Summer Arts Encounter – Imaging God in the 21st Century

Saturday 20th June, 10 am to 5pm

A day together to encourage creative people in the Body of Christ, enabling and supporting the people of God to carry His gifts to the world.

We believe in a creative, creator God. If we have received creative gifts from Him, how do we use them? Is there a set formula, or are there lots of ways God works through us creatively?

“Imaging God in the 21st Century” was a chance to:

  • share ideas and experiences with a creative body of Christians
  • explore what God is doing among us with diverse arts and opportunities to worship
  • stretch imagination and faith with inspiring stories and involving workshops

The day included physical theatre, music, visual art and storytelling, as well as times of reflection and meditation. Now the community which met is sharing at monthly “Treehouse” meetings organised by Geoff Hall, and reflecting on our Facebook page.

This mosaic is made entirely from pictures taken on the day. [The original image is a Creative Commons licensed photo by Mugley of a sculpture of Christ at St Peter's Eastern Hill, Melbourne. The mosaic was composed on the afternoon of the conference by Bern Leckie using AndreaMosaic software.]

Click for a MUCH closer look! Or right click here and save to download the full 14 Mb image.

Audio will uploaded shortly for most of the events below.

Programme

10.30am Reflection – Geoff Hall with a Creation meditation on Genesis 1, and improvisational music by James Bragg.

11am Physical Theatre – David Stevens and Greg Champion. Choreographed by Judith Jarvis.

11.20am Janice Russell – talk on Matisse and Jazz, accompanied on piano by Colin Smith.  Exploring a jazz aesthetic in our artistry.

12pm Mark Roques – Storytelling/performance. People who made a difference in the world, through their faith.

Your stories – time to share your experiences and pray for each other

1pm Lunchtime concert with David Mowat. Small talk on jazz spirituality.

2pm Geoff Hall – Reflection and meditation with Music (1 John). Imaging Jesus to others.

2.30pm David McLaughlin (Architect) – making a church fit for purpose. A short talk on making a building fit the contemporary vision.

2.40pm Geoff Hall and David Friesen – jazz spirituality and music. An improvisation of Amazing Grace.  You mention Jazz and spirituality and people go on about Buddhism, Monk and Coltrane.  BUT, what about God?  Did God ever free-form or improvise?  Was God ever playful?

3pm Bern Leckie – How God can use you in the commercial world. How do we stay God-centred and creative in a challenging work environment, and how can we support each other in the process?  Discussion and time for prayer.

Followed by tea.

4pm DAVID FRIESEN IN CONCERT (Free for daytime participants, separate tickets available for others)