I
am a person who has always adored creativity and exploring how to engage life
more intentionally, artistically and, well, thoroughly. It might be helpful in this time of your
getting to know me to learn of some things I
have done in this area and some things that I have in my brain rolodex
to at least suggest if not maybe get to do some day.
Creative Mischief Managed
Images of God – During Advent I wanted
to further explore different images of God.
Being inspired by the lectionary texts of the week I chose the Shepherd, Potter, maternal love and the
incarnation. Each week a new lantern
with a depiction of the image was up front nestled in a lean-to “stable.” With the help of the Worship Committee throughout, sermons, the liturgy and the hymns further
explored the chosen images.
Maundy Thursday – This has been an
interesting service to plan. Last year
we all sat around tables in the fellowship hall for a service that further
entered us into the story of the Last Supper.
After the scripture on foot washing we had a couple of hand washing
stations. Also, the communion itself was
shared around each table with the broken bread being brought over as a chunk
and a pitcher to be poured into each one’s glass to consume as a real meal. The service then ended with each table taking
the black cloth in the center of the table into the sanctuary where they
draped one part up front like the Bible, pulpit, baptismal font etc. This year I asked the Worship Committee what
they remembered and liked from the past.
Taking this conversation as inspiration we are going to set a Last
Supper table up front in the sanctuary with all the place settings ready. Each setting will have a symbol of a
different disciple, and somehow we will serve communion from these places. It’s still in the works but is very fun to
think about.
Adult Confirmation Classes – I don’t understand
why we teach the basics of our theology in confirmation class but not
later. While I have not done as much as
I want to, I try to teach not just Bible classes but theology classes as often
as I can. Last week’s special: the Holy
Spirit.
The A-Team – I have discovered
that it helps to have an A-Team when going to a new church. No, not the kind you think. I find it very helpful to have an Advisory
Team that helps me understand the background, systems, personalities and other
dynamics of what I am encountering. I
make sure that the members are well-versed in the culture of the church but are
not currently in any roles of influence.
This practice has proven to be invaluable many times.
The Art of a Website – In every church I’ve
served I have been a part of redesigning the website. I focus on immediate clarity for anyone
looking where to go this Sunday while maintaining regular updates of
information for members. I am now
exploring how to use one’s website as a means of outreach. For initial inspiration I am looking at St. Paul’s in Auckland, New Zealand whom I adore and only know through the internet. And to be further inspired, I found this
church through the most adorable and well done Christmas Pageant I have ever
come across.
Missionary Trading Cards – Did you know that the
offices in Louisville have postcards with photos and information for each of
our mission co-workers? It’s great. At
the end of each Time with Children a child would pick out two cards. During the Prayers of Intercession we would
read about each of the missionaries, pray for them, and then put their card up
on the bulletin board in the hallway for everyone to see. I learned so much doing that.
Kids in the Kitchen-One year we had a VBS
rotation in the kitchen. Every day we
made something like bread, cookies or snacks that we sold at the end of the day
as a fundraiser for the Heifer Project.
Fiber Arts – As one who sews and
paints and such, I have made stoles for myself and others as well as long ago
making a banner for Triennium. The banner was a
face broken into four quadrants each with a different racial designation shown
through skin tone and various features like eyes and nose. Then over top of this was netting in various
colors shaped into the Pentecost flame that supersedes all of our
self-inflicted divisions based on appearance.
Healing Elements – After doing anointing
with oil at several different healing services, I decided to also offer water
for the forehead as a remembrance of our baptisms. I also have done different liturgy every time
once focusing on reconciliation in our lives and the world using inspiration
from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa.
Remember Your Baptism – I have also used a
giant swath of diaphanous blue fabric in baptismal settings. During a baptism remembrance in a service the
entire (26 yards?) swath of fabric was pulled out from around the baptismal
font and then floated over the congregation in waves as the baptism water
washes over us. I have also used this
fabric pouring out from the font to the Christ candle to celebrate the baptism
of Christ
Puppets – In a previous church I served there was a well-established puppet ministry, and that combined with growing up watching the magic that Jim Henson and his friends did with puppets I was always intimidated to do puppetry. When there was an ant puppet and script calling, though, I discovered that I am apparently pretty good at puppetry myself. That was unexpected.
Multiple Intelligences – Along with
the Session retreat already on this page using Appreciative Inquiry, I have
also lead retreats where each activity was geared towards a different Multiple Intelligence. And yes, when given just twine and sticks, youth
can and do build a full labyrinth.
Regular Communication – I have routinely had
weekly e-mails to the congregation. There
are announcements and the calendar, but this is also the opportunity for me to
write something for the week or for the Session or other committees to share
with the congregation. I also take great
care in selecting what image to use.
Still Germinating
Corporate Inspirations
for Technology
– I was encouraged to read work by Seth Godin, and in his book Free Prize Inside he taught me how I now
really want to do technology in worship.
