News (page)

Drum Workshop (Oct 2017)

A group of beginners unleashed on a variety of drums of all shapes and sizes.

The video ‘Drums 2’ shows clearly it wasn’t just the drums that are all shapes and sizes. The rather splendid profile shown is my good self. Perhaps my wife’s criticisms of my fitness and diet are more justified than I thought! – Editor

Click on the links below to play the three very short videos.

Drums 1

Drums 2

Drums 3

October 2017 Writing

Bread

God said
I give you every seed bearing plant
And it was good
Different colours and shapes
Like all human kind
Pounded and milled for us to face life
Mixed with the water of God
Risen with the yeast of the Holy Spirit
Shaped with the love of Jesus
To become our life bread
Lifted high and blessed
Ready to share
May all be fed
To bring us nearer to God
And faith in life eternal.

Helen


I am the Bread of Life

Broken for us,
Restored, Renewed, Revived
Everyone welcomed
Alive in God’s hands
Dying you destroyed our death and in rising you restored our life.

Alex


October Gathering

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).


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

Christmas Tree Festival

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.

 

September 2017 Gathering

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


For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

June Gathering

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.


For this month’s pictures, see the Gallery

May 2017 Writing

Fisher of Men

The sight of Jesus alone as day breaks, watching the water.
Pale barley colours streak the grey sky line.
The sound of sea nibbling at the shore.
The smell of wood smoke, the flicker of spiralling flames,
A boat bumping in the waves.
Fishermen surprise in their voices greet you, as Peter splashing through the sea rushes to touch you.
At your instruction the net is cast rightly, soon teeming with the threshing and struggling fish of every kind and dragged to the shore.
All sharing the bread and fish not knowing that later they will call your name in many lands and voices,
Shout your praise
Cast the net wide again and share bread and wine with mankind.

Barbara Rolison
May 2017


Breakfast on the shore of the lake 

No fish and
A thin mist on the shore.

On the lake, a boat,
Rocking gently
Where tired bodies longed for bed.

When suddenly,
Through the mist,
A distant voice –
“Cast the net once more.”
Wow! The perfect catch!
Where did all that come from?

Alerted by the spectacle
Their eyes espied a fire,
Piercing the drifting mist.

Peter,
Waiting for no one,
Grabbed his cloak,
Plunged into the sea
And struck out for the shore.

Not like Moses,
Tip-toeing his way:
Peter believed –
It is the Lord!
His heart reached out for the great embrace!

The great I am
Is on our shore
To feed and guide and love us all.

David New
2017