We began our September meeting after a summer break with a warm welcome followed by singing and praise accompanied by our joyful band of musicians and vocalists.
The theme for this season introduced by Alex amid a sea of purple; is women in the bible. The reading was from Acts Chapter 16 v 13-16 telling the story of Lydia who traded in purple cloth and was baptised by Paul. There were five tables of interesting activities relating to this reading. Do look at the photographs of the morning.
Our guest artist Karen firstly showed and then encouraged a group to make small books. There was lots of discussion and the dainty and very pretty results were worth the concentration and effort.
David had a craft task to make a delicate model stall with small items for sale. Careful hands were needed to hold and stick.
The new material called “brusho” was well received and gave a chance to experiment, lots of trial and error and a bit of mess, with the powder sprinkled onto or by spritzed water! A waterfall of colourful pictures emerged with stencilled cut outs adding images.
There was a beautiful purple orchid placed on purple tissue to sketch with pastels or charcoal and delightful images resulted.
The creative writing activity promoted conversation and debate taking up the theme of women and particularly Lydia. Follow the link to see the end product.
After plenty of conversation, discussion and cups of coffee we gathered to share our experiences, before a shared lunch of soup [tomato, apple and celery, or celeriac and spinach].
We invite you to our next meeting beginning with tea and coffee at 9:30. Tuesday October 8th : The story of Ruth and Naomi.
Alex welcomed everyone including our visitors and expressed her delight with the amazing response to the Kingdom Arts festival. You will be able to see some of the visitors’ comments in the Festival Report elsewhere on this web-site (News section: “Festival 2019”)
The morning began with a reading from St Mark’s gospel which, following the theme of living water, was the account of Jesus calming the storm. This was followed by singing led by our intrepid band of musicians and a quiet time of prayers.
Throughout each morning at Kingdom Arts, Pam and her helpers have kept us well supplied with hot coffee, tea or cold drinks and plentiful biscuits, mostly needed as this month there were many opportunities for artistic experiment and interpretation of the theme, requiring energy!
David had a table for origami activities; there was great concentration as boats were folded and unfolded in pursuit of perfection. The resulting multitude of vessels described as a flotilla, or armada!
At the modelling table there was clay, with much discussion and laughter as people rolled and squeezed and chopped.
A board with doves which had featured at the festival gave a chance to cut and stick to embellish the picture.
At the writing table, the group wrote enthusiastically around the theme, first choosing some headlines from a newspaper, then using their favourite or most meaningful to write.
The sewing table flowed with quiet conversation and careful needlework as embroidered patterns emerged, as an alternative there was prayerful knitting.
David M led a musical interlude with a singing activity, which was greatly enjoyed and described as the creative break one member needed to inspire her!
Other activities involved free art work with paint, glue and believe it or not pencil shavings! [Look at the pictures]
The morning ended with a sharing session when individuals described the inspiration of their work, with such variety and enjoyment.
We closed with a shared meal with a choice of summer vegetable or lentil soup prepared by Jan with bread, cheese, grapes and a home-made cake.
We thank you all once more for a wonderful season and, as we take our summer break, we invite you all to our next meeting.
A lot of hard work went into creating the displays for this festival – not to mention the activities which took place during the three days, and the large amount of tea and coffee prepared, and the mountain of cake that was baked.
Here’s a selection of the comments made by visitors:
Truly inspiring. Thank you. Jenny B
A wonderful venture!
Love Judy
Well done. Hope it is a great success. Many thanks,
Sara H
St. Georges needs you!
Well done to everyone who got involved.
Riversides School really enjoyed it.
A very inspiring display of gifted talented people.
Jan and Colin W
We had a lovely cup of tea, while listening to peaceful music! A great exhibition and a good use of the church. What a beautiful art display. Love how people are able to express themselves creatively, honouring Jesus and the stories within the bible. Keep doing things like this, as it reaches so many
Loved the artwork and the joining of the Performing/Arts and worship. Great display, really beautiful.
Tess Yr. 4, St Georges C of E
A quote from a pupil at St George’s School “I thought churches were dark places, but they are not”
A big thank you from all the EAL students and staff at Bishop Perowne C of E School We loved seeing your wonderful creativity in praise of God.
Thank you so much!
Coralia – Romania; Edoordo – Romania;
Laura – Romania; Jose – Portugal;
Stefania – Romania; Thank you: Moise – Romania;
Denis – Romania; Sheilyn – Honduras.
Line-dance anyone?
So many interesting displays, Thank you.
Anthea
Thank you – it’s light, airy, gentle and full of people’s hearts. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon with Jesus.
Joan C xxx
Isn’t it super to see such a range of inspirational work! Let’s get creative – Yes
Fran B
What a fantastic exhibition! Thank you and well done to all the team, I’ve really enjoyed my visit this afternoon.
Thank you so much for a truly inspiring exhibition the artworks and design were exceptional, and gave a peaceful spiritual message, which with the beautiful music and song left us feeling very close to God. Looking forward to the next one.
Ted and Ginny D
A delightful surprise to be browsing such a variety of skills, colours, ideas – a great success
C F
A very interesting and stimulating exhibition – much food for thought. Many thanks.
Rosemary A
A beautiful and thoughtful exhibition. One smiles to consider the talents of all who have contributed and gained from their association with Kingdom Arts. So much that I liked v. much . . . Stations of the Cross, Mary Fleeson’s work, the cross and candlesticks. What drew me particularly were the sand/bowl installation – quiet, meditative, therapeutic potential, and the Prayer Obelisk- the opportunity to quietly reflect on needs of another and request help! Yes, very much enjoyed my visit.
