A round table dramatizes the way in which Jesus calls us to a table of equality and participation. The roundtable symbolizes in our time the way in which people seek to reconcile their differences through mutual counsel. It also symbolizes a place of nurture where we can all share in the bounty of God's earth.

In making a double gateleg round table I wanted to provide for a flexible use for the table. On the front drop leaf is a mandorla made of walnut with an inlaid cross made from holly. The mandorla symbolizes the way we emerge into new life from our mother. The cross, a symbol of execution, also hints at the flower of new life it ultimately brings. The holly tree from which it is made has long symbolized everlasting life because of its red winter berries.

The mosaic inlay in the center panel, made by Sylvia Johnson Everett, contains a rainbow palette with the pentecostal dove and flames, symbolizing the new covenant and the gift of the Holy Spirit to inspire the assembly around the table. The inlaid fish represents the new life in Christ which this new covenantal gift makes possible. On the other drop leaf is the symbol of trinity and the shell of baptismal waters, through which we enter into this new life in God's new covenant. Thus the table encompasses the drama of new life through the cross, the waters, and the giving of the new covenantal spirit of creation.

The panels themselves are made of maple, the base of black cherry, both from the southern Applachians.

The table resides in the Chapel of the Andover Newton Theological School, Newton Centre, Massachusetts.

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