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November 2022 Gathering

November 8th

This month we had a solemn beginning to our session, as we remembered and paid tribute to Vikki Moore RIP who had died so unexpectedly two weeks earlier, after a short illness.

Led by Alex, we prayed for David and family members and also her friends at Kingdom Arts who were saddened and shocked by her death. We had a few minutes of contemplative silence.

Alison Moore had volunteered to play for us, as we sang hymns including “Hosanna”.

Then we continued our series looking at the lives of influential Christians or “Heroes of Faith” by learning about

Archbishop Oscar Romero
from El Salvador.

The short talk from Barbara R helped us to explore the life and mission of Oscar Romero, who passionately and bravely fought for the rights of the poor and voiceless people of San Salvador and died a martyr.
This led us naturally into the exploration of the art and craft of South America, and there was plenty to choose from;

First of all were wonderful wooden crosses to be decorated with acrylic paint, so gloriously colourful.

Next was an outline of a Condor; a design to be filled with mosaic pieces, which were both intricate and delicate.

Alison Griffin taught us how to make woven plaited bracelets, using embroidery thread, a lovely activity to free our thoughts and help us to talk and work together.

For those who wished to express themselves in writing, there was the creative writing table, where there was much discussion and expressing of thoughts as ideas flowed.

The prayerful knitting was available as well as a colouring activity, both of which are very calming and meditative.

Coffee and biscuits essential to keep us going, were plentiful thank you Pam and Carolyn.

At the end of the morning there was the opportunity to share our art work, creative writing and feelings.

The home-made soup offered a choice of either, carrot and coriander, or tomato apple and celery both of which were hugely enjoyed and delicious! The cake to follow was also much enjoyed.

Our meeting next month is on December 13th starting at 10.00am with coffee from 9.30, followed by the ever-popular soup and there was a mention of mince pies!
We look forward to seeing you then.

oooooOOOOOooooo

October writing 2022

Chains   No Voice

Eyes that look
No longer seeing
Blankness stares back.
I long to reach out to touch your skin
Your life, your soul
To warm the coldness that surrounds
Bones that are weary and sore
Chained to others.
No choices, No voice, No seeing.
I see you and controlled silence supports you
Drowning in the waters of oppression
This is your food to eat
It is the water you drink.
And we are blind
We see you, yet we have not seen.

© Shefali Hollis

Chains are just rings

Chains are just rings
Linked together
Loop around a loop
Circle encircling a circle
Like hands joined and held firm in life’s dance
Around and around.
A chain of prayers will surround the earth and return
To the beginning
Empowering each of us and capturing the chains.

© Barbara Rolison

Chains

Binding us together
Chains to hold on to,
Guiding us along life’s paths.
Hold on too tight, and they start to bind us.
Family chains— recognising DNA patterns,
All through time, and our history
Spreading on into the future.
Passing on the links of family chains, on to the next generation.
Christ came to break the chains of
poverty and slavery.
Of wars and violence. Your chains.
He hung on a cross and died for
the chains inherent in society.
Where, oh where is freedom,
Can we recognise and know those destructive chains,
With His help, can they be removed.
Can we be free to be the grains of sand,
tossed in the tide, blown in the wind.
As we are tossed and blown, do we share, care and love each other,
Does His spirit set us free ?
To be open, set free, accepting
Of who and where we are.
Our chains falling off
Free to be who we are created to be,
By the Creator of all.

© Jenny English

They Knit and they Natter

Because they care
And the chains reflect
That they see and it says
You matter.
Chains of all colours, caste and creed
Reaching around the world
To all the enslaved
And crying in need
They see you, hear you and want to free you.
And so they knit and they natter
To remind themselves and others
That you are not forgotten
You matter.

© Shefali Hollis

Tunes of Change

We are all children of God
Bells are there to be rung
Ring the changes
Far and Wide
Cut the chains
That strangle and bind
Keep the chains that bind us together
In love and true action
Let the tunes be loud and clear
Throughout the whole world.

© Helen McNicholl

 

October 2022 Gathering

October 11th

“Amazing Grace How sweet thou art!”

This joyful and spiritual hymn of praise started our morning in Saint George’s church which was decorated with knitted chains, which are now on their way to the Cathedral as part of raising awareness of modern-day slavery.

There was a warm welcome to all followed by an Introduction from Alex, as we continued our series looking at the lives of influential Christians or “Heroes of Faith.”