In the past when I have served where there has been such technology, the
screens have always been words. Many of
these words are helpful, but there are just so. many. words. What I would love to explore is to have
things that modify the words. Godin says
that in a PowerPoint presentation one should never just give the outline of the
talk but put up images that invoke the feelings or the history or the
compelling complexities of what is being discussed. What if instead of putting up the words of
the psalm we put a picture by waters (ostensibly Babylonian) and play the sounds of the gurgles of the
stream? What would happen if when
reading Paul instead of having all the words flash up just some strategic ones
flashed to help focus how to read the text?
What if while reading the Prophets there were photos of people doing the
work they keep telling us to do? What if
the screens were not the words but *about* the words and expanded the sensory
experience and meaning?
Corporate Inspirations
for Outreach
– Godin also talks in several books about how to compete in the world where one
is so easily drowned out. Instead of
advertising as has been done in the past (which you can’t win), what
do you do? As I interpret him, Godin
encourages us to find what is special and unique and play that up. So the central focus of a church wouldn’t be “loving
Christ and our neighbors” for hopefully all churches do that. Maybe the central focus of a church would be “sharing
the bread of life and bread over dinner” or “we search for Christ in each other
and in the uniqueness of you.” Maybe even “responsibly
enjoying God in playful worship every Sunday and beyond.” Dear churches, what makes you YOU? There is a thirst for the non-generic actions
and translations.
Flamingos -I have long thought
that it would be wonderful to do liturgical art out in front of a church building
with flamingos. I mean how great would a
flamingo nativity be? My dream is kind
of coming true, though, because my mother (also a minister) is going to use
flamingos in front of her church to advertise for their Easter egg hunt.
How to Greet Visitors 101 – I think there should
be maybe twice a year a class for those who are interested in how to greet
people. Instead of saying “Are you new?”
instead say “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I know you. I’m…”
Also, it is good to know who is doing what within the congregation so
that introductions can be made. I think
we get so caught up in our cliques that we just can’t see beyond them to greet
others.
Communal Arts – Can a girl get a
knitting or crocheting group up in here?
I’d love to do that. Also, I’d
love to get together to paint or go out and plein air paint. That would be great.
Dinner for Some More – I can’t even get a
church to agree to doing Dinner for 8, but I think somebody should do Dinner
for 6 and have it a requirement to have two guests at each gathering. That would be wonderful evangelism.
I
am a person who has always adored creativity and exploring how to engage life
more intentionally, artistically and, well, thoroughly. It might be helpful in this time of your
getting to know me to learn of some things I
have done in this area and some things that I have in my brain rolodex
to at least suggest if not maybe get to do some day.
Creative Mischief Managed
Images of God – During Advent I wanted
to further explore different images of God.
Being inspired by the lectionary texts of the week I chose the Shepherd, Potter, maternal love and the
incarnation. Each week a new lantern
with a depiction of the image was up front nestled in a lean-to “stable.” With the help of the Worship Committee throughout, sermons, the liturgy and the hymns further
explored the chosen images.
Maundy Thursday – This has been an
interesting service to plan. Last year
we all sat around tables in the fellowship hall for a service that further
entered us into the story of the Last Supper.
After the scripture on foot washing we had a couple of hand washing
stations. Also, the communion itself was
shared around each table with the broken bread being brought over as a chunk
and a pitcher to be poured into each one’s glass to consume as a real meal. The service then ended with each table taking
the black cloth in the center of the table into the sanctuary where they
draped one part up front like the Bible, pulpit, baptismal font etc. This year I asked the Worship Committee what
they remembered and liked from the past.
Taking this conversation as inspiration we are going to set a Last
Supper table up front in the sanctuary with all the place settings ready. Each setting will have a symbol of a
different disciple, and somehow we will serve communion from these places. It’s still in the works but is very fun to
think about.
Adult Confirmation Classes – I don’t understand
why we teach the basics of our theology in confirmation class but not
later. While I have not done as much as
I want to, I try to teach not just Bible classes but theology classes as often
as I can. Last week’s special: the Holy
Spirit.
The A-Team – I have discovered
that it helps to have an A-Team when going to a new church. No, not the kind you think. I find it very helpful to have an Advisory
Team that helps me understand the background, systems, personalities and other
dynamics of what I am encountering. I
make sure that the members are well-versed in the culture of the church but are
not currently in any roles of influence.
This practice has proven to be invaluable many times.
The Art of a Website – In every church I’ve
served I have been a part of redesigning the website. I focus on immediate clarity for anyone
looking where to go this Sunday while maintaining regular updates of
information for members. I am now
exploring how to use one’s website as a means of outreach. For initial inspiration I am looking at St. Paul’s in Auckland, New Zealand whom I adore and only know through the internet. And to be further inspired, I found this
church through the most adorable and well done Christmas Pageant I have ever
come across.
