Image credit: Roger Hutchison

Overview

Explore the spirituality of art and the art of spirituality.

45 minutes All Ages Art and Crafting
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Materials & Setup:

You need the selected Bible passage/s. There are some selections in the Scripture tab.

Painting the Bible is for everyone, those with no artistic leanings and those seasoned artists in our midst. Our materials are paper, acrylic paint or pastels, our hands, and the meditation of our hearts. We gather together and reflect on Bible passages in a way that intertwines the creative arts and the beauty of poetry.

Setup is key. Tables are arranged so that everyone is part of a group, not painting on their own. Supplies are shared, and the art is done in community. The end result is not the painting that is created. It is the conversation, sharing, and listening that takes place around the table. While there is grief, sadness, and loss, there is also hope. There is an opportunity for celebration as we gather together.

Instructions: 

Read the selected Bible passage/s. There are some selections in the Scripture tab. 

 

For this reflection on Living into Wholeness and Beloved Community, use Isaiah 11: 1-9 

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,

and a branch shall grow out of his roots.

The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,

the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the spirit of counsel and might,

the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,

or decide by what his ears hear;

but withrighteousness he shall judge the poor,

and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;

he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,

and with the breath of hislips he shall kill the wicked.

Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,

and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

The wolf shall live with the lamb,

the leopard shall lie down with the kid,

the calf and the lion and the fatling together,

and a little child shall lead them.

The cow and the bear shall graze,

their young shall lie down together;

and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,

and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.

They will not hurt or destroy

on all my holy mountain;

for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord

as the waters cover the sea.

 

Invite participants to hold the passage/s in worship with an invitation to move to the art table when they are moved. 

This type of painting works for all ages: children, youth, and adults. You can also combine all age groups together.

Results are to be shared with all participants. You may consider displaying the art in the meetinghouse with a brief explanation.

Credits: From Painting the Psalms, as practiced by Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church. Reproduced with permission.

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