Meaning of the ANE District Logo

The logo is the recognizable Church of the Brethren Logo flanked by stalks of wheat. The wheat in this logo is almost embracing the COB logo.  In my mind that could be an embrace of the values that are characteristic among the Brethren.  The wheat seems to be growing from the COB logo and, in particular, from the foot of the cross.   This is appropriate imagery, for there will certainly be a harvest from the efforts of Brethren throughout ANE and the world.

Also the wheat in the logo seems to almost make a circle, a picture of the unity Christ desires for all of His followers.  The circle also reminds us of the world into which we are called to go as witnesses and servants of our Lord.

I realize that in ANE ministries, as in all ministries, there are the day-to-day tasks that are seemingly mundane; tasks that feel as though they carry no spiritual significance – and yet these tasks must be performed to keep the ministry functioning.  When involved in such necessary chores one may begin to forget the high purpose that these duties are facilitating.
~Shawn Smith, Designer