Category: News

The 2017 Christmas Tree Festival
Worcester Cathedral

The festival is now closed.

It’s there in the Cathedral cloisters for all to see!

Everyone worked really hard at Kingdom Arts creating angels, origami stars and words from scripture in fabric telling the story of Jesus’ birth. We had to assemble it in situ last Friday (8th Dec) before the official opening. It took us nearly 2½ hours to do but we were very pleased with the result:-

Several members of the Team gathered with the Mayor for the switching on of the tree lights of over 80 trees as the choir sang carols and we drank mulled wine. What a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of Jesus in our midst this Christmas time.

There were, of course, other trees! DO GO AND SEE THEM. (Too late!)

Here are some photographs, but they are no substitute for the experience of walking round the cloisters and viewing the real thing.

A selection of the other trees:-

As the light fades, the scene changes, reminding us how important Light is in the darkness:-

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12th December 2017

“I am the light of the world”

There were 27 intrepid enthusiasts who braved the wintry conditions to be part of our December celebration, our final session of the year.

We began with worship, reading John 8:12, singing hymns that reflected on light and learning a new hymn sung in parts, which was a most joyful sound followed by a time of thoughtful prayer.

There was thrilling news that our first Kingdom Arts Christmas tree, decorated by many handicrafts, was safely installed in the cloisters of Worcester Cathedral and can be visited until January 4th. (See the separate news report for more information and some pictures).

This month’s activities were designed around the theme of light.

A splendid collage was created, based on the famous 1854 William Holman Hunt painting “The Light of the World”. It is an original and beautiful interpretation.

There were stars created in cross stitch and highly technical 3D lanterns and more glorious bright gold or silver winged angels were crafted. The writing was based on the theme of light and emerged on blank jigsaw puzzles.

The morning ended with soup, spiced cauliflower or a new version of purple soup with cranberries for a taste of Christmas.

From all at Kingdom Arts we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year hoping to see you on Tuesday January 9th 2018
May God’s blessing be with you all.

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See this month’s wonderful range of arts and crafts in the Gallery

Welcome to our first Kingdom Arts Soup Book.

The idea for a booklet came out of our monthly gatherings. Sharing a soup lunch together is an integral part of our morning. The booklet is available for £4 per copy, and all proceeds will go towards furthering the Kingdom Arts vision of Faith through Creativity.

Thank you to Karen and Sue for the beautiful illustrations, to Jan Kear for providing the recipes, to Mercedes Pearson for design and production and to the rest of the Kingdom Arts team for their encouragement and support for this venture.

Alex New.

14th November 2017

“I am the true vine”

Continuing the theme of “I am”, we considered John 15 “I am the true vine.”

Activities linked to this were creative writing and making a booklet or card with interpretations of vines using printing, collage and other materials.
As an alternative there was much excitement in making decorations for the unique Christmas tree which will be part of the trees exhibition in the cloisters of Worcester Cathedral from December 8th.

There was true joy in abundance and much laughter constructing angels from lolly sticks, using a variety of fabric for the wings but the heads proved difficult to attach!

The fabulous 3D stars were carefully constructed and on completion the comment was “the tension was incredible.”

Candles were wrapped in paper and the entire tree will be a tribute to Christmas from the dedicated Kingdom Arts people.

We invite you to look at the photographs on our website.

Delicious soup was served, the spicy butternut squash in competition with carrot and orange. For those of you who would like to make some of these wonderful soups at home, you might like to purchase our new booklet containing 12 recipes for soups, £4 per copy.

Join us for our final session of 2017 on December 12th.

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For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

For this month’s written word, see Creative Writing

For a preview of the soup booklet, see Soup Booklet News

10th October 2017

“I am the Bread of Life”

The sound of drumming could be heard reverberating in Saint George’s this morning as the drumming workshop gripped the attention of many. Comments from those taking part included “It was brilliant” “Inspirational” “It was a different way to explore words”.

We began with a reading of John Chapter 6, the story of the feeding of the five thousand. The theme for the day was “I am the Bread of Life” which was interpreted in several ways through art, craft, music and writing.
There were beautifully decorated stones, clay modelling, and creative writing.

The observational drawing of a group of objects related in some way to bread, from a basket to mice, was challenging. This drew a response at the sharing part of the morning that “It reminded me how God provides, nothing is wasted and however little you need you will get it.”
There were heads bent in concentration over the most intricate work.

Making the bread bin entitled I am the bread of life, which opened to reveal “He is risen”. It was challenging to complete!
The variety of bread displayed to encourage us all, was eaten at lunch with delicious soup, spinach or pottage!

“It is the strength of Kingdom Arts that there is no competition, there is only encouragement”.

We do hope to see you on November 14th when we will be working on decorations for our Christmas tree exhibit (see separate News item).

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For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

For this month’s written word, see Creative Writing

To hear the drumming, see the Drum workshop

in Worcester Cathedral cloisters

Kingdom Arts are entering a tree in this festival which runs from from Dec 9th 2017 until Jan 6th 2018.

Take a look at our tree, still a work in progress, using recycled pallets.

In November, we are going to be busy designing and making what will hang on the tree.

Don’t forget to visit Festival.

