Author: Editor

February Gathering

14th February 2017

Jesus on the mountain

“and he spent the night in prayer to God”

Our February meeting began with reading Luke chapter 6 verses 12-16 and thinking about Jesus praying at the top of the mountain.

The atmosphere was one of intense concentration on learning and applying new skills as a smaller number than usual met together.
Small fabric bags were sewn to assist in prayer, with the contents of a labyrinth to be made next month. Painting a design onto candles was much enjoyed and needed great concentration and a steady hand, as did the Celtic pattern making which presented its usual challenges. Frames were decorated in order to contain a bible verse or prayer.

The textile tree of life was added to with more leaves and birds taking their place and there was ongoing prayerful knitting which continues to grow.

The sharing at the end of the morning gave an insight into the huge effort everyone makes to enjoy the range and complexity of each activity.
This month’s lunch featured a delicious purple soup!

We meet again on Tuesday March 14th; please come and join us.

For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

January 2017 Music

Singing

We were very fortunate to have Archdeacon Robert Jones with us at this month’s Kingdom Arts.

He led a small group of people in singing, and thinking about the power of music in worship and how prayerful and joyful it can be.
The songs we sang were very simple which enabled us to concentrate on the meaning of the words. We used short phrases such as Kyrie Eleison and Alleluya. We were taken in song to different parts of the world where Robert had experienced the joys and sorrows of the human condition. We discovered the power that music has, to take us to places, people, emotions and memories.

The short recordings here are not performances but tasters to show that – ’tis a gift to be simple – and that we can all participate in praising the Lord wherever we are, be it on a hill top, in the kitchen, by the bedside of a loved one, or with friends.

Kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy)

Alleluya 1 (Alleluya/Alleluia/Hallelujah – Praise the Lord)

Alleluya 2

January Gathering

10th January 2017

The Baptism of Jesus

At this first meeting in 2017 we were delighted to welcome Archdeacon Robert to lead our worship. The focus was the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan. Mark 1 verses 9-11.
Archdeacon Robert then led a glorious singing workshop exploring the Kyrie Eleison, asking for God’s help and mercy. This was followed by Alleluia refrains thanking God. We learned to listen, express emotion, smile and feel the sincerity of the words we sang and indeed the presence and power of the Lord.
Craft activities abounded, including making a concertina book with decorated covers needing skill and control, the results were intricate and beautiful.
Work continues on intricate Celtic knot patterns and the Tree of Life tapestry which is really taking shape with many more decorated leaves.
The writing focussed on words from the biblical text, such as Beloved, which could be expanded into ideas and poetry.
The many pieces of work were celebrated and shared as we gathered together at the end of the morning to sing praises around a symbolic river Jordan.
A delicious lunch of soup, bread, and cake was much enjoyed by everyone.

We meet again on February 14th 2017.

For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

December 2016 Music

This Christmas song was not created during a Kingdom Arts meeting, but it was played at the December gathering and is posted here so that those who were there may listen again if they wish. Of course, everyone else is also welcome to listen!

A simple song inspired by Luke Chapter 2 and a very well-known story:

See in the night sky, so far above,
Shining so brightly, shining with love;
Star of the dawning, burning with gold,
Sign of the story from times of old.

Let all the church bells ring.
Oh hear the angels sing:

“Good news we bring you, joy to the world.”
And with these words their story unfurled,
“For you a Saviour, born on this day.
Glory in heaven, peace on the earth.”

Let all the church bells ring.
Oh hear the angels sing.
(Repeat chorus)

“Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ is born.”

© 2011 David Moore

Click below to listen

Click here for sheet music > See in the night sky

December Gathering

13th December 2016

Sing for joy before the Lord; for He is coming

Our meeting began with joyful music celebrating the birth of Jesus, written and composed by David M, a reading of the Nativity from Luke Chapter 2, and Psalm 96.
The activities included making a decoration with a red candle, foliage and berries, what a stunning centrepiece for the Christmas table!
The Madonna and child watercolours were truly beautiful, clay stars were delicate and sparkly and intricate Celtic knot patterns tested the creative and those with an engineer’s mind.
The quilt continues to be enhanced with more detail and intricate stitch work and there are opportunities for everyone to add to it over time.
The whole morning was enhanced by moments of quiet thoughtfulness in the candlelight as we all look forward to Christmas.
We hope to see you again on January 10th 2017
Meanwhile we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

November Gathering

8th November 2016

Amazing first birthday at Kingdom Arts

The morning began with praise and prayer and recognition of our wonderful first year exploring creativity through faith. (And the promise of cake!)
The theme for the session was based on Psalm 1 and the book of Revelation 22.  “Like trees planted by streams of water which yield their fruit in its season”
We began work on an innovative quilt showing the tree of life, with streams of water and opportunities for everyone’s involvement. Glorious fabrics, bright paper, threads, sequins and joy abounded. Birds, leaves and a flowing river were created around the tree.
Flowers created by “the Lads” with fabric pleated and tied with a central button were in evidence; previous examples can be seen in our 2017 calendar.
Some thoughtful words were written on paper leaves to accompany it.
Finally always an uplifting time, the gathering together to show and explain our work and give thanks for God’s inspiration. His spirit is working among us.
Then there was lunch and the magnificent celebration first birthday cake!

For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

Oct 2015 Writing: Words and Music

The very first session of Kingdom Arts explored the opening chapter of the first book of the Bible,  Genesis.
This song was developed from thoughts of The Creation.

“And God saw that it was good”

Watch a sunset fade on a summer’s day
Or the raindrops clinging to a window pane
The Spirit speaks
The Spirit speaks to me
“And know I give you these.”

See the branches bending in the breeze
The shim’ring whispering dancing leaves
The Spirit speaks
The Spirit speaks to me
“And take good care of these.”

From the awesome beauty of a star-filled sky
To the dazzling sheen of a drifting damselfly.

I stand in awe of all I see
And thank the Lord that it came to be
The Spirit speaks
The Spirit speaks to me
“Know I am here with thee.”

© 2015 David Moore