In the run up to Christmas this year we filled the roof of St Johns Church building with a rainbow of angels. This is than just decoration (although we hope it looked as impressive as the stars and flames have done in the past).
Each of the angels marked a moment from the last few years. Participants were invited to take time out to reflect while they folded. They were invited to think about the following questions
- What has happened that you want to remember?
- What is the impact on your life now?
- What do you hope for in the future?
These thoughts were simply folded into the paper. Those that wished were folded as an act of prayer, and some participants wrote and draw on them as well. Each Angel was anonymous in the crowd, but each moment was also carried up with the canopy. Each particular contribution filled the rainbow with light, Love, and colours.
As with previous canopies we have had a variety of contributions, and freestyle angels. As well as the congregation folding hundreds of Angels, we also worked with groups around Dumfries, in cafes and pubs, and online. The project is now in it’s final phase where we are collecting stories of the encounters people had with the canopy. Please get in touch to tell us yours!
[This introduction was edited as the canopy was taken down. The original wording used future tense and was an invitation to participate!]
You can download the instructions we used below the first link is a higher resolution (3Meg) file for printing. The second (marked with the x) is smaller (400kb) if you are worried about your data use.
Here is handy YouTube clip with a way to fold an Angel.
Follow the installation of the Canopy here:
- Stories of Angels
The canopy has been a collaborative effort from the start, and the project was been designed in such a way as to invite involvement by as many people as possible and in a diversity of ways. It has marked many moments, and for some people they will be very personal and private. The anonymity of … Read more - Quantum of SolaceThere is a story told of an estate owner. He managed his land by letting it out to tenants. Each one held a plot, and they had freedom to develop it as they saw fit. The story doesn’t say how much help each of them got in establishing themselves, but other stories let us assume … Read more
- Angels assembleIt’s the week before Christmas and the canopy of Angels is almost complete. I’m writing on the sunny side of the solstice having just installed many Angels made at Dumfries High School. This has been a collaborative work! We have had angles made in pubs and cafes. Angels sent in by post and online. Angles … Read more
- Canopy of Angels UpdateThis video clip has been made for the Sunday before Christmas. The canopy is almost complete – and just waits for a star to appear for Christmas day. Angels have been contributed by individuals and groups throughout Dumfries, as well as the community of St John’s. They have been folded in homes, cafes, coffee shops … Read more
- St John’s Canopies Pt.3This year, we are folding Angels. Angels are often described as messengers of God. In Nativity plays children will dress up as Angels and sing songs of good news. They will represent a message of peace and hope. For some, this will be enough. For others there is a need to think more deeply about … Read more
