Encouraging visual arts in the life of the Episcopal Church
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ECVA is a community of artists, arts supporters, art historians and theologians acting in support of our common life in the Episcopal Church. It encourages local artists and visual arts communities, assists churches in integrating the visual arts into their worship space and liturgy, develops forums to explore the theology of visual art, and creates a heightened awareness of the spiritual role of the visual arts in an individual's life and in the life of the church.
posted by ECVA | 1:32 PM
2 Comments:
Good Shepherd, Dunedin, FL, uses an Advent wreath on a stand as a focal point by the Altar during Advent services. A special reading and lighting of the candle(s) is done by by two parishioners. Usually there is an attempt to draw a representation of the parish through the people chosen, i.e children, family, elderly and singles.
The greening of the church always happens on the Sunday prior to Christmas Eve. Fresh greens are used and poinsettias, two Christmas tree shapes are created on the walls at the Nave end wall and the opposing Sanctuary wall. On the nave tree Chrismon ornaments, made by parishioners, are hung. Two small creches are set up, one in the Narthex and one in the Nave.
There has not been a tradition of using the visual arts during this season. However, I created a ribbon banner, at the behest of the Rector, that is set up by the Advent wreath. It is in the colors of purple, lavendar and pale lavendar. Hanging among the ribbons are gold cords on which are tied small white painted wood disks. Parishioners were able to write Advent prayers on the discs the Sunday before Advent 1 before they were incorporated into the banner.
Come Lent new prayers on disks will be hung from black cords and incorporated in the banner.
This ribbon banner sounds very interesting, and with my mind's eye I see it as very pretty as well. It seems like it could be adapted for all festivals, or is it something for only penitential Advent and Lent due to the color of the ribbons? Do you have a picture by any chance? This is a really neat idea, and a meaningful visual representation of prayer. I would love to see it. If you have a photo and are willing to share, I could provide an e-mail address to which it could be sent for posting here. I looked up your church on-line hoping there would be a photo. No photo of the ribbon banner, but what a lovely "seaside" church. It is just beautiful. Thanks much.
PS The other nave decorations sound great, too.
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