circle theme suggesting it’s a table for the whole world, a globe underneath.  The table reiterates the welcome to all; the gifts of God for all God’s people. 

​Second Table. A ceremonial duplicate of the central table is the fellowship table. It’s covered with a tapestry of our life together, a living history of those who’ve come and gone and put their signatures on the table cloth. Perhaps they’ve only come to our table once but they’ve become a dynamic part of us, of who we are and who we are becoming. It’s on this table that we’ve also chosen, since the invasion of Ukraine, to dramatize and give word to our prayer for the peace of the whole human family. So, we have candles for the people of both warring nations – Ukraine and Russia as well as Israel and Palestine. Here we speak words of prayer for global peace. Even as our circle of hands depicts our unity in the local body of Christ, we pray that the hands of all humanity may be united in peace.

​Cross. Outside a cross denotes this as a place of Christian worship. Front and center the illuminated cross symbolizes following Jesus’ values and ethics. The lobby  contains a wall of crosses. Ultimately, Jesus’ values commitments led him to lay down his own life. We, too, are willing to sacrifice our own privilege, influence, wealth, or even life itself to stand committed to the Jesus way. We are disciples of Christ willing to follow even into death. 
​         On the back wall we hang a straw cross. Organic crosses in the home serve as symbols of safety and protection, like the old movement of a decal with hugging arms indicating to young children a safe house on their walk home from school if they ever felt threatened or intimidated. This cross announces that you’ll find a healing embrace here. No matter how fragile you’re feeling, no matter what’s threatening to undo you, we will hold you in the light of God’s healing love and accompany you. 

​Stoles. “Behind” most of us when seated in our circle hangs this stole. It’s the favorite stole of Pastor Bruce Naylor who died while serving. Stoles are often a sign of rank like academic gowns or military bars. We insist, however, that the stoles worn by our leaders serve as another symbol of following Jesus’ example. In the Upper Room before the first communion, giving new meaning to the bread and wine, Jesus girded himself with a towel, took on the role of the servant, and washed the disciples feet. Like him, we serve by offering our best God-given gifts for the good of others. The pastor who preaches is not the superior telling their troops how to fall in line, but the servant sharing THEIR gifts and challenging others to do likewise.  

Windows. ​Also “behind us” are windows from First Christian Church of South Bend (members came to Southside when the church disbanded) and Indiana Avenue Christian (the name of our church before relocating here). They show history and acknowledge that generations of faithful people have gone before us. We’re all connected in our quest to be faithful disciples of our Christ. They have paved the way for us. Those who have gone before were willing to dream. They made mistakes. They experienced successes. We are surrounded by the realization that we are not alone. We are people on a journey. We have a history. 

​Wholeness Out of Brokenness. This powerful symbol in our lobby shows how, as God does with the brokenness of our lives, we can make beauty out of brokenness. We are part of a movement for wholeness in a broken world joining with God in the transformational work of changing lives and systems.

Shutters. The rainbow colors depict our acceptance. On the shutters the combination of words and images shows our core values. These values inform how we choose to speak, how we choose to act, and all other choices we make both individually and congregationally. Will it hold up to the test of these values of justice, equity, and inclusion? Is it consistent with our call to be reconcilers bringing people together with self, others, and God? Is it consistent with dismantling systemic racism? Is it consistent with undoing patriarchy? Is it consistent with inclusive language? Is it consistent with a commitment to welcome all without regard for their gender identity, sexual preference, or health. or ability status? We have purposely welcomed and supported refugees and immigrants. Instead of shutting out, our shutters speak of welcoming IN!