Methodist Insignia

Think about the products that you use, see or hear about every day - food, clothes, home appliances, automobiles. Brand names, jingles and trademarks seem engraved on your memory. That's no coincidence. Industries are zealous in the protection of their brand names, jingles and trademarks. Each is valued highly.
The United Methodist church also has its mark. Each time you see the cross and flame emblem, you are looking at United Methodism's official symbol.
Known informally as the cross and flame logo but formally as the denomination's insignia, it has been in use nearly two decades. It is seen in cities, towns and rural areas at every point of the compass.
The insignia identifies church buildings. Road signs bearing its mark direct worshipers to local churches. It may grace a church altar as a free-standing symbol or may be seen behind the altar as a wall hanging. It is displayed on banners; imprinted on bulletins; and embossed on business cards, certificates and stationery.
United Methodism's cross and flame has been fashioned in wood and metals; preserved on film; and reproduced in stained glass, stone and Native American beadwork. Is has been cut from felt, embossed on parchment, silk-screened on Plexiglas, embroidered on linen, encased in Lucite and etched in silver and gold.
A local church may own a United Methodist flag on which the mark is imprinted. Cross and flame decals may be affixed to the church's glass doors. The church may give a formal note to its documents by using a corporate seal press, which reproduces the insignia.
United Methodists recognize the emblem on the cover of The Book of Discipline. In the pews, congregations use The Book of Hymns and The Book of Worship. The insignia is stamped on the cover and the spine of both volumes.
United Methodists frequently wear jewelry that displays the insignia. United Methodist Women have taken the mark and created their own stylized version to remind them of the opportunities and obligations of discipleship. The Women's Program Division's reproduction of the insignia always appears within a teardrop-shaped outline.
On an automobile, you might spot the familiar cross and flame on a license plate frame or a bumper sticker. And, perhaps, young people piling into that car may be wearing T-shirts and caps that display the insignia.
In short, the insignia has been used in as many ways as creative minds can imagine. It has traveled as far as United Methodists can carry it. Now, the cross and flame is seen on every continent except Antarctica.