Louis Carreon: Dear Aspen

Louis Carreon has been showing paintings in Aspen Colorado. 'Dear Aspen' is an exhibition of works that highlight our primal instinct to connect with nature and our best friends, the animals. These images pay homage to mother nature and the infinite universe and God as creator. 

As well as exhibiting, Carreon also had a fireside artist dialogue at the Mollie Aspen. He says that, for him, "as an artist it’s important for people to hear my story and connect with me as a human share stories with language and color". He has been looking forward to showing this body of work that fits aesthetically and culturally in his introduction to Aspen and its people. 

I was pleased to be able to write an introduction to the exhibition, which continues at M.S. Rau in Aspen.

Click here to read my Artlyst interview with Louis Carreon.

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Rafael Krux - Angelic Choir.

St Andrew's Wickford: Autumn art and heritage displays

 

Our autumn exhibition at St Andrew's Wickford focuses on children and nature. An archive display from Basildon Heritage has photographs of Wickford's children through the ages. Paintings by members of the Runwell Art Club feature animals, children and nature, while Nicola Ravenscroft’s mudcub sculptures are of children intimately connected to the earth – reminding us of our duty of care to life, to love, to planet Earth.

mudcubs… touching earth, bringing peace
5 September – 31 December 2022
St Andrew’s Church, 11 London Road, Wickford, Essex SS12 0AN

Nicola Ravenscroft’s mudcubs are children intimately connected to the earth – reminding us of our duty of care to life, to love, to planet Earth.

This exhibition is complemented by a heritage display on Wickford’s children from Basildon Heritage (Web: http://www.basildonheritage.org.uk/) from 18 September – 22 October (followed by a display on Wickford’s shops) and an exhibition by members of Runwell Art Club (https://community.saa.co.uk/art-clubs/runwell-art-club/) featuring animals, children and nature. All their works are for sale.

St Andrew’s Church is usually open: Saturdays from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm; Sundays from 9.30 am to 12.00 noon; Mondays from 1.30 to 3.45 pm; Tuesdays from 1.00 to 4.30 pm; Wednesdays from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon; and Fridays from 10.00 am to 1.30 pm.

See http://wickfordandrunwellparish.org.uk/whats-on.html for fuller information.

Nicola Ravenscroft’s mudcubs are children intimately connected to the earth – reminding us of our duty of care to life, to love, to planet Earth.

Children pay attention to the world finding wonder in it. A child’s journey from the front of the house to the back will ‘be full of pauses, circling, touching and picking up in order to smell, shake, taste, rub, and scrape’, ‘every object along the path will be a new discovery’ because ‘the child treats the situation with the open curiosity and attention that it deserves’ (Sister Corita Kent). That is why the children are our future and can lead the way into a better future. This is also why Jesus said a child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

. . mudcubs . . are Earth’s messenger-angels: they silently call us to live in PEACE .. with nature and with each other.

Previously exhibited at St Martin-in-the-Fields, St John’s Cambridge, HSBC global headquarters Canary Wharf, Churchill College Cambridge, Cambridge University Faculty of Education and coming to us from the Talos Art Gallery’s ‘Natural Elements’ exhibition where they spent three months outdoors standing guard at the base of an old tree, these are sculptures to touch and feel and cherish. Nicola says: “Earth’s children are life’s heartbeat: they are her hope, her future ... they are breath of Earth herself. Creative, inquisitive and trusting, children are Earth’s possibility thinkers. They seek out, and flourish in fellowship, in ‘oneness’, and being naturally open-hearted, and wide-eyed hungry for mystery, delight and wonder, they embrace diversity with the dignity of difference.”

Nicola Ravenscroft is a British sculptor and songwriter whose sculpture has a lifegiving presence and a peaceful stillness. A graduate of Camberwell School of Art, London, UK she has owned and run a sculpture gallery and, as an art teacher, has nurtured many young people into celebrating their inherent creativity and thinking beyond the walls. Her sculpture installation With the Heart of a Child was part of a project exploring what the arts in transdisciplinary learning spaces can contribute to primary education. Nicola has been commissioned to create the Westminster National bronze memorial, honouring the sacrifice of NHS and careworkers on the covid front line.

Web: https://nicolaravenscroft.com / https://nicolaravenscroft.com/mudcubs/.

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Raphael Ravenscroft - '... and a little child shall lead ...'

