Wellness

As many of you are, I'm at a point in my life that there is so much I'd like to fit into a day! I know that I can conquer what I'm called to do with peace (not frantic anxiety) if I take care of myself by eatting well, exercising and finding daily quiet time with God. One of the little things I do is to eat an apple for my morning snack.  Beyond an apple a day, my friend Kathy is loaded with great ideas for getting through your day with optimal wellness.  For years I've watched her grow in her faith, maintain a solid marriage, and parent her four children (one with special needs) by His grace...and eating well and exercise.  She's taken her passions and is sharing her experiences at Wellness Roadtrip.  If you strive for encouragement on how to "fit it all in" in a day, you will absolutely enjoy her perspective. 

Lent Art Station #8-Jesus is risen!

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women the women bowed down their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! (Luke 24:2-6)

Do you look for Jesus among the living? Do you expect him to be active in the world and in the church? Look for signs of his power—they are all around you.

Lent Art Station #7-Jesus cares for His mother

And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. (John 19:25-27)

Who is your family? Our families are precious gifts from God, and we should value and care for them under all circumstances. What can you do to show your love to your family?

Lent Art Journey Station #6-Jesus is nailed to the cross

When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:35-37, 45-46)

Jesus raised his voice to God with words from Psalm 22. When we feel the sting of rejection we too must keep in mind the hope and victory that God promises us.

Lent Art Journey Station 5-Jesus is stripped of His garments

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it." This was to fulfill what the scripture says, "They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots." And that is what the soldiers did. (John 19:23-25a)

A prayer suggested by the writings of St. Augustine

Father, we pray on behalf of those

who cannot reach out to you at this moment.

Protect those who are facing adversity.

Strengthen those who need courage.

Keep watch over those who weep.

Tend the sick, give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering.

Dear Lord, let the victims of cruelty and oppression

know that you are with them at this moment. Amen.

Lent Art Journey Station 4-Jesus Speaks to the Women

A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us'; and to the hills, 'Cover us.' For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" (Luke 23:27-31)

The tears of the women were nothing compared with what was to come. How can we assist in giving life to all, developing individual natures and encouraging each person’s inner strength? May the Lord grant us freedom from our selfish concerns and let us join with our sisters and brothers in a partnership of living.

Lent Art Journey Station 3-Simon Helps Carry the Cross

They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha, which means the place of the skull. (Mark 15:21-22)

Jesus always welcomed the help of very ordinary people.  And yet we remember that he said to take up our own cross and follow him. He said something about becoming a servant of all, of putting ourselves last and others first.  Is this what it means to be a servant?  Is this man from Cyrene modeling for us the path of discipleship? How can we be useful to our Lord?

Lent Art Journey Station 2-Jesus Accepts His Cross

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"  They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head.  After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. (Matthew 27:27-31)

Contemplating the suffering which is unbearable to us, and is unbearable to others, too, can produce awake mind, which arises from the compassion that wishes to free all living beings from suffering. (Dalai Lama.) 

Lent Art Journey Station 1-Pilate Condemns Jesus to Die

Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus said, "You say so." But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer.Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?" But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. . . .So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." . . . and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. (Matt 27:11-14, 24, 26b)

We find it easy to condemn the moral cowardice of Pilate. Have you ever given into pressure from others to take the easy path rather than the right path?

This is the first piece in a Lent series. Read about the series here.

World Day of Prayer

"In Christ There Are Many Members, Yet One Body" is the message that is constant each year at the World Day of Prayer worship service. I had an opportunity to attend my local worship service on Friday. I look forward to these ecumenical community wide services each year that provide focus on areas of the world that I'm usually not familiar with. This year the focus was on Papua New Guinea and it allowed us to learn about the strength of women and their many needs. The Old Testament focus was the story of Moses being resuced as a baby...women coming together from different cultures and different levels in society to work together for a common goal.

