We have a new Rector at our Church, Christ Episcopal, Delavan. In welcoming Fr. Pedro Lara as our 32nd Rector, and in celebrating his birthday on Sept. 9th, I made this shadow box assemblage for him.It has various items and symbols that are from Christ Church, as well as items personal to Father Pedro, and his name sake from the Bible, Peter/Pedro.
Some of the symbols/items in this assemblage:
The medallion on the outside is from Christ Church’s 150th sesquicentennial anniversary, circa 1994.
The green metal shingle is from the original Church roof, circa 1844.
Re-purposed pages from both an English and a Spanish Bible, from 1st & 2nd Peter (Pedro).
A prayer (collect) for Saint Peter the Apostle, and for you,Father Pedro, our priest, from a 1928 Prayer Book.
The rock and the keys from Christ’s declaration to Peter in Matthew 16:18-19; “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
The smaller precious gem stones represent all who you will reach with God’s message of Hope. 1st Peter 2:4-5; “Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
The incense burner: Psalm 141:2; “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you.”
The candle represents the Light of Christ, the brass plaque is from an old Christ Church pew, the #32 because you are our 32nd Rector.
The brass cross on the shingle depicts Jesus and the children, also the theme of our Rose Window at Christ Church. Matthew 19:14; “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
The carved wood figure, represents you, Father Pedro. Thankful that you intercede for us all in your prayers, as we do for you too.
