Do you need to know the name of beauty to recognise it?
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Beauty
Author: Simon Lidwell
Finding Jesus in Quartz Forest Church
This post continues the theme from the last post, and builds on conversations the summer season has given time to nurture.
Some people find it easy to become aware of the presence of God in a forest. Or to feel closer to the person of Jesus by taking time out to walk in a wood. Others will prefer the structure of a liturgical church service.
Perhaps the robes worn by the priest allow them to become aware of the presence of Jesus with his disciples the night before he was betrayed. The wafers and wine become the broken body, and the tingling of life flowing to fulfil creation and connect with the present day. Repeating the pattern of words provides strength to live in a rapidly changing world. The seasonal changes of readings and collects remind them of the breadth of the Gospel story and link new theology with a heritage of bronze age stories. The sharing of common words amongst a global communion can help them tune in and feel the buzz of belonging.
On a silent retreat a lady saw a dead tree. It had been dead for decades. When she looked at it though she began to see the life supported by it. A thing that was once seen as dead now supported life in generous abundance.
People taking part in a #SensingSpirituality walk feel peace. Walking outdoors in an attitude of awareness they feel better. They are reminded of a truth which is very difficult to describe using words. It is a truth of being, and experience, rather than head knowledge or understanding.
Jesus took on human flesh becoming present in human life. He, ate, slept, wept, and laughed. The presence of God was present in a particular place, and is present in everyplace. Gathering as Forest Church helps recognise the importance and truth of experiencing the presence of Jesus in forests and parks – or on the high street. If God is broadcasting on all frequencies, then gathering together at the Crichton each month is a way to amplify the signal and witness on this particular channel.
Now we know in part, tune in on a crackling wireless to half heard signals, but one day we will hear clearly and know, as we are fully known.
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Water II
Continuing the theme of water.
23 Some went down to the sea in ships,
Psalm 107:23-31
doing business on the mighty waters;
they saw the deeds of the Lord,
his wondrous works in the deep.
For he commanded and raised the stormy wind,
which lifted up the waves of the sea.
They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths;
their courage melted away in their calamity;
they reeled and staggered like drunkards,
and were at their wits’ end.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out from their distress;
he made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Then they were glad because they had quiet,
and he brought them to their desired haven.
31 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to humankind.
New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised
Give yourself time to be aware of the vast range there is in the human experience of water. From resting beside calm pools in leafy burns to vast expanses of ocean.
Exercise your ability to wonder.
Jesus teaches that God is both creator of the cosmos, and comforter. Examine your life story so far. Where do you sense the cosmic presence of God in awesome things? Where do you sense God close with you?
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Water
It’s the summer, but just in case you are unable to take time out to stand on a bridge and watch the water, here is some light to bathe in.
There is something important about the way in which just experiencing somethings builds us up. Or simply brings a smile to our faces and a good feeling. If you fancy some more thought though, then ways in which we can use and learn from water are discussed further here (#SensingSpirituality).
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Fruit of the Spirit
While I’m working on a report about all the activity over midsummer, here is a wee glimpse of some of the other art I have been working on.
This is a set of nine illuminations described as fruit of the Spirit. Drawing them has helped me think about the presence of God. Perhaps a little like the disciples walking down the road to Emmaus. The presence is there, and experiencing it is like tasting fresh fruit on a warm and tiring day.
Following that story though, the question I have for the Church in the cultures I live in is; does the manner in which we break bread and share wine reveal the presence of Jesus in these every day experiences?
The collection of 9 illuminations is available for download via my patreon site.
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Tolling time
Some thoughts on bells
Whilst researching making an early medieval bell (to use at Caerlaverock on Saturday) I stumbled on the Latin for ‘bell’ used in Irish/Scottish texts, which is Clocca. The similarity with “clock” struck me, and I went back to working metal.
I then started wondering about ways of telling the time, as in letting everyone know what hour it was rather than measuring the length of day. In monasteries bells tolled the hour. Some buildings with bell/clock towers still provide that service. We still ‘tell’ the time with ‘clocks’ even if they don’t ring or chime as much. On a ship bells ring to change watch.
Are the watches on our phones echoing the practice of an ordered day, inherited from monastic living?
and…
In what ways can we use the marking of hours to live our lives more intentionally?
Or even to become aware of sensing the presence of the divine in our daily lives.
References to the presence and use of bells can be found in Adamnan’s “Life of Columba” It is used to summon the community so that they can pray for a king fighting a battle far off and for the crew of a ship which is in trouble sailing into what is now called Belfast lough. It marks the hours in the monastery, and the account of Columba’s last moments on earth begin with the sounding of the bell at midnight.