Beyond the message I always look forward to worshiping in the sancutary of the church that this service was held at this year. The space was designed with all the senses in mind. It is circular, has multicolored stained glass surrounding half of the spacewhich is a visual feast. The other part of the circle is surrounded with bas relief scultpure. You can't actually touch it but you can easily image what it would feel like. But, my favorite aspect is the baptismal font that has running water in it that you can hear throughout the service. A gentle reminder of living water and the sacrament that is so near and dear to our faith.

Lenten Art Journey

One of my favorite volunteer activities is curating the Gallery at my home congregation, Westminster Presbyterian Church. It's a wonderful challenge to seek out local artists that are willing to share their work. The goal is to encourage artists, individuals, and the congregation to engage the visual arts with the spiritual life of the church.  I'm thankful that this congregation values the significance of visual imagery in spiritual formation and the development of faith. The exhibits change monthly and I've put myself out there this month by sharing a series of Lenten art quilts (they're like small worship banners) from my own studio.  Each piece is accompanied by scripture and a prayer, a thought provoking quote or a life application question. Beginning next week I'll be posting each piece on this blog--several each week.  I hope that they will enhance your Lenten journey.

Tomorrow is Donut Day!

I grew up celebrating German Fastnaught Day. The tradition of eating donuts the day before Lent began stems from the need to use up fat, eggs and dairy products before the fasting and abstinence of the Christian season of Lent and the desire to have one final "sweet treat" before that period begins. Today I live in a different hometown and the bakeries alternatively promote this day as the Polish Paczki Day. I cherish times of preparation such as Lent but I must admit that my sweet tooth looks forward to traditions such as donut day...no matter which country of orgin it is connected with.  I'm off to the bakery to stock up for tomorrow so I can relive my childhood and recall the story of this tradition with my children.  Hope you'll join me!

Preparing for Lent

While preparing for Lent, personally and by outfitting clients new and old with purple stoles, I came across this thought...

“The spiritual goal of Lent is to admit our need for Lent.” Donna E. Schaper, Breathing New Life into Lent.

Something to think about.

Preparing for Lent

I'm preparing a "Lenten Art Journey" for my home church's art gallery.  Therefore I've pulled out some favorite readings for Lent and discovered some new ones.  

Seven Lasting Words, by Christopner Seitz is an old favorite. The vingettes are simple and clear yet powerful inspiration during Lent. The wood carving illustrations by Helen Firth are the perfect accompaniment.

A new read for me is The New Stations of the Cross by Megan McKenna. Mckenna suggests that if a church has no stations then stations that represent symbols of the Lent to Easter story can be used.  These might include: collections baskets for food for the poor, clothing items, green cards, barbed wire, stones, collages of faces, crosses with names, candles, banners of color. She subscribes to using less than more to make the statement of the symbol.

If your church does not have permanent stations what have you done that has proven meaningful to enhance the season?

BINGO!

Looking for a fun way to open the eyes of the young (and young at heart) in your worship space? Play sanctuary BINGO!

Make a bingo sheet with drawings, photos, or descriptive words of shapes and symbols that you see in your church worship space. During a non worship time...such as education hour or a special family social/event hand out the bingo sheets with a marking tool. Instruct the participants to walk around as individuals (like stealth spies) and when they find something that matches the sheet they can cross it off. Decide whether "bingo" is one row or the whole sheet (we call this black out).When someone gets "bingo" they can shout it out...but the game continues until time is called. Designate a spot the participants are to meet at when they've completed their game board--this will help you know when everyone is done.

When time is called, gather everyone together and discuss what they found. Discuss the meanings of the symbols that might not be obvious.

We've used this as a warm up prior to working with children to design worship banners. The kids often love being able to walk freely around their worship space...including areas that don't usually walk in such as a chancel or behind a pulpit. This is a good time to introduce the word reverence if it's not in their vocabulary (like when you're telling them not to RUN while playing the game). The children become more visually aware of the how and why to worship spaces and often can educate adults about shapes and symbols we take for granted.

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.

Merry Christmas!

