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.