Going to Church

What do you remember about your youth? I remember times of awkwardness, times of embracing challenges that adults might have thought impossible because I didn't know fear, falling in love, and last but not least always going to church. Going to church is what we did--no question about it. Our family has done it for generations--no question about it. I was thinking about our youth director this morning. I know he's preparing for a confirmation retreat this weekend. Today I pray especially for parents of young children and youth and their spiritual leaders. May parents be encouraged to include their children in worship so it is only natural for the children to continue worshiping and become members of their faith communities as they grow into teens. Worship is work but it can be joyful work for an entire family if it becomes ritual and routine. Now I'll put my soapbox aside and let you enjoy the image below from one of my favorite American artists.

Going to Church, William H. Johnson, 1940-41, Smithsonian American Art Museum

William H. Johnson painted rural scenes inspired in part by his memories of growing up in South Carolina. This family of four rides on an oxcart toward a distant hill, where three crosses mark their physical destination as well as their spiritual home on Calvary.

Church and Steeler's Football

I love my hometown of Pittsburgh. Currently it's hard not to get swept up in Steeler's Nation excitement even though I'm not a native nor am I a huge professional football fan. Someone suggested the studio might enjoy making Steelers' stoles for pastors to wear this Sunday. I'm sure I could sell at least one, but we chose to keep worship of God....just that, and nothing else. The closest we ever came to breaking this was for a pastor that ministers in a college town with two schools that have a huge rivalry. We created the stole in this photo for him. The Sunday prior to "the big game" he walked into worship wearing both school's colors. When it was time to delivery the sermon he approached the pulpit and reversed the stole to the other side that delivered the message of peace. I wasn't worshiping with this congregation on that Sunday but I did appreciate this pastor's desire to connect to his congregation with his sense of humor yet in the end try to bring them around to focus on the Lord. Carrot Top Studio enjoys a challenge and we look forward to the next "unique" commission!

Simple Can Be Great

This is a great example of a banner that is just a solid color and what a wonderful statement it can make. We spied this banner at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Center. The simplicty works well because there is much else happening visually. Churches with worship spaces that are visually "busy" might consider keeping their injections of color and textiles very simple. Color can be a statement within itself. Upcoming solemn, somber, penitential Lent is a great example of a time when this might work well....think solid, deep, dark purple!

Intriguing Video

Into Great Silence was the most intriguing film I watched while enjoying some downtime during the Christmas season. I've always been curious about monestaries and the lifestyle that surrounds them. Watching this film totally immerses you into the daily life in this simply beautiful setting and the daily life of the monks. One of the conditions of the creation of the film was that no additional voiceovers or background music would be added. I understand the request but I think it is also an artistic benefit allowing the viewer to be totally absorbed. Viewing this community that is totally committed to serving the Lord made me step back and look a little closer at my life. "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) is a piece of scripture that I am often drawn to....probably because it takes a lot of work for me to be still. Watching Into Great Silence affirms that I could work a little harder in 2009 on this 'skill'! If you haven't seen this film I recommend you find a venue, go in with an open mind, and enjoy the art.

Epiphany

Epiphany comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, which is translated both as "coming" and as "manifestation" or "appearing." While Christmas celebrates Christ's coming in the Incarnation event, Epiphany celebrates manifestation--the ways in which the Incarnation is revealed to us. Today we celebrate Christ's identity being revealed to the world with the visit and adoration from the Magi and Jesus' first miracle at the wedding at Cana. Today may we have a glimmer of understanding of the hugeness of this revealed mystery of Christ.

Celebrating Ephiphany Sunday

Didn't get enough of "We Three Kings" in worship today? Watch this video that combines the song with images by artists throughout the ages.