The studio closes at noon today and we're grateful for the busy season that it has been for us but we are also looking forward to a week's respite with family and friends. What gets me through this jam packed season that is really supposed to be about expectant waiting and preparation is a new book of meditations I treat myself to each year, all the delicous sugary treats, and laughing at commercial advertisements for "the season". Here were a few commercial slogans that gave me a chuckle this year:

• Let’s make Christmas! (how could we "make it" better than it's already been made?)


• You can give them Christmas (for a jewelry store)


• A million reasons to Believe (for a department store)

Merry Christmas to you and yours. We look forward to the next year of helping you celebrate the visual with stoles and worship banners from our studio.

Greeting Cards

It's the season to receive an influx of Chrismas cards. Many of those with religous art images will be reproductions of Renaissance paintings. Paintings from this time period were produced for churches, for the home, or for people to travel with and show others to inspire or help others contemplate a scene in hopes that they would draw closer to the meaning of the life of Christ. The symbolism is extensive in these paintings. A wonderful article is found here if you'd like to learn more about decoding specific symbols such as why Joseph is often portrayed as an old man, why we don't see more paintings that include a cave, and what the order of the wisemen and how they are standing might mean. I love the idea of the Renaissance notion that the art can be a teaching tool or open the door for conversation with a friend. This isn't so foreign an idea for us today. We sometimes just need reminders that there is a vast amount of people that respond to the visual. Enjoy your Christmas cards and consider setting them in obviously places for others to see or saving the artwork to use at a later "teachable moment".

Looking for a Christmas Craft?

Here's an idea based on an old favorite activity...

Create a "Chain of Blessings" that will decorate your christmas tree: using colorful slips of construction paper, have each family member or church member write down blessings that they have enjoyed throughout the year; attach the slips together to make a paper garland of blessing around the christmas tree.

If you've like to go the extra mile and create a chain that can be enjoyed and added to for many year you can make it out of fabric and write your blessings with a fabric maker. Here is a tutorial.

Chains like this are great because they can be made by all ages, can be a great "team" project, and the repetative activity can actually be soothing and calming cause us to sit and pause during what is supposed to be a reflective season. Have fun!

And the winner is....

Drum roll please...G.S. from Virginia is today's winner of 50% off a stole from our website! He is a longtime client of our studio and enjoys officaiting at weddings. An interesting fact regarding his ministry is that he says the official blessing for the participants at his local breat cancer awareness walk in the fall.

Thanks to all that participated with such interesting comments, nuggets of history, and insight as to why we celebrate Christmas in December!

Keep checking the Carrot Top Studio blog--you never know when the next contest or special offer will be.

First Ever Christmas Trivia Contest!

The Holy Family, Giorgione, probably 1500, National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

This past Sunday I ushered in Advent by worshiping at a church that is not my home church. I was there to hear a candidacy sermon and observe the congregation calling a new associate pastor. It was joy filled and if you have time to pause and listen to the 11/30 sermon you may do so here.

Digesting the sermon prompted the topic of Carrot Top Studio's first ever trivia contest. Comment on the trivia question on this blog post and you will be entered to win a 50% off coupon for any stole on our website excluding the Haiti stole series (because we don't want to take away from the profits that go to this mission). The coupon may be used anytime in the next six month. If you don't need a stole and you win the 50% off coupon you may let us know that you are gifting the certificate to someone that might enjoy it. If you're not a "blogger" emails us at jenny.gallo@CarrotTopStudio.com and we'll make the entry for you.

What's the trivia question? .... Why do we celebrate Christmas in December?

All commenters will be entered to win and one name will be drawn to be the winner.Contest closes at midnight, December 7, EST. Winner will be notified on 12/8/08.

We're Reading...

Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas compliled by Plough Publishing House. It contains a meditation for each day of the Advent season and is easy to pick up and put down as time allows. The complided authors include Bonhoeffer, Eliot, Lewis, and Yancey among many other wise sages.