Even earlier is is reported that they (campana) are used to summon monks to prayer by Ferrandus writing to Eugippius, and in the writings of Benedict of Nursia. Other words for bell like objects include: Signum, campana, and glogga
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Patronage
Becoming a patron of the arts used to be the privilege of the rich. Perhaps it would be seen as a duty, perhaps an expression of power and social ambition. Sometimes simply a tax dodge, but on other occasions passionate patrons could bankrupt themselves leaving contributions they believed contributed to the good of society at large. Through various web sites, or by establishing direct relationships, the opportunity to experience becoming a patron has opened up to those who can afford the price of an extra coffee a week.
Since you are reading this, you are probably already aware of the ways in which Quartz uses artwork online. We also make physical visual arts. Most are enjoyed free at point of access. There is usually a link between the two in each project we work on.
(I’ve posted the artwork from the photo on my patreon page. I’m working on making others more useful for digital displays and printing on service sheets).
On a larger scale artists working as Quartz have developed tapestries, massive installations, walk in labyrinths – and simple cards. They are a way of acting creatively with the world we exist in, with the wider communities we are part of.
In general, this is what artists do and have always done even though the tools change from gold leaf on vellum to illuminated screens. If you’d like to contribute your creativity through Quartz please get in touch to get involved!
Another opportunity the digital age presents are new ways in which many more people can become patrons of the arts and get involved that way.
It is possible for people to like and share their preferences online. In a similar way to encourageing people to visit a gallery in person, you can now share an experience worldwide through your smartphone and friendship networks. Instead of relying on centralised funding and commercial galleries anyone with digital access has the potential to help build up virtual galleries and networks that celebrate new folk art, emerging artists, or amateurs creating for the love of it.
Have you ever looked round social media platforms, Etsy, Patreon, or small high street galleries specifically to discover ways you can nurture artists?
Learning to do so online is a discipline – fight the algorithms which consume your attention! You can use your likes, comments, and subscriptions to shape the online world.
You can find my Patreon page by following this link
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Good country Index
Here is a curiosity to reflect on today. This is a league table ranking countries by what they contribute globally relative to their size.
You can read the definition of good which is used, how the rankings are calculated and view a breakdown into categories of contribution.
https://www.goodcountry.org/index/about-the-index/
Can you imagine a world where our elected leaders competed for our support based on their ability to organise contributions to science and technology beyond our borders?
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Free and Equal
Vicky Beeching is a former Christian music star and a popular religious commentator and media personality. She has emerged as a leading voice for Christian acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. In 2014, she came out in an interview with a national UK newspaper.
“No one should have to choose between their religious faith and their gay, lesbian or bisexual orientation. We are all God’s children, created to love and be loved.
Vicky Beeching, 2014
She is calling religious leaders, and particularly Christians, back to its roots in love.
https://www.unfe.org/vicky-beeching-calls-religion-back-roots-love/
You can read more on the United Nations “Free and Equal” campaign website.
More than a third of the world’s countries criminalize consensual, loving same-sex relationships, entrenching prejudice and putting millions of people at risk of blackmail, arrest and imprisonment. Many countries force transgender people to undergo medical treatment, sterilization or meet other onerous preconditions before they can obtain legal recognition of their gender identity. Intersex children are often subjected to unnecessary surgery, causing physical and psychological pain and suffering. In many cases, a lack of adequate legal protections combined with hostile public attitudes leads to widespread discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people – including workers being fired from jobs, students bullied and expelled from schools, and patients denied essential healthcare.
UN Free and Equal webpage
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Human Rights Campaign
This organisation is based in the USA, and their primary focus is understandably on where they live. The shared heritage between the UK and USA means that a lot of it is relevant however.
Tools for equality and inclusion.
Our goal at the Human Rights Campaign is to ensure that every LGBTQ+ person is free to live their life openly, with their equal rights ensured. We know that goal requires that we keep educating, supporting and inspiring ourselves and each other. In the spirit of that continual growth, we’ve compiled information and advice on a range of topics, including resources from the HRC Foundation.
They have published a quick report on faith positions in the USA to LGBTQ+
(Episcopal in this context means American Episcopal)
Political change might be slow, but it does happen. If you are a minority changes which are significant to you might take place without the general population even knowing. Up until the 1980’s in Scotland not only were same sex relationship not protected by the rule of law, some couples would be criminalised by it. Since then things have changed.
However this timeline (again from the USA) charts a story of real fears of what a hostile government might do in a short space of time.