Avril
What a wonderful spiritual experience to walk round these beautiful displays and works of art. Thank you Lord for your many talents. Thank you for having us. Thank you for being so kind.
Vanessa
A stunning display of beautiful art. It was fun and everything was very nice. What an inspiring festival. Thank you.
Helen G
What a lovely amazing experience of Our Fathers Love and presence. Thank you. Simply inspiring.
R B D
Amazing and inspiring, Well done. A beautiful exhibition of inspiring creativity Another fabulous exhibition, glad I was involved.
Przepicgkna wsytawa wystawiajaco Jezusa, Naszego Pana
Eva from Poland Translation: Picturing the creation of Jesus, our Lord.
A wonderful collection in a beautiful Arts and Crafts Church. Truly inspiring how much love and care has gone into each of the Artworks and bringing them together in such a celebration.
Robin Walker, MP for Worcester
Thank you, for me, today, the metal cross has made a lasting impression. Very inspiring – it’s been wonderful to see such talent.
C S
Wow! What a magnificent display of some amazing talent. Hard to pick a favourite amongst so much excellent art but I did like the cross and candlesticks. Also, the fishes painting. But that’s just two of many many to choose from. Nice cakes too!
John and Di B
Alex welcomed everyone including our visitors and after an introduction to the theme, the morning began with St John’s gospel as a dramatised reading which, following the theme of living water, was the account of Jesus telling the disciples to cast their net again.
Worship began with singing led by our musicians followed by prayers.
The “quilt of nations” representing the countries of the world is completed It has a border and will be part of our exhibition in June.
Work continued on the waterfall the wonderful mixture of ribbons and threads and embellishments will also be proudly displayed.
David’s challenge was based on 153 fish represented by arranging coloured dots in a pattern. There were also cut out fish which were stunning and intricate.
The Lego table frequently rang out with merry laughter as the fishing scene evolved; there was an abundance of small fish! Painted backgrounds added depth and interest.
The craft table offered neutral pieces of textured paper to make into a collage fish which could then be used to print with as a block. The results were beautiful in their simplicity and layering.
At the writing table the group wrote enthusiastically around the theme.
Other activities involved colouring and free art work.
The morning ended with a sharing session when individuals described the inspiration of their work, such variety and talent on show.
This was followed by a choice of sweet potato and red pepper or spinach soup prepared by Jan with bread and cheese followed by grapes and a delicious selection of cake.
Thank you all once more for a wonderful session!
Our next meeting is on Tuesday June 18th.
Please note that this is the third Tuesday in June and not the second. We would love to see you there.
Jesus washes the feet of the disciples
John 15:1-15
Alex welcomed our numerous visitors and after an introduction to the theme, the morning began with the reading from St John’s gospel which, following the theme of living water, was the account of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.
Worship began with singing led by our music group followed by prayers and a symbolic washing of our hands while we reflected.
We were delighted to welcome Karen to lead a book making workshop where artists enjoyed using water colours to express a pathway on the cover or all through their book.
An intriguing activity was the making of a sandal depicting the simple footwear worn by Jesus. Precision cutting and the use of glue gun promoted discussion and laughter, but the results were worth the struggle.
The “quilt of nations” representing the countries of the world is almost completed and has taken shape with the addition of buttons made from natural materials. It will have a border around the edge and will be exhibited in June at the Kingdom Arts Festival.
David’s challenge was based on individuals working out the design and cutting out of an Ethiopian cross. There were stunning and intricate results.
At the writing table the group wrote with diligence and enthusiasm around the biblical theme.
The morning ended with a sharing session when individuals described the inspiration of their work. This was followed by a choice of mushroom or pea, asparagus and chive soup prepared by Jan with bread and cheese followed by grapes and a delicious selection of cake.
Thank you all once more for a wonderful session!
Our next meeting is on Tuesday May 14th. We would love to see you there.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
A glittering cloth of gold set with the nativity scene and pearls in shells greeted us this morning as we sang ‘Hark the Herald Angels’ accompanied by our accomplished musicians, and welcomed new members to the group.
This was followed by a humorous piece “The Three Gossips” featuring three of our thespian colleagues! This was a short sketch about the village where Mary lives. The reading was a short text from Matthew and the significance of Jesus as the pearl was well explained by Alex. To meet the cast and see an excerpt from the performance, see below.
The first activity offered was to use Lego and additional “dainty props” for the stable, the shepherds and the wise men. This was accompanied by artistically painted backdrops to set the scene. This was later described as “an excellent team effort” and “the most up market stable.” They are to remain in church this week for other groups to appreciate.
There were some most attractive ceramic baubles to design and paint with acrylic. They were truly spectacular and will grace several trees.
This month, David New’s challenge was an origami shell, delicate to look at and skilfully made.
The creative writing table was full of purposeful endeavour and self-expression with themes of Advent, Pearls and Crackers.
David M held a most enjoyable singing workshop to learn a new Christmas song which we hope to feature on the website in due course.
We ended with discussion of the morning’s activities, worship and prayer followed by delicious chestnut and orange soup.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and please remember to visit the Christmas tree exhibition in the Cathedral when maybe you will feel inspired to vote for the Kingdom Arts Christmas tree!! {Voting is also available on the Cathedral website}.
Our next meeting will be on January 8th we do hope to see you then.
A delicious new soup was offered for lunch, spinach, pea and pesto which was greatly enjoyed by many with the alternative potato and leek, accompanied by bread, cheese and home-made cake alongside plenty of conversations.
Our 1st meeting in 2019 is on Tuesday January 8th.
We will be delighted if you would join us.
