12th November

A true celebratory mood at today’s meeting at the start of our 10th year; of course, there was a birthday cake! And we all sang Happy Birthday!

The aisle was decorated with African cloth and beautiful artefacts and a picture of the 10 modern martyrs carved on Westminster Abbey, as our theme was Africa.

Alex welcomed us enthusiastically to the beginning of our 10th year as Kingdom Arts!

We began with enthusiastic singing of “Blessed be your name” and the joyful African song “Thuma Mina”

Barbara gave a talk about Ugandan martyr Archbishop Janani Luwum, a brave and devoted Christian, passionate about his country, who was not afraid to challenge the military dictator Idi Amin and was executed for his faith and for standing up to the regime.

Sue then described some of the exciting activities which we could try, embracing the theme of Africa.

There was a table devised by Sue for making a mask, using recycled card from boxes. This was made extra challenging by limiting the colours to those of the Ugandan flag [red, yellow and black]

 

A popular table was set up for making and embellishing clay coil pots. Quite intricate and needing concentration and some skill.

 

A regular and always favourite table was the colouring of patterns in bright pen, with time to talk with each other.

 

There was also the usual opportunity for contemplative, prayerful, knitting, a lovely time for quiet reflection.

Lynn ensured that the sewing machines were available for use, as she led and advised the group to make lovely bags in African print fabrics, either with a drawstring or a folded flap.

 

The writing focus was to take inspiration from African poetry and there were varied pieces of writing and poetry.

The drumming workshop was led by Sue and greatly enjoyed.

 

To hear excerpts of the drumming,
go to the ‘Music’ option in the website Menu.

Pam kept us refreshed with coffee or tea throughout. Thank you!

We ended the morning’s activities by gathering to share our creative efforts, and the experiences. We all had an opportunity to listen to the drumming group as they performed two pieces :- the song ‘Amen Siakudumisa’  and one of the creative writing pieces, which was accompanied by ‘African’ drumming.

 

Then came the choosing of gifts, which each person brought to put into a basket, what an array of thoughtful and often handmade items. Thank you to everyone for taking part and making the occasion special and memorable.

We moved to the Magdalene room for Jan’s soup, accompanied by bread, cheese and fruit.

The beautiful birthday cake was cut and eaten! Thank you to Jane for making and decorating it.

We now anticipate our Christmas themed meeting on Tuesday 10th December 2024, when we will hear about a Nativity icon.

Coffee from 10.00, followed by worship and activities, with lunch by 12.30.

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8th October

Alex welcomed us to  the start of our new year and next month we celebrate the beginning of the 10th year as Kingdom Arts!

Today’s activities were based on Holman Hunt’s famous picture “The Light of the World”, illuminated by a lantern and a superbly glittering picture.

We began with a short time of worship, including songs and prayer.

Jan B gave a talk based on the life of Holman Hunt, starting from his poverty in childhood, through his struggle to become a recognised painter and his recognition late in life. She carefully described how to interpret the picture and all the signs within it. It’s such a beautiful, symbolic and moving piece of art, which sparked off thoughts on Jesus as our light in the darkness, and the door that hadn’t been opened.

The morning’s activities were inspired by the following verses:

• “I am the Light of the World.” John 8:12
• “Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock, and the door will be opened unto you.” Luke 11:9
• “Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they will eat with me.”  Revelation 3:20

We were also inspired by the symbolism in the painting:

• Light: the lantern of conscience and the light round Christ’s head, salvation.
• The door: the human soul. The door has never been opened,  no handle.
• Christ is asking permission to enter: Christ himself is the door.
• Morning star:  the dawn of a new day.
• Weeds and overgrowth and fallen fruit: the autumn of life.

The activities, based around light, and doors were:

Making a cut-out doorway within a picture frame.

Water colours to capture shining light and embellish it with stitching. Some effective pictures evolved.

A still life with a decorative lantern, not an easy subject when the light was shining through and around it.

Colouring of patterns related to the theme, in bright pen, ideal for a quiet exchange of views.

The writing focus was to take inspiration from doors. One could then imagine scenarios of doors and what they revealed behind. There were excellent creative pieces as a result. See the Creative Writing pages.

Throughout the morning we were kept refreshed by Pam.

We ended the morning’s activities by gathering to share our creative efforts.

We then enjoyed a lunch of soup, parsnip and apple, or carrot and coriander, and bread and cheese. There was plenty of cake too! – as well as fruit for the health conscious.

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We now anticipate our celebration on Tuesday 12th November 2024, when we will have a “secret gift” exchange to celebrate. Please wrap your gift to give (handmade or bought but significant to the ethos of Kingdom Arts), and you will be able to receive another.