Then Jan B unfolded the interesting, diverse and sometimes surprising story of

John Newton

 

This was extended into an insight into the slavery situation in Britain and other parts of the world with some shocking statistics and the work being undertaken to stop this. We had time to reflect and to pray. Thank you, Jan.

 

Sue explained the variety of activities for the morning: some knitting of chains, chain stitch, making of bookmarks and creative writing. The prayerful knitting was available as well as a colouring activity, which are both very calming.

The large group of knitters became most animated and inspired a poem!

The delicate chain stitching became birds and many memories were shared, whilst the designing and making of bookmarks was also popular.

The coffee and biscuits were plentiful, thank you Pam and Carolyn, and aided the creative juices!

At the end of the morning there was the opportunity to share our art work, creative writing and feelings.

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

Jan K promised us home-made soup, “parsnip and not much apple” or gazpacho, it was excellent!

oooooOOOOOooooo

The next meeting is on Tuesday November 8th with coffee from 9.30.

Please come and join us, but do check this site or our Facebook page before your journey to make sure the session is not cancelled! We look forward to seeing you.

June Writing 2022

Through the eyes of a Child

Two little fish and five small loaves
Enough for me I suppose.
And if I should to the Master give
All of these, I still would live.

What would He do with my small gift?
Not much to work with, serving the drift
Of hungry followers, looking for food
Forgotten midst their search for God.

Would He make it be more than enough
To feed this crowd? That would be tough.
And yet it feels I have no choice.
I must give it all. I hear his voice

Calling me up to give what I can.
Not an “also watched” but an “also ran”.
We know the story and how it ends.
My gift enlarged, He fed our friends.

Some leftover? Yes, some to spare.
How did He do it – this act of care?
The outcome is not mine to ask.
My giving inspired a noble task

In the hands of Him who sees it all,
And multiplies whatever is small.
The least offering we bring to the table
Is enlarged by Him for he is able.

What will my next offering be?
Or yours? To Him who on that tree
Gave all and shouted, “It is done!”
Let’s give ourselves, My dear ones, “Come!”

Ruth Campsall

Thought for Today

Jesus never fails to amaze me, how he conducts himself, how his personality draws the crowds and everyone is in awe of what he has to say.
The parables give such a strong message and give us the ability to ponder and think.
We draw our faith from Him each day.
He is our strength at all times, when things go wrong or times are good.
When Len and I married my mother said “care for each other and never let differences last a long time and keep the Lord at your side always”
When Len died suddenly 30 years ago my faith saw me through. Also, the love of my family and friends.
I feel very fortunate having four grandchildren who are very caring towards me.
My life is good, living in Worcester for 22 years with friends I have made and also happy to have a church family too. At 85 I am able to look after myself and have a walk every day in this very pleasant area.
Homenash is good as we are a little community and gather in our lounge to chat or play cards, bingo or scrabble. We often get together and enjoy food together.
My life I feel is very good.
I do say Thank You each day for the life I have.

© Pearl Capewell

 

June 2022 Gathering

June 14th

It was the last meeting of the summer and we were in the mood for a celebratory picnic!
The singing of the chorus “You’re the Author of creation” was joyous as was the rendering of one of my favourites “Be still for the presence of the Lord”

A marvellous display of miniature figures reflected in a mirror, formed the backdrop to a display representing the feeding of the 5000.

Alex introduced the retelling of the story, in a small group roleplay.
Prayers and reflection followed and Alex introduced the activities.

Lyn explained about the fish collage, Vicky the cross-stitch key rings, and Alison the modelling activity of loaves and fish to add to the models. Other activities were charcoal drawing of a still life picnic scene, prayerful knitting and creative writing.

The cross-stitch activity was delicate and beautifully completed by several of our group. It looked simple, but nimble fingers and good eyesight were essential, as well as concentration.

There was lively chatter from the collage group, who knitted or stuck fish onto a collage background of water. Tissue paper, fabrics buttons and wool were on hand. One quote from the morning was “What I enjoy is conversations and all the chat as we do the craft”

The modelling group were a little quieter but had intense discussions – including the size of fish in lake Galilee! – as they concentrated on miniature baskets, bread and fish.

The still life scene was beautifully capture by ladies who refused to be called artists.

As always, we also had the creative writing corner. You can read some of their work on the Creative Writing pages.

We gathered at the end of the morning to share our experiences; both the joys and the difficulties, and we were delighted to be joined at that point by David New.

We learned a new version of a song about 5000 hungry folk; requiring fast finger actions! Such fun. The sung blessing was shared.

