AiR Project

Introducing Ives Salbert, our very first "Artist in Residence" at Truro! Ives has moved into the Gunnell House and is going to be working with a new Arts committee (TBD name, TBD roles, TBD members, TBD everything...) to figure out his ministry purpose at Truro. I'm trying to add some photos of his work here, but its not happening.

Anyway, here is our original proposal:

Project AiR

Purpose

This project is an experiment in engaging the artistic community at the beginning and the middle of the creative process through an Artist in Residence (AiR) Program. In his talk at the Faith and Leadership conference, Jeremy Begbie, theologian and musician, explains the link between the creative process and the importance of receiving theology through the arts, “art shows us the possibilities of transformation…how things could be in the world.”

The hope is that this project would create a safe space for people to ask questions about their faith.  We would continue to deepen the approach started with Genesis Arts Camp, and would be furthering the artistic endeavors Truro Anglican has already established through the art gallery and the Spring Arts Festival. We are proposing an AiR approach over other options, because of the value of incorporating an artist into daily ministry and our everyday conversations. This project would also build our relationships with the artistic community so that eventually we might be able to have space in Old Town Fairfax which would be an outlet for seeker friendly activities such as Alpha, young adults, and possibly the Five.

Short term plan

Immediate goal: To convert the (secret room) of the Gunnell House into an artist studio. We are proposing a move in date of October 15.

Short Term goal: To submit a funding application for the Artist in Residence position through the Outreach office.

Responsibilities of the Artist in Residence

• Create art.
• Beautiful and spiritually provocative artwork that could be displayed here on campus.
• Invite other artists in the community into the studio space for conversation.
• Host small events, ie. "coffee talks" about the arts that the artist in residence hosts.
• To work with Kirsten in furthering the Arts program at Truro.
• To engage in conversations with all areas of ministry.

Ives Salbert

Personal Statement:

I feel very passionate about teaching art because I love helping people find their own unique form of self-expression. Teaching art allows me to open up an engaging and personal dialogue about life and spirituality. My goal as an artist and educator is to bring life-giving beauty into the world.

PS - big thanks to Megan Walnut for helping to make this move happen! 

Christmas is Your Favorite Time of the Year

Sacred Carol Sing

Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 7:00pm – 8:00pm, Historic Chapel of Truro Anglican Church

Join us for the annual Sacred Carol Sing on Sunday, December 2^nd at 7:00 pm, in Truro Anglican’s Historic Chapel.  Jazz singer Juanita Williams and saxophonist Matt Rogers will provide special music. The Carol Sing is a fun, relaxed evening where the attendees pick what carols they want to sing.  Reception to follow, so bring a friend!

Musical Preview....  

Prelude:          Matt Rogers 6:40-7pm

                        1 Juanita song – Christmas is my Favorite Time of the Year

......... time goes by and things happen...... 

7:35pm:           Caroling 

7:50pm:           Juanita Solo – Mary Did you Know?

 check out a great article on Juanita here. 

I Sing a Song of the Saints of God

I sing a song of the saints of God, 
patient and brave and true, 
who toiled and fought and lived and died 
for the Lord they loved and knew. And one was a doctor, and one was a queen, 

and one was a shepherdess on the green; 
they were all of them saints of God, and I mean, 
God helping, to be one too. 

They loved their Lord so dear, so dear, 
and his love made them strong; 
and they followed the right for Jesus' sake 
the whole of their good lives long. And one was a soldier, and one was a priest, 

and one was slain by a fierce wild beast;
and there's not any reason, no, not the least, 
why I shouldn't be one too. 

They lived not only in ages past; 
there are hundreds of thousands still. 
The world is bright with the joyous saints 

who love to do Jesus' will. 
You can meet them in school, on the street, in the store, 
in church, by the sea, in the house next door; 
they are saints of God, whether rich or poor, 
and I mean to be one too.

"I Sing a Song of the Saints of God" 

Text: Lesbia Scott 

Music: John H. Hopkins, GRAND ISLE 

You can listen to a congregational version on YouTube. in case you've forgotten what it sounds like! 

Have you heard this hymn sung at Truro before? Probably on All Saint's Sunday, which would be this Sunday, November 4, 2012. All Saints Sunday is usually the Sunday after  All Saints Day on November 1. (Thanks Wikipedia, for this info on All Saints)

I like this hymn, despite its slightly cheesy words! The melody is fun, and you know what - you can meet saints at all the places the hymn talks about! I think its especially fitting for a Baptism Sunday as we  practice one of the sacraments that links us together as saints in heaven and on earth.

(Thanks again Wikipedia) I found this hymn also made the Anglican Desert Island Hymn list of 2003  . 

And yes, one of my favorite memories will always be the staff chapel when our current youth ministry staff was first introduced to this piece. I think they were laughing so hard they were crying :)

Advent already? Hope springs...

I'm looking ahead to Advent and Christmas, trying to make good decisions for the various events and services. Came across this poem today.

#254
Hope” is the thing with feathers—
That perches in the soul—
And sings the tune without the words—
And never stops—at all—

And sweetest—in the Gale—is heard—
And sore must be the storm—
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm—

I’ve heard it in the chillest land—
And on the strangest Sea—
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb—of Me.

Emily Dickenson

What does this description of hope mean to your life? 

My favorite line is "And sings the tune without the words-"
May God keep singing His tune in our hearts, even if we don't know the words.

Steward your Ship

Stewardship Sunday is this week! Great article in the TFN by my friend Jeannie about stewardship. Not to steal her thunder or give away the TFN, but I love her closing line "I try to keep it simple. I put my faith in Him to guide me."

And yes, we are singing "Halle Halle Halle" as we bring in our stewardship gifts. Also on the docket is a fair amount of Chris Tomlin (I don't know why... it just worked out that way) plus a new song for the morning services "Jesus Messiah" by Mr. Tomlin. You can listen to a YouTube here! 

Plus the choir is singing this BEAUTIFUL little hymn called "Lord, Thou Hast Told Us." Two weeks ago in rehearsal it was like a magic music moment - where all the beautiful phrasing, dynamics and emotion came together. Making music is such a Holy Spirit inspired event. I love that the presence of God can come through even music not specifically written to Jesus.

See you Sunday!!

Creative Paradox update

This is such a great blog on visual art and specifically painting, from our friends at Creative Paradox. Read all about it!

kick it to God with a drum beat, yo.

Worship Blog. I've been wanting to start one to keep folks updated on the worship & arts happenings at Truro. I asked my friend to help me come up with a title. Here were some of his suggestions:

"kick it to God with a drum beat, yo"

"more electric guitar for God"

"Praise Rocks"

"Shofar, So Far"