Author: Editor

12th March 2019

The Pool at Bethesda
John 5:2-9

Alex welcomed new people and after an introduction to the theme, the morning began with the reading from St John’s gospel recounting the healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda, following the theme of living water. A reflection on the reading was followed by a time of joyful worship with songs and prayers.

Continuing from the previous month, there was a table set up with fabric and stitching to depict ribbons of water for a waterfall in tones of blue, with beading, stiches and plenty of sparkle.

The “quilt of nations” is a work in progress which will continue to completion and has taken shape with squares of material very thoughtfully collected together to represent countries of the world and machine stitched.

The free art table allowed expression through printing with a roller, described aptly as ‘The Messy Table’ as ink flowed and words and hands were included in the designs. Many colourful pieces were printed.

David’s challenge to construct a portico and hands hovering over the pool was most successful and much enjoyed.

At the writing table the group thoughtfully imagined the feelings of the man in the bible reading and his plight over thirty eight years. The results are on the website and well worth a read.

The morning ended with a sharing session when individuals described their work. We then joined together for a lunch of bread and cheese with soup prepared by Jan followed by grapes and a delicious selection of cake. Thank you all once more for a wonderful session!

Our next meeting is on Tuesday April 9th
when the theme of water continues, we hope to see you then.

For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

For this month’s words, see Creative Writing

12th February 2019

“The Samaritan woman at the well”
John 4:3-42

Following an introduction and welcome from Alex, the morning began with the reading from St John’s gospel recounting the conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well and introduced the theme of living water. Vibrant and joyful singing followed then prayers led us to consider the activities linked to living water.

There was a table set up with fabric and stitching to depict ribbons of water for a waterfall in tones of blue, with beading, stiches and plenty of artistic interpretation.

A new activity a “quilt of nations” is beginning to take shape with squares of material very thoughtfully collected together by Vikki to represent countries of the world and machine stitched. This is a work in progress which will continue.

The free art table allowed expression through drawing, sketching and paint on the theme of water or the well.

David’s challenge to construct a well was enthusiastically received and the results are great.

At the writing table the group had thoughtful and heartfelt ideas and were inspired to put them onto paper.

The morning ended with a session when thought and work were shared.
This was followed by a soup lunch prepared in the newly completed kitchen with bread and cheese followed by grapes and a delicious selection of cake.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday March 12th
when the theme of water continues,
we hope to see you then.

For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

For this month’s words, see Creative Writing

8th January 2019

“The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan”
Mark 1:1-11

Greetings of Happy New Year filled the air as we assembled this morning.
Wonderfully harmonious music and voices accompanied our introductory song, “Come down O Love divine”. The reading was from Mark’s gospel invoking the Holy Spirit brought as if by a dove.

More melodious songs and then the introduction by David New of iconography, traditional and modern, depicting the Holy Spirit at the Baptism of Christ. This was our inspiration.

It was translated into art using fabric and stitching to depict ribbons of water in tones of blue with beading.

The clay table invited us to experiment and there were interesting results.

The charcoal drawing stimulated some artistic representations of the dove and the Holy Spirit.

Mosaic tiles were on offer at the “challenging” table and there were attempts to rise to the challenge of making a dove or flames using small squares and a great deal of imagination and skill.

The writing table had to be extended as our group had amazing ideas and were eager to put them onto paper.

The morning ended with a plenary session when resulting works were shared.  This was followed by a unique lunch held in the church with bread, cheese and pickle and followed by fruit and cake. (The kitchen is being replaced and soup will resume next month).

Our next meeting is on Tuesday February 12th
when the theme of water continues,
we hope to see you then.

For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

For this month’s words, see Creative Writing

Worcester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival

If you joined us in November, or if you have seen November’s report, you will know that we were producing stars and figures for a Christmas tree to be on display at the Christmas Tree Festival in Worcester Cathedral.

Some of the work was not finished on the day, so a group of willing volunteers(?) got together to sort everything out.

The tree is now proudly displayed in the cathedral, and you can visit and see all of the trees or look at the cathedral website and see some of them.

We are very pleased and proud to announce that our tree has been chosen as one of the top ten trees on display! There is an opportunity for visitors and website viewers to vote for their favourite tree. If you have the time to visit, please do. The trees look quite stunning in the subdued light and the  display is well worth the effort.

You might even decide that our tree is the best and vote for it!

The Tree Festival runs from 8 December to 3 January. There is no charge; however you may wish to make a donation via one of the barrels to support the Cathedral and its work.