Senses of the Soul: Art and the Visual in Christian Worship, by William Dyrness is really making me think. It combines historical fact with contemporary research adn observations. It seems like it will be a great springboard for discussion in churches seeking to begin, expand, be more sensitive to including the visual in Christian worship.

Happy Thanksgiving

Perfect for today, The Doxology... as we celebrate the American holiday Thanksgiving...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him, all creatures here below;

Praise him above, ye heavenly host:

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Christ the King Sunday

Tomorrow is the last Sunday of Ordinary Time and we will celebrate Christ the King. It is a day to celebrate and remember Christ's kingship over all creation, as well as a time to remind us that all mankind should follow Christ. What did it mean for him to be a king? Jesus led with acts of kindness, peacefulness, and service--to all. He was a great listener. He did not hold up cultural standards to judge others. May we try with earnest to follow by his lead.

Count Down to Advent

I look forward to times of preparation. I've never been one that was able to rush into something so making a list for a large family meal like Thanksgiving, the nine months of pregnancy or the seasons of Advent and Lent are times that I look forward to and cherish. During Advent and Lent I usually chose a book to work my way through. These are typically very busy times in my professional cycle at Carrot Top Studio so having a book seems to ground me into a routine of quiet thoughtfulness and focus. God With Us edited by Greg Pennoyer and Gregory Wolfe has been sitting on my desk for a month. I've read the intro pages and can hardly keep from peeking ahead. It focuses on "Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas" through daily meditations, scripture, historical references, and fine art from many different ages. If this lovely text sounds just right for you and you can't get your hands on it you can subscribe to receive the daily meditations at the rediscovering website hosted hosted by the editors.

The Circle

For many years I've heard about an exciting ministry in my hometown that uses a dynamic blend of music and drama in their worship services. It was joyful to finally have the opportunity to worship with the Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community in Pittsburgh, PA last Sunday. They desire to be a bridge to Jesus Christ by participating in communion, welcoming all into community, listening and having compassion, growing in faith and sharing Christ’s story with the community in this area of Pittsburgh, the surrounding neighborhoods, and the world. The worship ended with Communion served as we exited to go to an outside patio. All worshipers exited, received the elements and then stood in a huge circle to pray and receive a benediction. How fitting it was to stand in a circle for this sacrament. I love the symbolism of a circle: unity, God's neverending love, the Church universal, completeness. Additionally we chose to place this ancient symbol in our new mini-banner that focuses on the story of the hemorrhaging woman as recorded in Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8: 43-47. The circle is this artwork is to remind us of the committment of our whole selves to God. I'm thankful for the spiritual nourishment of present day experiences like taking Communion but also remain thankful for being able to learn from stories from the past like the couragous women of the gospels.

The Church Door

I appreciate great craftsmanship and making a house of worship special....God certainly deserves special in my mind! I'm intrigued by church doors as symbols of hospitality and a signal to those that enter of what lies ahead as they enter a worship space. For example, I'm intrigued by color, so I often find myself smiling as I drive past a row of churches in my community that all have red doors. Red can be warm and inviting, calling out to welcome a stranger or new comer. To a Christian these red doors also remind us of the Holy Spirit, alive within us and the church community within the doors. Last weekend I had an opportunity to visit the Duke University and my first stop was to see the Chapel--a grand, gothic building I have heard so much about and a faith community that I occassionaly enjoy listening to their worship services recorded online. This is one of the doors that leads to the Duke Chapel. The iron work is so unique and special I felt like the door was crying out "come in and discover what dwells within." Is your church door welcoming, intriguing, and full of Spirit? Beyond this I wonder today how we can be like a church door. Do people see us and our actions and wonder what it is that is special? Are we paving the way with welcome and hospitality for those that have not entered into a relationship with Christ to find out more? Today I set out to be a door. May God use me.

