Purple Cross

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The design reflects the message of our calling found in the Gospel. Jesus instructs those who seek Him, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34 NRSV). The instruction is both individual and corporate. Each is called to bear their cross, but each cross is in turn connected to the one faith. Therefore the cross is drawn as a composite of many crosses, which when put together create a jagged image. The serrated image reminds us of the danger and sacrifice necessary to raise up our cross and follow. The off-center design is intended to create visual tension as a reminder of the anxiety associated with the period before Christ’s resurrection and includes the Roman Numerals “XL,” which denote the numeric value of “forty,” the number of days observed for the season of Lent.

Eric Palmquist is an ordained Covenant minister and the director of ministry operations for Newport Covenant Church in Bellevue, Washington. He also edits the Expressions column for the Covenant Companion.