December 9th
It was good to return to Kingdom Arts today!
The aisle was decorated in gold and international Nativity artefacts as the theme was Christmas!
We sang “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “Silent Night” This was followed by a time of prayer.
The talk was given by Alex, who interpreted the painting The Adoration of the Kings by Jan Gossaert. B.1478 showing them visiting the infant Jesus. The original is in the National Gallery.
If you click the link below, you will leave the Kingdom Arts website and go to the painting in the National Gallery website.
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/jan-gossaert-jean-gossart-the-adoration-of-the-kings
There are so many details in this painting referencing other themes or events in the bible which made the talk interesting and engaging. Thank you, Alex!
Sue then explained all the crafts available, which were linked to the theme of Christmas.
There was a table with a still life set up featuring a Madonna statue, with pastels and paper. This inspired artistic interpretation and the results were varied and demonstrated great artistry.
A table with colouring was also a popular place to gather and have quiet conversations.
The next craft table was a sewing task, with red and green fabric to stitch flowers. Cherry was on hand to guide and encourage.
An unusual activity was provided by John who had designed a template to cut with craft knives and fold. It demanded patience, concentration and care. A very quiet table of intense work. Once the tea lights were inserted a delightful scene emerged.
Alison has designed a Christmas star decoration with the legend “Unto us a child is born” on the reverse. The interpretation by the many who tried it out, resulted in an amazing variety of stars to grace the Christmas tree.
David M encouraged those who enjoy singing to experiment with a Christmas Carol Karaoke! This provided background music and was greatly enjoyed, with lots of background singing as we joined in.
We were kept refreshed by Margaret, who kindly took over the coffee and tea and kept up the replenishment of the biscuits!
The meditative, prayerful knitting was able to continue, and “new balls” of wool means the start of a new piece.
The writing table had the theme of Shepherds and thoughtful, detailed accounts of the shepherds from the Nativity story resulted, which were shared at the end of the morning, when everyone gathered and we had the opportunity to share crafts, thoughts and feelings about the morning activities.
We ended the morning singing by candlelight “Like a candle Flame.”
The Christmas lunch was something different as we ate in the church, with a choice of sandwiches, wraps, nibbles, crisps, and a generous supply of cakes, brownies and fruit.
Please come and join us in 2026 Tuesday March 3rd after 10am for coffee; with the morning’s activities starting at 10.20. – Worship, introduction to the morning’s them, craft activities, and lunch.