Cary, North Carolina
2020
To promote a more meaningful encounter with God's word in the text and in worshipers' lives by engaging diverse artistic experiences of scripture in worship.
Provide a brief summary of the purpose and goal of your grant.
The purpose of our grant is to find meaning in scripture through artistic expression. Because we notice space for a fuller expression of scripture in worship, we hope to implement a project that cultivates creativity and increases opportunities for diverse artistic experiences of scripture in order to promote a more meaningful encounter with God’s word in the text and in our lives.
What are two questions that have generated reflection on worship and helped shape your project?
- How can our artistic expressions enhance the worship experience of the congregation?
- How can expressing and experiencing art deepen our experience of scripture?
What impact has your project had on the worship life and habits of the congregation?
During the Covid19 pandemic it has been difficult to gauge the impact of our project. Other than the brief EvenPsalm outdoor services, an outdoor Easter service, and outdoor advent service, our congregation has not met face-to-face during our project and it is not yet clear how the Zoom sessions with artists have made an impact. Small groups of session participants performed dramatic readings during advent. The dramatic readings helped to make the passages come alive for the congregation.
What have been your greatest challenges (or challenging opportunities)?
Our greatest challenge was offering the learning sessions virtually during the pandemic. The lack of in-person gatherings made the gatherings less than ideal. Determining how to integrate the artistic learning experiences into worship will be a challenge. With the pottery learnings sessions, the challenging opportunity will be how to use the bowl during worship services to deepen the worship/scripture experience.
What would you like to share with other Project Directors?
Bringing in outside artists is a freeing experience. The perspectives and knowledge from experts outside your congregation can open you up to more possibilities. We have found that using meeting times of an existing groups (Sunday School sessions) for learning sessions is beneficial. Having to meet virtually has helped us to realize that continuing with virtual worship after we begin to meet in person again will give the opportunity for worship participation to those unable to meet in person.