Several other opportunities to build and grow spiritually and in friendships throughout the week "Why the rooster?"- Throughout history the church has included the rooster in its architecture and art as a symbol of proclaimed grace and hope. We have taken it up as a reminder of Peter’s denial of and subsequent gracious restoration by Jesus. We believe that all who follow Jesus, like Peter, are wit
nesses in spite of our own personal failings, because Jesus loves and is merciful to us. The rooster has also been used as a symbol of hope in the darkness--a herald of the dawn. We believe that the resurrection of Jesus secures hope that, though there is darkness all around and inside us, dawn is coming. We, like the rooster, but more importantly like failing-restored Peter, are hopeful heralds of the dawning healing of all our aches and sorrows in Jesus.
