Worship and the Arts - Inspiring the Liturgical Imagination
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Get ideas and guidelines for liturgical art

How does one incorporate art in worship in a way that is faithful to the Word and the Reformed tradition and responsive to the movement of the Spirit and the pastoral needs of the community? Here are some guidelines and ideas.

Responding to the Word: Finding Inspiration in the Lectionary

By David Gambrell

Since I graduated from seminary in 1998, one of my regular spiritual disciplines has been to engage in some kind of creative response to the Revised Common Lectionary. Through the years, this practice has taken a number of different forms: composing hymns and songs, designing liturgical resources, leading a lectionary-based arts seminar, making linoleum block carvings, taking photographs, and writing collects based on the gospel lessons. Regular opportunities to preach have provided another avenue for the creative interpretation of the lectionary scriptures.

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Photograph of a Peacemaking Offering for World Communion Sunday artwork.
"Peacemaking Offering for World Communion Sunday" by Dorothea B. Kennedy.
This six-foot banner at the denominational offices in Louisville was created to illustrate the Peacemaking Offering for World Communion Sunday on October 5, 1997. This design was originally drawn in oil pastels by Dorothea B. Kennedy and was translated into fabric by Gloiela Yau Dolak. As the mountains and hills rejoice, the thirsty of all nations are invited to come to the water; the hungry are invited to come to the table. Everyone is welcome.

 
     
   
  Weekly creative “assignments” based on the lectionary passages.

Here are some concrete ideas to spark your creative reflection on the scripture readings for upcoming Sundays in the Revised Common Lectionary. These are just offered as examples; you should feel free to adapt to suit your own gifts and interests.

Facebook iconShare your creative work inspired by the scripture readings. Join our Facebook group and post photos, videos or links to your projects, and tell us about your work.

Subscribe to or publish an RSS feed of these assignments.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 26, 2008)
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8. Nursery Rhymes.

Paul writes to the Thessalonians that, in seeking to share the gospel, his care for them is like that of a nurse for her children. (1) Write a simple children’s story, in which you share an account of the good news of Jesus Christ. (2) Build a cradle or infant’s mobile decorated with verses or images from scripture.

All Saints Day (November 1, 2008)
Matthew 5:1-12. Blessed ones.

Jesus’ list of beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount offers “snapshots” of those unlikely souls whose faithfulness will be rewarded in the kingdom of heaven. (1) Take a series of photographs representing each of the beatitudes in this passage. (2) You might also paint or draw icon-style “portraits” of each beatitude.

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (November 2, 2008)
Psalm 107: 1-7, 33-37. Homecoming.

This is a thanksgiving hymn for exiles returning home. (1) Draw a map of those “distant lands” (isolation, captivity, hunger, thirst, etc.) from which God has redeemed you, with a symbol of God’s steadfast love at the center. (2) Compose your own song of thanksgiving for a time of homecoming from exile.

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (November 9, 2008)
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25. A house united.

Having been delivered from the “house of slavery” in Egypt, Joshua challenges all the households of Israel to be faithful to God. (1) Draw up a blueprint or floor plan of faithfulness in service to God. (2) Sketch or take photographs of architectural elements that suggest unity and strength.

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (November 16, 2008)
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. Children of light.

Paul describes the followers of Jesus as “children of light” and encourages them to put on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet of hope. (1) Work with children to design garments that represent faith, hope and love. (2) Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves as “children of light.”

Reign of Christ (November 23, 2008)
Matthew 25:21-36. When did we see you?

The faithful discover that when they fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, cared for the sick or visited the prisoner that they served Christ himself. (1) Make stoles with symbols of these ministries. (2) Make a collage with these images and images of Christ.

 
             
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  For more information: David Gambrell - (888) 728-7228, x5311 - send email - or write to 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202  
     
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