All Saints Day

Halloween and trick-or-treating provide for a very "sweet" holiday but this Sunday many churches will celebrate the even sweeter All Saints Day. Here is artist Wassily Kandinsky's (1886 – 1944), the father of abstract art, interprutation of "All Saints Day"--

Some historians believe this special day has been in existence since the year 270. This is an opportunity to honor all saints of the church even those not yet named and many include this to also celebrate unity within the entire church. We recall men and women of the Bible like Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Deborah, Ruth, David, Elijah, Peter, and Paul (among others), and thank God for their examples. Many congregations also memorialize those parishioners who were called to be with the Lord in recent years, particularly in the last year. Finally and most importantly, on this day we glorify God not just for the faithfulness of the saints, but for His faithfulness to the saints. Celebrate by gathering with friends and family at a special meal and discuss atttributes of saints you strive for, light candles in cemetaries, toll bells in your church buildings and celebrate in prayer in worship.

Let There Be Light!

My hometown of Pittsburgh, PA is celebrating it's 250th birthday this year. Throughout the year we are getting to celebrate in many different ways. Currently we are celebrating the transformational quaility of light as a reminder that Pittsburgh has also been transformational throughout history. Under the direction of Lucette de Rugy of Artlumiere, international designers have transformed building facades into stunning works of art. Pictured here is the Cathedral of Learning of the campus of the University of Pittsburgh. Additionally, numerous Houses of Worship are lighted in subtle ways, under the direction of Adam Koe Leong, to showcase architectural detail and stained glass best seen at night. Pittsburgh recognizes the importance that faith and worship has played in its history.

Last night I had the opportunity to witness several of these buildings. They were absolutely stunning! As my daughter reacted dramatically to the effect it led me to think of times in worship that the experience had been enhanced with unique lighting. I remember an Easter sunrise service, an Advent Taize service lit by candelight, and a Lenten Tenebrae service. We try to remember the senses outside of auditory when planning worship...such as the visual which typically means stoles, paraments and banners, or the sense of smell with incense or a fresh baked loaf of bread for Communion. How does the use of light come into play when we plan a worship service? Bright light, no light, directed light, diffused light, lights that change, natural light, colored light....so many options...thanks be to God for light!

Harvest Thanksgivings

I must confess I love fall! Among other things it's the colors, the smell of the air, and the sight of the leaves swirling down from the tree branches. This change of seasons is very energizing to my creative soul. For example, since May I have been trying to support our local economy and eat healthier by buying all of my family's produce at the farmer's market. We've discovered that artichokes can be grown in Pennsylvania if it rains at the right time, that brussel sprouts grow on a stalk, and we're currently eating varieties of apples that we'd never even heard of before. This has been a fun endeavor that has expanded my cooking reportorie, opened up our palates to new tastes, and has made me very thankful for those that dig the earth, plant the seed, and lovingly nurture the produce that ends up on our tables. I've supported this experience by slurging on a new cookbook, In Season, by Sarah Raven. It's of course not about liturgical seasons, but celebrates the seasons of the earth.....so, for example, if you stumble upon something like a quince and have no idea what to do with it you can use this book as a reference and it will give you several practical recipes that use quinces.

It's rare that I can separate my personal life from my life in the studio because my studio life is very much a part of who I am. All the wonderful fall produce at the farmers market and the upcoming American time of Thanksgiving found us creating a new harvest stole design. It's a bargain on ebay this week and in the future you can find it here on our website.

I'm signing off to go celebrate the harvest and this God's great creation by making cauliflower soup from the largest, most magnificent looking head of cauliflower I've ever seen before.

Art for Lectionary Text

One of the lectionary text's this week is Matthew 22:15-22...the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

What an interesting text given the economic state of the United States and the upcoming presidential election here. I look forward to hearing messages from the pulpit this coming Sunday.

Contemporary Texas artist, James B. Janknegt has a uniquely refreshing style of retelling Biblical stories in his art. I particularly enjoy how he intertwines contemporary issues and instances to emphasize how the Bible never stops applying to our lives. The work featured here is titled Rich Fool. The artist's explanation is offered here. I suggest you also look at the work and think about:

• what do you see?
• what title would you give this work?
• what might be the purpose of this art?
• do you recognize any images?
• what kind of movement does the art suggest (speed, frenzy, rhythm, stillness, etc.)?
• what does the color remind you of, or what feeling does it give?

