Today has been a day for celebrating the diversity and variety of people’s creative talents. At the Furlong Road Methodist Church’s day of prayer, the focus was on Advent, looking at different Biblical passages and meditating on these at different ‘stations’ of prayer. Station 1 looked at Gabriel’s announcement to Mary and encouraged us to reflect on our hopes and dreams. Station 2 looked at Advent preparations and how we prepare for the coming of the King.
Station 3 looked at the fact that Jesus was born in a manger and how people can often be cruel and unkind and how we need to forgive and be forgiven. Station 4, in considering the shepherds on the hill, reminded us that God chose to share the news about Jesus with people who were not considered important and encouraged us to pray for those marginalised in our world. The wise men were guided by a star, and at Station 5, we were encouraged to think about the guidance we need, using star shapes to articulate our prayers. The last station looked at being thankful and encouraged us to use colouring, art and writing to express our thanks to God.
At the Hope House Arts Festival, there was opportunity to think about the many varied ways people use the arts to express their ideas, hopes and dreams. There were a number of craft items to look at, including how yarn is actually spun:
There were also a variety of paintings and artwork to enjoy, including some from GCSE art students at Hope House School and from pupils at a local primary school, as well as photographs.
One artist had a number of portraits, so amazing in their accuracy that they almost looked like photographs!
There were Christmas decorations that were exquisite in their intricacy:
… as well as embroidery, knitted items, clothes and patchwork quilts (a reminder that life is often apparently made up of random different facets which actually are woven together to form a unique identity by God):
Bark ornaments from walks in nature were also seen:
… as well as heart and light shapes recently used in a church wedding:
It’s heart-warming to see so many talented people from our local area, to see how art therapies can help the vulnerable and abused (BSARCS had a stall about this, as did a local group which offers a befriending service) and to realise the great creativity God has placed in each one of us.