St. Louis, Missouri
2020
To enrich the worship life of the congregation by bringing a variety of art forms together in monthly feast services that reflect the beauty and truth of the Triune God.
Provide a brief summary of the purpose and goal of your grant.
In a desire to reflect the beauty of our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, we have developed a series of liturgical services called “Feast Services” that weave together visual arts, music, devotional practices, and sermon writing to create aesthetically rich worship experiences. These services are intended to be a “foretaste of the feast to come”, serving as a catalyst for exploring the theology of beauty and the potential of worship to foster connections with the community.
What are two questions that have generated reflection on worship and helped shape your project?
Two questions we have explored as a congregation are: “What is the theology of beauty?” and “How can the arts deepen our relationship with God by fostering an ever-expanding understanding of the breadth and depth of the beauty and goodness of our Creator?”
What impact has your project had on the worship life and habits of the congregation?
The feast services have been something of an oasis of beauty in the midst of a strange and isolating year. It has felt more important now than ever to focus on the grace we receive everyday, in the mundane and the extraordinary, through the gift of beauty.
What have been your greatest challenges (or challenging opportunities)?
The greatest challenges have been navigating how to safely bring our congregation together for worship in this time, provide opportunities for digital engagement for those unable to gather, and create musically and artistically edifying worship experiences within the parameters of safe public health practices.
What would you like to share with other Project Directors?
Artists and musicians want to share their skills and work with communities of people, but often need an invitation into those spaces. Bringing artists and musicians into your worship is a wonderful way to invite others into relationship with the church of God.