Art at work?
This morning we talked about "Doing my Part" for the kingdom of God. We are a church that is full of gifted people with diverse talents. One particular category of gift that seems pretty wide spread throughout our congregation is artistic abilities. This gift presents itself as abilities with: music, paint, drawing, writing, sculpting, craftsmanship, etc.
What are some ways that we can be using these gifts in service to God? Let's do a little brainstorming -there are no bad ideas.
What are some ways that we can be using these gifts in service to God? Let's do a little brainstorming -there are no bad ideas.
Well, where did all of the artwork in the church come from? Did some of the members or regular attenders paint or draw any of it? What is the story behind the art?
What are some needs that the church has? I can think of lots of skills that I have to contribute - and have been kind of chewing on that since Sunday, but I don't want to step on toes. Does the church need help with the website? Church bulletins? Artwork on the walls? Signage? Other promotional materials and promotional efforts? Being new it is hard to know where to step in without stepping on toes. Having a willing spirit is one thing, but knowing where to plug in is another. Being somewhat on the shy side doesn't really help either. It would be nice to see a list of things the church might need too. I can come up with a list of my skills where the church might be able to use me. I can do things in my off hours outside of work.
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The paintings upstairs were done by...Kevin? Last name has escaped me. He attended the Gathering a few years ago. The paintings downstairs mostly came from Michaels I think. I don't think anyone has a complete list of the needs of the church, but that's what I have been thinking about this week. I completely understand not wanting to step on people's toes and it's hard to break in when there are so many artists in a community. My best advice would be to put it out there in whatever group you find yourself in that you love ______ (graphic arts, photography, etc.). Then as things do come up someone will say "Oh yeah Michelle said she loves to do that." At the women's bible study a new girl mentioned that she was into culinary art and photography. She also brought in some delicious scones which sealed the deal in that area and had us wanting more. We also asked her to take pictures at upcoming women's events. Also, if you see a need...the website for instance (sorry Josh I know you formatted this black thing) maybe submit some ideas and see where it leads.
One more thing...if you have a website where art is displayed in some way, type it in the website box so that you're clickable.
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Well I like to do lots of things: paint, draw, do crafts, crochet, photography, sing, write and create edible art. The only problem is that I am also shy.
Here is a link to some of my stuff. Hopefully this works!
Oh, and I do like the scheme of the church website - it's kind of a Frank Peretti/Ted Dekker feel. I just thought that if there was a need for help I might be able to do some of the clerical stuff from home in the evenings.
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http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=20304&l=c0dcf&id=632988888
Okay, there is the link. I thought it might put it in the message if I added it to the website field, but alas I was mistaken!
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So I kind of took that brainstorming idea seriously and here are some ideas that I came up with.
For worship, maybe we could incorporate some spoken word poetry. I have seen this done and it is very powerful. Kind of like Christa's prayer for hope back in November which was posted on this website. Here is an example on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI7Cl42UDWQ
Also, I was looking for that one and I found this song/spoken word/dramatic presentation and thought it was cool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aokh6_6hBM8&feature=PlayList&p=BEFEBC33332FBE3E&playnext=1&index=19
Apart from worship I was thinking of places we display art and could use more of a selection. In the church building. On the monitor in worship. On the bulliton and flyers. On the website. I know a lot of the graphic art comes from clip art websites but if someone has art to use, I think it would be great to look within the church walls first.
For Women's Ministry it seems like a lot of scrapbooking needs come. We have many baby showers coming up and homemade invitations are great. Also, for our women's retreat we're talking about having prayer journals.
At one of our womens ministry meetings we were brainstorming fundraising ideas and we thought of doing an art sale and show. We didn't go much further than the initial idea but I think it would be a great way for artists to present their work. And it would benefit the church and community projects we're working on.
Also, there are a few different artists groups that meet. I know Christa is doing the book club for all artists. I have also heard her talk about a painting group. And can I plug my creative writer's group? We meet once a month and share and critique our writings.
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I have been going to the Gathering since the late 90's and have always cherished our diverse expression of worship. We were in desperate need of a Cross back in the early days and one of our early members took the bull by the horns and made the one that is currently hanging in the front of the Church...it has been on my heart to make something more intricate to replace it. This is something that would really test my knowledge of wood working and did not want to fail or make it a matter of pride...I would love to work with one or two other people on this project...thoughts?
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Tristan,
Let's get it started. Let me know what you are thinking.
Cecil
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Wow, this is incredible. I'm sorry I'm just chiming in on this but I've been out of town for a little bit. I have to tell you all, at the moment I'm overjoyed and ready to get this rubber on the road. You all have skills and you all have a desire to bring joy to God's heart, that's all I need to hear. I love art and I am capable of creating it to some degree, but my gifting is limited to music, writing and graphic design. I can’t paint, I can’t do any impressive pastries and I am very limited when it comes to photography. On top of that I have a limit to my time. The church should never be limited to the talent and time of a handful of people, unless the church is in fact comprised of only a handful of people.
So let’s start here. If you have an ability that is based in the arts email me ( me@micahkelley.com ). We are going to need to get the whole mechanism for getting people plugged in better worked out, but in the mean time let’s move with what we have. Understand that it is not a given that what you have will be used, and it’s possible that what you have will be needed, but maybe in a different way than you were thinking. We need to be flexible with our gifts, this doesn’t mean we are selling out; it just means that our true goal is God’s glory and the edification of the body, not our own satisfaction. Our gifts are God’s, and he must be free to use them as he sees fit.
Ok, so I’m waiting, where are your emails.
Micah (pastor of worship)
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Just back from Mexico I am catching up with the sermons and the community.
As a poet, and one who prays, I have learned that "a word aptly spoken is like apples of Gold" or so says proverbs, and it can also give comfort, and life(proverbs says that too)
My poems are so often written by the occasion of someone's need or situation, often my own. Poetry is a wonderful medium, like music that moves the soul as we identify with the emotions expressed. And when we hear our emotions expressed by another soul, we know that we are not alone.
my poetry website:
http://comfortinbeauty.blogspot.com/
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