As we approach the Christmas season, chaos permeates the “Peace on Earth” we so earnestly desire. Most critical are the devastating world events that seem so hopeless: heart-breaking events that impact the lives of people just like us. Closer to home, the season often stirs up emotions related to personal grief and other losses, both recent and distant. Once again, Chor … [Read more...] about Chor Leoni – Lighting up the Season
Marion Van Driel
Marion Van Driel delights in her roles as a wife, mother and grandmother; her soul is fed by both composing and composting. Music, words, form and colour are ingredients on which she thrives. She considers her garden a gift where family and friends gather to visit, heal, reflect and celebrate. Called as writer, artist, worship leader, gardener and (sometimes reluctant) follower of Christ, she bears evidence of God’s abundant grace without which she’d be someone else entirely.
Thank You. I’m Sorry. Tell Me More by Rod Wilson, a book review
As human beings we are susceptible to self-centered attitudes, defensiveness and entitlement. Conflict is inevitable in our relationships, whether at home, at work, in our friendships, in politics or in our faith community. Written not just for the Christian community, this book makes a thoughtful Christmas gift for anyone. As human beings we are susceptible to … [Read more...] about Thank You. I’m Sorry. Tell Me More by Rod Wilson, a book review
Beauty, art and the Kingdom, part 6 Beauty, art and justice
“Beauty will save the world” – Fyodor Dostoyevsky Beautiful wounds Beauty, art and justice. When the world considers beauty, rarely do wounds enter the picture. Christians, however, consider the wounds of Christ to be beautiful; they make us painfully aware of our need for healing. We ache with joy and gratitude when we consider the beauty of Christ’s wounds on our … [Read more...] about Beauty, art and the Kingdom, part 6 Beauty, art and justice
Beauty, art and the Kingdom Part 5: The dangers of art making in church
Art is a task like building bridges and fixing meals; it takes intelligence, sensitivity to needs, and specialized knowledge. (Calvin Seerveld) In his book For the Beauty of the Church, David O. Taylor asserts that merely adding art to our worship services is not the point. Art that serves the church must be good art, and serve the purposes of the church. And that, Taylor … [Read more...] about Beauty, art and the Kingdom Part 5: The dangers of art making in church
Beauty art and the kingdom, part 4 the artist
The artist uncovers possibilities we may never discover on our own. They offer us glimpses of reality, of hope, and help us in our longing for deeper connections with God, with ourselves, and with the world. They are prophets and priests for the masses in the beauty of art in the kingdom. Calling of the artist In her essay The Artist: what exactly is an artist and how do … [Read more...] about Beauty art and the kingdom, part 4 the artist