After a time of worship, Sue gave us a short history of Jacqui’s career and how her work has developed to huge presentations of biblical events in many cathedrals around our country. We recalled the exhibition in Worcester Cathedral.

Clicking the link below will take you to Jacqui’s own website, where you can see many photographs from the exhibition “Threads Through Creation”

https://www.jacqui-textile.com/creation/

Shefali followed this with her touching personal testimony of correspondence with Jacqui and how inspired she was by her work.

This morning’s activities

Coloured pens, plain handkerchief squares, brushes and ink blocks for blending colour so that a picture using an outline template could be created and coloured in.

Air dry, coloured clay for free creativity and model making.

Alison brought fabric squares to sew using a machine and cutting strips through layers. Alternatively, there were templates to chalk through leaving a symbol or outline to embroider in running stitch.

David once again led a small but motivated group of singers, to teach us a new song.

The writing focus was to ponder on the theme of the morning and the concentration was very intense as creative ideas went on paper. See the Creative Writing section.

Alex enthusiastically encouraged us the join her table! to plat together 3 strips of cloth symbolising the Trinity. [You needed strong wrists for tearing them]

By the end  of the morning many lengths in lovely colour combinations had been joined to encircle the entire gathering and to show teamwork, unity and strength.

The conversations continued around the tables and we were kept refreshed with coffee, tea and biscuits.

At the end of the morning was the opportunity to share our work and express our thoughts and feelings.

We ended the morning by singing again the new song from last month with the chorus “Jesus I believe in you”. This was only the second time many of us had sung this song – we did well this time!

We hope you will come next month when we meet in on 8th Tuesday April.

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

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So, another new year! Another modern martyr to learn about.

The aisle was decorated with a photograph of Maximillian Kolbe and an assortment of Polish items, some of which we ate at lunch!

Alex welcomed everyone to the gathering, both familiar and new people, including our new priest in charge Rev. Sarah, and a special visitor from Magdeburg, which is linked with the Worcester Diocese. We began by singing “Here is love vast as the ocean” and “What love is this?”, followed by prayers.

Jan K related the story [much abridged] of the Polish priest Maximillian Kolbe, a most interesting and principled man. He is one of the modern martyrs on the front of Westminster Cathedral. His death in 1941 in the concentration camp of Auschwitz was slow and terrible. He had taken the place of another Polish prisoner.

The morning’s activities were based on Maximillian’s story of sacrifice, faith, hope, and forgiveness.

Watercolour paint, brusho, and masking tape were used to create pictures based on a single, meaningful word.

There was a table of chalks and pastels for free creative painting, as inspired by the story.

Alison G brought white and green cloth and some straws, to sew into a symbolic white tulip.  They were described later as symbolising strength when gathered together, but when separated, some strength went away with each and every flower.

David led a small but motivated group of singers, to teach us a new song. It was slightly more complex than usual, with both a chorus and a bridge, but we tried hard and all want to sing it again, so we plant it in our worship repertoire.

The writing focus was to ponder the meaning of “Sacrifice” and there was very intense discussion.

The usual opportunities for colouring had returned with a twist. Bright Polish colour patterns used in Polish crafts were available to look at and then colour in, before mounting them on a card with space for a prayer on the reverse.

As usual, the atmosphere was friendly and warm (which was more than could be said for St George’s Church on this crisp morning!) Conversations abounded around the tables and we were kept refreshed by Pam with coffee, tea and biscuits.

We ended the morning’s activities by gathering to share our morning’s labours and to learn the new song, with the chorus “Jesus, I believe in you”.

A lunch followed with soup by Jan K – “tomato and apple”, or “chicken and vegetable”; together with bread, cheese, grapes, fruit, home-made cakes, and Polish biscuits.

We hope you will come next month when we meet on Tuesday 11th March.

Coffee will be served from 10.00, followed by worship and activities, with lunch around 12.30.

As we had reached December, and the end of another year we celebrated Christmas and the coming of Jesus. The aisle was decorated with a number of wonderful and different Nativity sets and Sparkling Christmas fabric and a magically lit display . . . .

. . . . setting the scene for the unfolding of the Nativity Icon by Andrei Rublev.

Alex then explained the painting dating from Russia in the 15th century and painted by one of the best iconographers. The different images within the picture were identified and described in detail.

The morning’s festive activities all focused on symbols of the season.

Alison brought paper to fold into tall and majestic angels, all the participants were delighted with the result. The conversation included a discussion on angels and who had felt their presence!

There was also a second paper folding table led by Maggie and involved folding paper from books into a circle to make a candle. [although one participant caused merriment and havoc by reading aloud from a book.] The candles were impressive and patience was needed.

Cherry led a sewing activity using cross stitch which was delicate and once again concentration was needed.

Circles of wood were made available by Sue to turn into a hanging decoration with a Christmas scene drawn painted or made as a collage.

The writing focus was very open; to write about Christmas and the thought-provoking results are available on our Creative Writing page.

The usual opportunities for colouring were not available this morning, causing someone to exclaim they had to do some work!

There was a tree to decorate.

You will find samples of some of the morning’s creations in this month’s Gallery.

The conversations abounded around the tables and we were kept refreshed by Pam with coffee, tea and mince pies.

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We ended the mornings activities by gathering to share our efforts and we sat with lighted candles in a darkened church to sing “Like a candle flame”
It was a moving ending.

A lunch followed with soup, made by Jan K, this month it was “purple” soup(!), or carrot and coriander. There was bread, cheese, fruit, home-made cakes, and more mince pies.

We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas.

We hope you will come and after a month’s break we meet in 2025 on Tuesday, 11th February. Coffee from 10.00, followed by worship and activities, with lunch around 12.30.

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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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