As usual, coffee will be from 10.00am, followed by worship and activities, with lunch around 12.30

A warm Kingdom Arts welcome awaits all.

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FUTURE GATHERINGS AT KINGDOM ARTS

I hope you have had a restful Summer, catching up with family and friends. I don’t think you would have found too much sun in England though! This is a reminder to everyone that we will be returning to our gatherings on October 8th at 10am. We have been planning some interesting and exciting ideas to look at and lots to help us be creative. This term we’ve decided to take as our theme “Artists and Martyrs”.

Firstly, we will look at Christian Artists and find out about them as well as looking at their work to help us understand the story behind the picture or sculpture or stained glass window.

 

It’s been exciting choosing who to study first and we’ve come up with Holman Hunt’s picture of “The Light of the World” to start us off.

It’s a very famous picture but how many of us understand the details contained within it that point us to God? Come and find out!

 

The next month (12th November) we shall look at a famous 20th Century Christian martyr and their story of faith. Do you know about the statues of the 10 martyrs of the 20th Century that decorate the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey? They were unveiled in 1998. We thought it might be interesting and stimulating to investigate some of them, and their stories will certainly be an encouragement to get creative!

Click here to go to the Westminster Abbey website and see the statues

We look forward to seeing you as it’s been a long time since we met. I am sure Jan is thinking about some more delicious soups to serve to us. We shall look forward to your news and sharing together.

Kingdom Arts is such a wonderful place where an amazingly gifted, and friendly group of people come to gather each month. We come because we love meeting together, learning together, praying and singing together as well as eating and laughing together.

COME AND VISIT US ANYTIME AND EXPERIENCE THIS SPECIAL COMMUNITY.

11th June

TODAY’S THEME

The hymn writer of the day was Melody Green, author of “There is a redeemer”, which she wrote in 1976.

The aisle was decorated with a wonderful, floral, summer fabric and a basket of flowers to symbolise God’s abundance.

Alex welcomed us enthusiastically to the last morning before the summer break, and introduced a new member, our new Vicar Rev Sarah Carwardine. She was made most welcome by everyone.

We began by singing “There is a redeemer” Then a time of prayer before singing once more.

Jan B gave a talk based on the life of Melody and her husband Keith Green. She had also composed other songs throughout her life, which has been another sad, sometimes tragic story.

Sue then described some of the activities for the morning.

There were tables for book making from 1 sheet of paper. Decorated with watercolour painting or pastels. The effect of both was amazing, as was the folding technique. The whirr of a hairdryer to speed up the process made for an interesting diversion.

Cherry explained her activity, Kanzashi flowers; made by puckering and stitching with a floral centre “bunged” on.

Alison’s table was described as a Calico fabric on an embroidery ring, decorated with stem stitch and seed stitch! The results were delicately beautiful.

There was a still life table with a cornucopia of fruit and vegetables, aubergine, oranges, peppers and grapes abounded, to draw and colour with pastels.

There was also the usual opportunity for quiet, contemplative, prayerful knitting.

The writing focus was to take inspiration from the many hymns, about which we have learned the history. A selection of some of the words was provided as a starting point.

The conversations buzzed around every table as we were kept refreshed by Pam.

We ended the mornings activities by gathering to share our creative efforts.
The still life “turned out juicy”. The time spent here, was described as “Here we take our time and that allows the seeds of expression to grow”. All groups were highly praised. The team leaders were thanked and we ended with prayer.

We them moved to the Magdalene room for a glorious social gathering, an indoor picnic! What a bountiful feast donated by our wonderful members.

We now take a summer break until Tuesday October 8th 2024. When we will return refreshed and eager to see you.

As usual, coffee will be from 10.00am, followed by worship and activities, with lunch around 12.30

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14th May

TODAY’S THEME

The story of Henry Francis Lyte, the author of the well-known hymn

Abide with me

The aisle was ablaze with Pentecost themed fabric in red and orange with flames dancing (metaphorically) in a large picture.

Alex welcomed us to the morning and we began by singing “Abide with me” Then a time of prayer before singing; “Holy Spirit, we welcome you”.
Jan K gave a talk based on the life of Henry Lyte – poet, priest and writer of the hymn. Interestingly, it is mostly sung at funerals, also football and rugby matches.

Sue then described most of the activities for the morning, and Jenny described the origami challenge to make and string doves for a tree display.

There were tables for pastels or watercolour painting with a theme of flames. The effect was tremendous.

There was a colouring table, great for exchanging views on the world today.

There was also the usual opportunity for quiet, contemplative, prayerful knitting.