Missionary Trading Cards – Did you know that the
offices in Louisville have postcards with photos and information for each of
our mission co-workers? It’s great. At
the end of each Time with Children a child would pick out two cards. During the Prayers of Intercession we would
read about each of the missionaries, pray for them, and then put their card up
on the bulletin board in the hallway for everyone to see. I learned so much doing that.
Kids in the Kitchen-One year we had a VBS
rotation in the kitchen. Every day we
made something like bread, cookies or snacks that we sold at the end of the day
as a fundraiser for the Heifer Project.
Fiber Arts – As one who sews and
paints and such, I have made stoles for myself and others as well as long ago
making a banner for Triennium. The banner was a
face broken into four quadrants each with a different racial designation shown
through skin tone and various features like eyes and nose. Then over top of this was netting in various
colors shaped into the Pentecost flame that supersedes all of our
self-inflicted divisions based on appearance.
Healing Elements – After doing anointing
with oil at several different healing services, I decided to also offer water
for the forehead as a remembrance of our baptisms. I also have done different liturgy every time
once focusing on reconciliation in our lives and the world using inspiration
from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa.
Puppets – In a previous church I served there was a well-established puppet ministry, and that combined with growing up watching the magic that Jim Henson and his friends did with puppets I was always intimidated to do puppetry. When there was an ant puppet and script calling, though, I discovered that I am apparently pretty good at puppetry myself. That was unexpected.
Won’t you be my
neighbor?
– I know it’s already on this page, but creating a VBS program around Mister
Rogers and his teachings is one of my favorite ministerial projects ever. Also, playing dress-up during VBS was not my
idea but is brilliant – especially when doing plays. Jesus as a ninja turtle samurai with a spider
man mask wearing a beach hat? Excellent!
Multiple Intelligences – Along with the Session retreat already on this page using Appreciative Inquiry, I have also lead retreats where each activity was geared towards a different Multiple Intelligence. And yes, when given just twine and sticks, youth can and do build a full labyrinth.
Multiple Intelligences – Along with the Session retreat already on this page using Appreciative Inquiry, I have also lead retreats where each activity was geared towards a different Multiple Intelligence. And yes, when given just twine and sticks, youth can and do build a full labyrinth.
Regular Communication – I have routinely had
weekly e-mails to the congregation. There
are announcements and the calendar, but this is also the opportunity for me to
write something for the week or for the Session or other committees to share
with the congregation. I also take great
care in selecting what image to use.
Still Germinating
Corporate Inspirations
for Technology
– I was encouraged to read work by Seth Godin, and in his book Free Prize Inside he taught me how I now
really want to do technology in worship.
In the past when I have served where there has been such technology, the
screens have always been words. Many of
these words are helpful, but there are just so. many. words. What I would love to explore is to have
things that modify the words. Godin says
that in a PowerPoint presentation one should never just give the outline of the
talk but put up images that invoke the feelings or the history or the
compelling complexities of what is being discussed. What if instead of putting up the words of
the psalm we put a picture by waters (ostensibly Babylonian) and play the sounds of the gurgles of the
stream? What would happen if when
reading Paul instead of having all the words flash up just some strategic ones
flashed to help focus how to read the text?
What if while reading the Prophets there were photos of people doing the
work they keep telling us to do? What if
the screens were not the words but *about* the words and expanded the sensory
experience and meaning?
Corporate Inspirations
for Outreach
– Godin also talks in several books about how to compete in the world where one
is so easily drowned out. Instead of
advertising as has been done in the past (which you can’t win), what
do you do? As I interpret him, Godin
encourages us to find what is special and unique and play that up. So the central focus of a church wouldn’t be “loving
Christ and our neighbors” for hopefully all churches do that. Maybe the central focus of a church would be “sharing
the bread of life and bread over dinner” or “we search for Christ in each other
and in the uniqueness of you.” Maybe even “responsibly
enjoying God in playful worship every Sunday and beyond.” Dear churches, what makes you YOU? There is a thirst for the non-generic actions
and translations.
Flamingos -I have long thought
that it would be wonderful to do liturgical art out in front of a church building
with flamingos. I mean how great would a
flamingo nativity be? My dream is kind
of coming true, though, because my mother (also a minister) is going to use
flamingos in front of her church to advertise for their Easter egg hunt.
How to Greet Visitors 101 – I think there should
be maybe twice a year a class for those who are interested in how to greet
people. Instead of saying “Are you new?”
instead say “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I know you. I’m…”
Also, it is good to know who is doing what within the congregation so
that introductions can be made. I think
we get so caught up in our cliques that we just can’t see beyond them to greet
others.
Communal Arts – Can a girl get a
knitting or crocheting group up in here?
I’d love to do that. Also, I’d
love to get together to paint or go out and plein air paint. That would be great.
Dinner for Some More – I can’t even get a
church to agree to doing Dinner for 8, but I think somebody should do Dinner
for 6 and have it a requirement to have two guests at each gathering. That would be wonderful evangelism.
