Church Without Walls — Beauty & Creativity

I Love You, Lord 

I love you, Lord
And I lift my voice
To worship You
Oh, my soul rejoice!
Take joy my King
In what You hear
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear

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An artist knows that what you can see and observe
is only the beginning of our journey to discover the world.

William Blake wrote:
To see a world in a grain of sand
and heaven in a wild flower
Hold infinity in the palms of your hand
and eternity in an hour

Every work of art and poetry invites us
to see a ‘world in a grain of sand’ and ‘heaven in a wild flower.’
This perceptive exercise allows for another amazing experience.
We actually can, by truly “seeing,” experience the possibility
of opening the “eyes of our hearts.”

— Makoto Fujimura

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I pray that the eyes of your heart
may be enlightened in order that you may know
the hope to which he has called you,
the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
and his incomparably great power
for us who believe.

— Ephesians 1:18-19 —

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General questions to think about throughout the entire museum:

• What do you like? (It’s okay to say “nothing” if that’s what you feel)
• What speaks to you?  How?
• What do you see that helps you open “the eyes of your heart”?
• What feelings (if any) do these pieces evoke? Positive? Negative?

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In any of these pieces, how do you see the Four Chapter Gospel? Individual chapters, the whole story, etc.?

• Creation: Where do you see something that was lovingly made?
• Fall: Is there a piece that expresses pain or brokenness visually, maybe even better than words would?
• Restoration: Do you see any artwork that evokes forgiveness or healing?
• Redemption: Which pieces give you sense of completion, wholeness, or hope?

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At the Moon Gold exhibit:

• Read Exodus 35:31-32
• As you look at the various pieces, think about scale, color, and materials. There are some really BIG pieces, as well as some small ones.
• How do these pieces help you understand the qualities/characteristics of God? Perhaps you can think about the colors (gold & silver) or the size (the big pieces, and how you feel standing in front of them).

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At the Epic Tales of India exhibit:

• Parental Guidance: Parents, please be aware that there are some pieces with themes and depictions that might not be appropriate for your kids.
• Is there piece from this room where you see God’s truth expressed/reflected in some way?
• Note: We are not saying that all religions are the same, but because God created the world, all creation can reflect some glimpses of His Truth.

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Upstairs, at the Art of Devotion exhibit:

• Pastor Jeya will be in this area around 11:30 am — please feel free to ask her questions, look at a few pieces together, etc.

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Questions for kids (and the young at heart)!

Can you find these pieces? Where did you see them?

When you feel “found,” how does that make you feel (Think about if you’ve ever been lost, or if someone really knows you)?

Can you find a painting called Agnus Dei (“Lamb of God”)? What does the Bible say about Jesus as the Lamb of God?

Is there a piece of art that looks like you? Or, can you strike a similar pose?

Ask your parents to take you to the Visible Vaults: As you opened the drawers, what was something that surprised you? Can you draw it? Why was it fun to discover something new? In the world, what helps you discover or know God’s love more?

Are there works that remind you of Bible stories or God’s love for you?

 

For our younger children — let your kids show you what they want to see.

• What do they see that you didn’t notice as an adult?
• Ask, “What art do you like? Why? What don’t you like?”
• If you see people in the artwork ask, “What are the expressions on their faces? Happy? Sad? How does that make you feel?”
• Ask them to point out colors and shapes (but don’t touch!) and ask which ones do they like? Are there pieces they don’t like?
• Share with them which ones you like and why.
• Remind your kids that they are God’s beautiful artwork!

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Bonus! Find PJ’s favorite non-sacred piece (without running!) • Take a photo of it and show it to PJ — first person to correctly do so wins a prize! • Hint: We showed a picture of it on Sunday • If you need another hint, text PJ