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Incorporating the
Mennonite Church Canada Dove Symbol
Our Symbol:
The simple dove and olive branch reflect Jesus's life, baptism
and ministry; the Holy Spirit; the biblical themes of creation, peace
and hope; and the mission and values of Mennonite Church Canada.
We are encouraging our congregations to incorporate the
dove symbol into their communications, signage, letterhead etc. We believe
it is an effective way to symbolize our unity in these changing and challenging
times.
Below you will find some examples of how to use the logo
in conjunction with your church name or existing church logo.
While we encourage congregations to use and incorporate
the symbol into their own stationery, we also ask that you carefully consider
how you will use it, and respect its use in the context of the visual
identity guidelines (developed by logo designer Glenn Fretz). These instructions
guide the user in mating the symbol to your church's name and address
in a way that is consistent with its implementation by MC Canada.
Guidelines
You may also choose to have your printer/graphic designer
work on this with you. If so, simply refer them to this website for the
information they need. Printers and graphic designers are knowledgable
in this field, and generally are trained to understand the language of
logo incorporation and symbol reproduction.
You can also enlist the services of logo designer Glenn
Fretz for assistance in designing your stationery and signage with
the dove logo. His services are available to you free of charge until
at least September 2002. Glenn can also assist you in using the appropriate
font with the symbol in a way that does not require you to purchase the
font. We encourage congregations to use his services.
We wish you success as you begin the work of incorporating the dove into
your congregational communications!
A Reflection on the Mennonite Church
Canada Symbol
Helmut Harder, November 1998
A strength of the image for the new Mennonite Church is that it "touches
down" at a number of places in our salvation history.
- It brings to mind Genesis 1 and the creation—the flood, and the
dove returning with the olive branch—in other words, the biblical
themes of hope and creation.
- It brings to mind the prophet's aspiration for a kingdom of peace.
I think of Isaiah and Micah's visions.
- It brings to mind Jesus' baptism, where the dove appears with a voice
from God affirming "this is my beloved Son."
- It brings to mind the expereince of Pentecost, with the descent of
the Holy Spirit, bringing the message of new life.
- It brings to mind the Anabaptist vision, with its theme of peace and
renewal in the 16th century.
And, it points us to God and the Holy Spirit, extending to us an invitation
to move forward with Christ and seek the kingdom, encouraging us to aspire
to a new heaven and new earth. The image suggests to me the biblical pilgrimage,
enveloping us with a reference to the past, present and future.
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