 

12th September 2017

“I am the Gate”

The sight of a sheepfold, surrounded by pebbles with a traditional farm gate at the end greeted the arrivals at the start of a new year of Kingdom Arts. The sheep were fortunately printed onto fabric!

The theme was “I am the gate for the sheep” (John chapter 10 verses 1-10), the inspiration for the morning, followed by songs and prayer.

Sue, having composed new music, skilfully added the chorus:
I am the Gate and I am the Way. Whoever enters by me will be saved.

(Editor: We hope to have a recording of this music on the site in the near future).

Later some of us chose decorative mosaic tiles to create beautiful sheepfolds, an activity much enjoyed, while others tackled making a replica of the wooden farm gate, complete with hinges and a bolt. The silent concentration was evident in several tasks.

Cards were produced using lolly sticks to create a gate on the front and a written verse inside. Nimble fingers carefully arranged the sticks and glued them in place before writing on the gate.

A new challenge of paper folding resulted in squeals of delight when the 3 D “object” christened “the chatterer” was successfully completed, followed by groans when it had to be unfolded to write on and be decorated.

A highlight was the singing lesson led by David M which inspired many of our group and the wonderful performance at the end of the morning of “You are my hiding place.” It was a most fitting end to a very good beginning for our 3rd year.

Refreshments of most delicious soup followed, made by our brave stand in Chef Jan B. [The red pepper and lentil was my favourite]. The cake was great too.

It was a joy to welcome new faces to our group and we look forward to welcoming you and your friends next month on October 10th

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For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

13th June 2017

“And suddenly from Heaven”

The morning began with “the sound like the rush of a violent wind” as, accompanied by musical percussion instruments, Alex read from Acts 2 v 1-13. This dramatic introduction was uplifting, reminding us that the Holy Spirit was among us.

The activities that followed gave opportunities to paint, write or create mobiles, windmills and chimes to blow in the wind.

The painting challenge was to depict the Holy Spirit using paints but no brushes and some of the work produced was really effective.

In creative writing, a City News was produced with thoughts and writing about the experiences of the Disciples.

The mobiles of red orange and yellow felt flames were both colourful and delicate. “They are like life, sometimes not quite balanced until all is in line”.

David New’s challenge was to make a windmill; it seemed simple but had complex design and has become homework for those keen to finish it off.

John’s instructions for assembling the copper pipes, a CD and string, wire and a button overseen by David, were followed carefully and enthusiastically, with cries for help when one pair of hands didn’t seem enough. It was a thrilling moment when they rang their chimes during the final prayer.

This month as well as tomato soup, there was an unusual chilled avocado soup accompanied by rolls, cheese, grapes and home-made cakes.

It has been a wonderful year at Kingdom Arts and we take a break until Tuesday September 12th.

Until we meet again may the power of the Holy Spirit be with you.

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For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

9th May 2017

Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias
“Cast your net to the right side of the boat”

The morning began with a reading from John 21 v 1-15 and by the end of the session “every time I looked, everyone was engrossed and focussed on fish”
The range of skill in each of the activities was wonderful.

The printed fish using oil paint and rollers to create patterns was so colourful and effective. The Hama bead designs of fish boats and the cross though fiddly, were bright images created from the reading. The sewn and stuffed fish were individually designed and took on their own characters! whilst  the clay fish were patterned and shaped with great care.

In creative writing some profound thoughts emerged.

The final display up the aisle was a glorious tribute encouraging us to think of the image of Jesus and his disciples having breakfast on the beach.

Why not come and join us and share in praise, activities and delicious soup on Tuesday June 13th before we take a summer break?

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For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

For this month’s written word, see Creative Writing.

4th April 2017

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

The April activities were designed around the Garden of Gethsemane.
We were delighted to welcome new people to our group, including visitors from Gloucester who wanted to experience what we do.

A dramatic dialogue started the morning with the Narrator and Jesus telling the events in the garden. This was based on Matthew, Chapter 26, verses 36-47.
There was singing and the promise of soup!

The textile tree of life has been completed and backed as a large hanging and was revealed as a surprise! It is magnificent and has been a wonderful collaborative effort.

The activities included woodwork making a wooden cross, with opportunities to chisel, cut and hammer a decoration! Paper lanterns were available with acetate widows to decorate a garden. The cloth labyrinth was laid out to walk upon and assist our praying; with objects along the way to enhance our thinking. What a lovely calm activity.
There were with more activities for painting or colouring words onto felt and these were used to decorate the edge of the labyrinth. Family, hope, blessings, peace, joy, love, glory, majesty were messages for new beginnings at Easter.

The last section of the large Celtic cross was completed by Clive and will be mounted for display. New “Prayerful knitting” has begun as promised last month.

The sharing at the end of the morning was enhanced by poems from the creative writing table. Karen felt that the discussion about faith at her lantern making table had enriched the morning. Our visitors who are thinking about a setting up similar group found making the cross inspiring; they will hang it to remember their morning with us.

At the end of the morning, everyone received a gift from David New – a card with a photo of his glass mosaic and his poem, “The Crown of Thorns”. Thank you to David. You will find a copy of this mosaic and poem in this month’s creative writing.

We meet again on Tuesday May 9th we will be very pleased to see you, come and join us.

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For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

For this month’s written word, see Creative Writing.