It's always exciting to discover contemporary Christian artists and I encourage you to take a break from your daily routine and explore this artist's website.

Ordinary Time

Ordinary Time is a lengthy celebration in the Church Year calendar. Don't let it become...well, too ordinary! This is the time when we study and grow based upon what the Bible teaches. This should be an extraordinary time! What are some ways you can celebrate life and hope?

• ...families can be encouraged to use this relaxed time of year to learn the ritual of keeping the Sabbath. As we enter the often hectic Advent and Christmas seasons this day of rest will bring all the more rejuvination and focus.

...encourage an attitude of gratitude. Find specific ways to show God's love. For example, in our neck of the woods the leaves are dropping from the trees and it's easy to find people that need extra helping hands with yard clean up.

...think of ways to be peace makers...with your congregation, your small group Bible study, or a family could make a banner of peace that expresses your ideas and will be a visual reminder of working towards fulfilling them.

...go green....green is the liturgical color for Ordinary Time to help us focus on this time of growth. Ministry leaders wear green during this season but, we can also celebrate the green of creation by learning to take care of our world in better ways. Recycling our office paper and unused worship bulletins, using earth friendly products like paper instead of styrafoam coffee cups, and cleaning supplies without chemicals are easy things that many of us do at home that can easily translate to our church facilities.

Confirmation Stole Kits

Confirmation Stole Curriculum Kits now avaialable!

Soooo....you're preparing for confirmation but wishing you had something unique to add to the experience. Another funny skit, a mud wrestling competition, or a sing along with banjos are just not what you had in mind. What you need is a hands on actitivty that would be personal to each student and allow you to incorporate it into worship so the entire church congregation can help celebrate and embrace the committment the students are making. Our kit leads you step by step through a detailed project that can take 1-3 hours depending upon which actitivities you chose for your group. For example, you will be guided in what supplies to gather to incorporating spiritual gifts inventories, to why leadership wears a stole in worship, and the actual creation of each youth's stole. Read more about it and learn how to order here!

New Resurrection Stole Design

We love it when clients share ideas for new products with us! Recently a client shared his personal story of why the Resurrection bird (the hummingbird) had a special meaning to him due to his unique relationship with the foster care of several special children born HIV positive. The pictured Resurrection stole is the result of his story. It is full of symbolism that would apply to many in ministry. It is white to represent the purity of Christ. The spring flowers remind us of rebirth and the lilies for purity and the Resurrection (because of it's rebirth from a seemingly lifeless bulb). Hummingbirds are the crowning glory as a reference to their legend as resurrection birds: they seem to die and be reborn on another day. You can read a New York Times article regarding the hummingbird here.

Ministry leaders know best what they can't find in the commercial market. We love to be able to fill the gap with our handcrafted stoles. We welcome you to share your ideas with us at jenny.gallo@CarrotTopStudio.com.

Praying in Color

I saw the book title Praying in Color and quickly suspected it would be something I would enjoy. I've been doodling and finding respite in simple line drawings since I was a child (that was many moons ago!) Author Sybil MacBeth is not an artist but she has realized the power of the doodle drawing during prayer time as a means of focus, a method or relaxation, and a tool to help one draw closer to God in the intimacy of prayer. MacBeth's thoughts and suggestions will of course be appealing to people that are visual but I also think they'd be a welcome reprieve for people that haven't doodled since elementary school. Beyond using her techniques personally this book is a great find for those that lead children, youth groups or those that have a difficult time saying prayers out loud in a community setting. If you find this intriguing you will certainly enjoy learning more at the website Praying in Color.