David M encouraged anyone inclined to join him and his guitar, later in the morning for a short singing session. This provided background music and was greatly enjoyed, it will be repeated!

The writing focus was to take inspiration from the hymn or from the gospel readings about the coming of Holy Spirit, with three very different results.

The conversations abounded around the tables and we were kept refreshed by Clive, Lyn and Pam.

We ended the morning’s activities by gathering to share our efforts. The origami doves were admired and Jenny was praised for her good tuition and endless patience, while she praised the group for perseverance!

A lunch followed with soup, lovingly made by Jan K, this month it was cucumber lettuce and tomato, or bean soup! There was bread, cheese, fruit and home-made cakes, too. Around the tables, there was a welcome opportunity to catch up with each other.

We hope you will come and join us next month on Tuesday June 11th 2024 for what has become our annual picnic and our last meeting before the summer break. Coffee from 10.00, followed by worship and activities, with lunch around 12.30

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9th April

TODAY’S THEME

The story behind the song
What a friend we have in Jesus
written by Joseph Scriven

Now we have reached April and we await the warmth of Spring Sunshine, however the warmth of Alex’s welcome radiated through our gathering as Alex greeting friends old and new.

The aisle was decorated with information concerning our topic for the day – Joseph Scriven the author of “What a friend we have in Jesus.”

The project to make a large, cross shaped hanging, devised of individually designed and sewn hessian squares is complete, is truly beautiful and was revealed as part of the Easter decoration of the church.

We commenced by singing “What a friend we have in Jesus” and “Jesus Christ my living hope” which were followed by prayers.

Barbara gave a talk based on the life of  Joseph Medlicott Scriven. His life was full of tragedies both in Ireland and Ontario, Canada!

Sue then described most of the activities for the morning, and Judith described the many varieties of art possible just using our own hands as the template.

There were interesting wooden boxes to decorate, both elegant and practical, explained by Alison.

The prayer beads involved pattern of 33 beads, representing the 33years in Jesus’ life, and were arranged in a repeat pattern of 7 plus 1:

1+7+1+7+1+7+1+7+1

David M encouraged a small group of singers to begin to learn a new tune to a traditional hymn, and to learn the words and music of a Spiritual which he composed to words from Barbara’s February poem.

The writing focus was to take the pattern of the beads and using inspiration, such as a list of words, from the Hymn, and weave a piece of writing or a poem. The results are available on our creative writing page.

There were also the usual opportunities for quiet, contemplative, prayerful knitting.

Thanks to Pam fore the endless supply of tea and coffee.

We ended the mornings activities by gathering to share our efforts; and a performance (indeed, a world premier!) of the Spiritual “Carry me away”

A lunch followed with soup, made by Jan K, this month it was apple lentil and tomato, or carrot and coriander soup. Delicious as always.

There was bread, cheese, fruit and home-made cakes too around the tables. There was a welcome opportunity to catch up with each other.

We hope you will come and join us next month on Tuesday May 14th 2024. Coffee from 10.00, followed by worship and activities, with lunch around 12.30

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12th March

TODAY’S THEME

Taizé music

The display this morning was in sections with a giant poster of the Taizé cross in the centre, surrounded by tea lights and two large pictures of icons.
Alex welcomed everyone, including new faces.

We commenced with a short introduction from Alex about singing Taizé and coaching in Latin! “Laudate Dominum” and “Ubi caritas” which we then sang.

This was followed by prayer.

Jan B then gave a most informative talk about the foundation and history of the community at Taizé and the work of the Brother Roger who founded the community.

Alex then described the variety of activities for the morning:-

Alison led a fascinating activity decorating a plaque of wood with the symbol of Taizé. The results were beautiful as were the explanations from the creators at the sharing session.

There was a craft table involving the use of chalk where icon pictures could be copied or new ones designed. The helpful hint was to spray the picture with hairspray to stop it smudging . . .

. . . and a second table with mindful colouring.

Cherry led and tutored an activity for Easter to make a hanging cross using a template and wound with ribbon. Once participants “got the hang of it” they became expert.

The writing was once again different, as inspiration took each person in a different way. Creating Taizé needs plenty of thought.

To see this month’s creative writing, click here.

There were also the usual opportunities for quiet, contemplative, prayerful knitting.

The conversations buzzed and we were kept refreshed by Pam and Carolyn who served coffee, tea and biscuits.

We ended the mornings activities by gathering to share our mornings efforts and once again how wonderful they were!

A lunch followed with delicious soup, this month it was tomato and basil or parsnip and apple;

and there was bread, cheese, fresh fruit and a yummy selection home-made cakes thank you Jane!