Then we adjourned to the quiet garden for sandwiches, fruit, cakes and scones and cream.

We were all well fed and so said farewell until September.

oooooOOOOOooooo

The next meeting is on Tuesday September 14th with coffee from 9.30.

Please come and join us, but do check this site or our Facebook page before your journey to make sure the session is not cancelled!

May Writing 2022

Light

Light our souls to walk your path Lord
Lighten heavy burdens and pain.
Ignite candles in every dark corner
Ignite hope to conquer despair and fear.
Greet the unexpected with new light
Greet all travellers with love.
Help us to be people of light
Help the world to reflect in heavenly glory.
Take the glory of the resurrection into all hearts
Take our praise and thanks Lord.

Amen

© Helen McNicholl Kingdom Arts May 2022

Shine your light Lord.

Where does Your light shine Lord?
It shines for me:
through soft falling rain in sunlight
through giant rainbows
through a lightening flash.

It shines:
through the drifting fragrance of Hawthorn blossom
the scent of lily of the valley
the smell of ripe tomatoes on the vine
and good red wine.

It shines:
through the sound of children playing outdoors
through laughter
through water trickling into a pool bubbling over stones
through voices raised in songs of praise
through music.

It shines:
through the eyes of a loved one
through a soft touch or gentle kiss
through smiles
through a hand held in friendship.

Your light shines throughout Your world.
Lord let Your light shine through me.

© Barbara Rolison Kingdom Arts 10.05.22

Mother Teresa

Kind lady, you who did not race
I see the love in your gentle face.
Your skin, wrinkled now, like it’s paid a price
For the goodness you’ve sown throughout your life.

You’re so small but you have lived
A life so full, so very big.
Small acts of kindness now multiplied
By the love of Jesus, the One who died.

The life He gave you, you’ve lived so well
Rescuing those who, truth to tell,
Had lost all hope, had no-one to care,
Would have died alone, but you were there.

The broken hearts, the broken lives,
Sickness and poverty, part of life’s demise.
Family and friends who once stayed to care
Worn out by grief were no longer there.

But you, my dear one, stayed and stayed
Until the end, life in death displayed.
This grace you carry, this life so true
Has sustained and strengthened you.

‘Tis clear to all who care to look,
This love of God, outside the book,
Gives power and strength to overcome
The visible shame which some would shun.

And you have proved beyond all doubt,
If we but yield He will lead us out
Of our comfort zones, our easy chairs,
To lead a life as one who dares

To follow His lead. Where will we go
Trusting only Him, when we do not know
The time, the place, the cost, the pain?
This much we know…It’s not in vain!

Ruth Campsall May 2022

 

May 2022 Gathering

May 10th

We began with an introduction from Alex followed by singing “Praise is rising” which together with “He is lord” was accompanied by some of our musicians; thus, setting the scene for an active and creative morning.

Mother Theresa

Alex led us in a time of prayer and reflection, and then Jan Kear gave a fascinating talk and biography of Mother Theresa as part of our series looking at the lives of influential Christians or “Heroes of Faith.”

What a full and interesting life led by this remarkable woman! Her work in the poorest areas of Kolkata [Calcutta] was true missionary zeal.

Sue, Alex and Alison explained the activities for the morning: some Indian crafts, regular activities and the start of a project for next month’s “feeding of the five thousand”.

There was a very popular table with Rangoli patterns using glue, stencils and powder paint with glitter and also one with stamps to design a Mandala pattern, involving great concentration, meditation and care.

Then we had expert tuition from Alison who introduced Mudroc!
Figures were fashioned using strips of paper and damp strips of Mudroc, wrapped in layers around pipe cleaner figures of all shapes and sizes and postures.
Some dexterity was required and it sparked plenty of conversation. This activity will continue in June.

The prayerful knitting was available as well as a colouring activity, which are very calming.

The coffee was plentiful, thank you Pam, and aided the creative writing.

Click here to read this month’s writing > May Writing

At the end of the morning we learned the song ‘Jesus the Lord said I am the bread’, delightfully accompanied by an Appalachian dulcimer, a Shruti, an Indian drum and Indian bells.

There was the opportunity to share our art work, creative writing and feelings.

oooooOOOOOooooo

Our next meeting is planned for Tuesday June 14th from 9.30, with (fingers crossed) a picnic lunch in the quiet garden!!

Please come and join us, but do check this site or our Facebook page before your journey to make sure the session is not cancelled!