In the News

It was intriguing to stumble upon this photo in my alumni newsletter from the College of Arts and Artchitecture at Penn State University. The accompanying article explained that architecture students placed these blocks around campus so the public would have the chance to make their voices heard on public policy issues during Constitution Day. Containers of chalk near the blocks encouraged passers-by to share their views by writing on the blocks. Reportedly the response was tremendous. Writing is good--people might write what they're not willing to say, people might read what they're not willing to listen to, and by using this medium everyone has an equal entry point in sharing their thoughts. How can this idea be translated to our faith communities? It might be something as simple as a wall with a large piece of butcher block paper attached to it with a subject or piece of scripture at the top for people to respond to. Or, repsponses or even prayers could be written down and then incorporated into a worship banner created out of paper or fabric. The writer's block is an idea that worked because it was simple, non threatening and little bit different. We should be able to apply this concept to our sharing, growing together and respecting each other in our churches too.

A Funny

From the newspaper 9-14-08....

(click to enlarge image)

You never know where the phrase "Carrot Top" will be used next!

New Worship Banners

Where does a pastor, worship team or Carrot Top Studio come up with an idea for worship banners? The possibilities are endless! You might consider a liturgical season like Advent, a special occassion such as a wedding, or a visual interpretation of a piece of scripture. Our latest banners (seen at left) are actually an expansion of the church logo and their motto..."Gathered by His love for us -- Scattered by our love for Him!" We took the logo and created two images (instead of the existing one) and surrounded the images by the arch shape which echoed the sanctuary architecture. The predominant red was chosen as the traditional represention of the Holy Spirit. This was a great collaboration between a worship team that had a vision for a special Sunday that would include an ordination and the team at our studio.

Rituals and Family Traditions

It’s back to school time in my house. Even though my children are teenagers we continue to have the rituals of a new hair cut, something special to wear the first day of school, and a trip to the office supply store to gather the prescribed new notebooks and mechanical pencils. Another family tradition my children remain especially fond of is requesting that cookies be coming out of the oven as they walk in the door from their first day back to school. It can’t be a bag of their favorite store bought sandwich cookie or even a homemade cookie that was baked on a prior occasion and frozen for convenience (I am quite the freezer queen!) I believe it’s the act of the cookie that is coming directly from the oven that is symbolic of the warmth and security that they need to feel at the end of a day that is ushering them into a change in their norm. I must admit I love fulfilling this request but, it also makes me think about how important ritual and family traditions are and how this overlaps into the rhythm of the rituals in our Christian lives. These established procedures and routines also bring us comfort within the Church year. Gertrud Mueller Nelson writes that “Through rites we raise what is happening to us to a level of conscious awareness and in doing so we actively seek to be transformed.” Nelson wrote one of my favorite books on ritual and family tradition: To Dance With God.It has been available for several decades but its message and ideas are timeless. Pick up a copy to use within your own home, in your larger community or for a friend that needs encouragement that family ritual and celebrating the rhythm of the year is a wonderful connection to each other and the life of Christ. All of this thinking about celebrating has spilled over into Carrot Top Studio so we’ve added a “Colors of the Church year” stole to our collection. See it here!

I must leave you now...I think there is one cookie left...and I’m claiming it!

Olympic Banners

The Olympic closing ceremony in Bejing included wonderful, dramatic banners. They were hung from guide wires and draped across the central space to direct our focus to the action. At Carrot Top Studio this makes us wonder how many different ways a worship banner could be hung. Each worship sapce is special and unique and we should think beyond just hanging a banner against a wall!

The Lectionary Text--in Art

This week's text from Matthew 16:13-20 says, When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

Artists have been depciting Peter and the stories that surround Peter for many generations.

This tempera painting of Peter is by Marco Zoppo who painted it in the 1400's and it hangs in the US National Gallery.

This work is by Jan Richardson and you can read more about her interpretation at The Painted Prayerbook.

When you look at these pieces of art and think about the Word you might also ponder:

• what title would you give the art?
• what feeling do the colors give you?
• what does the artist want you to think/feel about what is in the artwork?
• what does this art mean to you?

We respond to art in personal ways. These two very different works can both serve a purpose in relating to the lectionary text this week. How wonderful that have such a wealth of art to respond to.