We hope you will all come again next month when we will meet on Tuesday 9th April 2024.

Please note the start time Coffee from 10.00, followed by worship and activities, with lunch around 12.40.

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20th February

TODAY’S THEME

African American Spirituals

The display this morning depicted the night sky, a river and cotton plantations with a heavy chain to symbolise the theme of slavery and in particular African American slaves. There were also photographs of Harriet Tubman who had led many slaves out of their miserable existence.

Alex welcomed everyone, including old friends and new faces, we commenced by singing some familiar spirituals from the African American heritage, “Let my people go” and “Steal Away” which were followed by prayers.

Sue then gave a most knowledgeable talk about the history and meaning of Spirituals. Few of us had been aware of the ‘codes’ and hidden messages in the songs. She illustrated this with some examples in which we enjoyed participating, including a rendition of “Swing Low Sweet Chariot“.

So on to the activities for the morning, highlighting the theme:-

Alison led a sewn collage activity using fabric, felt cut into a meaningful word and stitches.

There was a craft table involving the use of “Brusho”, bleach watercolours and wax crayon. Landscapes were described as sky, trees and a cotton plantation. One of the participants said the results were “unpredictable.”

David bravely tackled the construction activity, which was to construct a small balsawood slave hut!

The writing was once again different, as inspiration from the talk took each person in a different direction.

Creative writing and new spirituals!
It is wonderful how openly people will share their feelings in words.
To see this month’s creative writing, click here.

A table offered charcoal of a still life of African wooden statues; described as “more chat and charcoal.”

There were also the usual opportunities for quiet, contemplative, prayerful knitting.

The conversations buzzed and we were kept refreshed by Pam who served coffee, tea and biscuits.

We ended the mornings activities by sharing our mornings efforts and singing one more spiritual ‘I want Jesus to walk with me‘. How amazing were the experiences of the morning. Another session full of thought-provoking activities and information.

A lunch followed with soup, lovingly made by Jan K, this month it was tomato and ginger or pea and mint, there was bread, cheese, fresh  fruit and a delicious selection of home-made cakes. Thank you, Jane and Ruth!

We hope you will come next month to swell our numbers we meet on Tuesday 12th March 2024.

Please note the start time Coffee from 10.00, followed by worship and activities, with lunch around 12.40.

January 9th

TODAY’S THEME

Fanny Crosby

Have you ever wondered about being blind?

Our current theme investigating the stories behind the songs we use to worship continued. Today, we learned about Fanny Crosby, whose hymns were familiar but we certainly didn’t know her history.

We welcomed old friends and more new faces, and began the morning singing two hymns with words by Fanny Crosby –

“To God be the Glory”
“Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine”
. . . followed by prayer.

Jan K then gave a talk about the American, blind hymn writer who died aged 95 years. [1810-1905] and what an interesting woman!

 

Sue then described the variety of unusual activities for the morning, highlighting the other senses we use.

There were blindfolds so that we could experiment drawing the profile of a face blindfolded, leading to amazing results, which were then added to by colouring.

There was a collage activity using music sheets which were cut and reassembled into amazing pictures.

Alison led a craft table involving sewing or gluing eye shapes on felt and embellishing them, some with buttons or sequins or net.

Kitchen foil was also on hand to squish and mould into 3D figures, great results and what a satisfying feeling!

The writing was very different from usual, as there was the opportunity to work in pairs, with one person as scribe while the other dictated what they were thinking about once their eyes were closed! Some also chose to write independently and the creative juices flowed.

 

There were also the usual opportunities for quiet, contemplative, prayerful knitting.

Another aspect of sight was introduced by Alex – an optical illusion. The ‘victim’ had to concentrate on an image for about 30 seconds, then close their eyes, and an unexpected image appears. Several of us were very surprised by the result!

It’s difficult to describe the quiet, relaxed atmosphere of the morning. The conversations buzzed around the tables and we were kept refreshed by Pam and Carolyn with coffee, tea and biscuits. The only way to discover what it’s like would be to come along and join in!

We ended the morning’s activities by gathering to share our efforts and how amazing they were. It is wonderful how openly people will share their feelings about the experiences of the morning.

A lunch followed with soup, lovingly made by Jan K. This month it was tomato & basil, or leek & potato. There was bread, cheese, fruit, and home-made cakes too around the tables. The whole morning was a welcome opportunity to catch up after the Christmas/New Year break.

We hope you will come next month on Tuesday 20th February 2024.
Please note that this is not the usual second Tuesday of the month due to the timing of school holidays and many with family commitments on the usual date.

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