Runwell Art Club exhibition

Today we have set up the second of three exhibitions in St Andrew's Wickford (11 London Road, Wickford, Essex SS12 0AN) this autumn. This exhibition is by the Runwell Art Club and features animals, children and nature, as a complement to Nicola Ravenscroft's mubcub sculptures. The third exhibition will be a heritage display on Wickford’s children by Basildon Heritage from 18 September – 22 October (followed by a display on Wickford’s shops).

We are holding an Opening Event for the autumn exhibitions at St Andrew's Wickford on Friday 16 September at 7.00 pm. The exhibition’s Opening Event is part of our new programme of regular Friday night arts and performance events called 'Unveiled' which will include concerts, exhibitions, open mic nights, performances, talks and more! Those coming will also be able to see the hidden painting at St Andrew's; 'Descent from the Cross' by the acclaimed artist David Folley. The Opening Event will include an illustrated talk ‘Controversy and conversation: Art and churches’ on the hidden painting and other controversial works of art found in churches. All are welcome.

St Andrew’s Church is usually open: Saturdays from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm; Sundays from 9.30 am to 12.00 noon; Mondays from 1.30 to 3.45 pm; Tuesdays from 1.00 to 4.30 pm; Wednesdays from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon; and Fridays from 10.00 am to 1.30 pm. See http://wickfordandrunwellparish.org.uk/whats-on.html for fuller information.

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Whitney Houston - Greatest Love Of All.

Living God's Future Now - w/c 31 January 2021

HeartEdge events this week - Church leaders, laypeople and enquirers welcome. Together we will seek to renew the broad church and develop the part that we all play in God's mission in 2021.

Lent Books: Discussion and Readings - Monday, February 1, 2021 at 6 PM UTC – 7:15 PM UTC. A live discussion with host Mark Oakley, joined by authors: Stephen Cherry 'Thy Will be Done', Hannah Steele 'Living His Story', Sheila Upjohn 'The Way of Julian Norwich', and Samuel Wells 'A Cross in the Heart of God’. Livestreamed link here - https://www.facebook.com/events/420618378988391.

Animals and the Church: Preaching in the Age of Factory Farming - Tuesday 2 February, 10:30 AM in Eastern Time (US and Canada) / 3.30 pm GMT. Register here - https://duke.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R0DhJ5TtSfW7TM6_I1OJvw. A conversation with Ellen Davis and Sam Wells. The conversation will run for roughly 30 minutes and will include a Q&A time. The event is free and open to faculty, students, clergy, and interested lay people. Registration is required but free.

Sermon Preparation Workshop - Tuesday 2 February, 16:30 (GMT), livestreamed the HeartEdge Facebook page here - https://www.facebook.com/theHeartEdge. Discussion of preaching plus the lectionary readings for the forthcoming Sunday, with Sam Wells and Sally Hitchiner.

Community of Practitioners workshop - Wednesday 3 February, 16:30 (GMT), Zoom meeting. Email Jonathan Evens at jonathan.evens@smitf.org to register. A gathering for church leaders, lay and ordained, with opportunities for reflection on experience and theology.

Highlight...

Art and Social Action was a workshop in which four artists shared a variety of different artworks which explore social issues. The workshops considered how churches and others can use art to start conversations, reframe narratives and lead to change. The examples viewed were moving and the practical takeaways were empowering. Watch here - https://www.facebook.com/theHeartEdge/videos/?ref=page_internal.

See www.heartedge.org to join HeartEdge and for more information.

Over the next few months we are looking at everything from growing online congregations, rethinking enterprise and community action to doing diversity, deepening spirituality and responding to social need.

Are we missing something? Be in touch about your ideas for development and change.

Please note that invitations will be sent 24hrs, 12hrs, 1hr and 10 mins before an event, mostly to minimise the chance of misuse. Thank you.

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Roxanna Panufnik - Three Paths To Peace.

Carols for the Animals

On Thursday at St Stephen Walbrook we hosted International Animal Rescue, recently made Charity of the Year by Justgiving, for their second service of Carols for the Animals with us.

The service included: the BATFA award winning actor and active supporter of animal charities, Peter Egan; Voxcetera, who formed in 2009 establishing themselves as a thriving chamber choir; the Massive Violins, seven cellists who play and sing their own arrangements of rock and pop classics with a bit of folk and classical music thrown in; Caroline Curtis Dolby, Chairwoman of the Fundraising Committee of International Animal Rescue; and Alan Knight, CEO of International Animal Rescue.

I shared the following reflection and prayers based on material from ASWA, James Jones and Glenn Pease:

In his birth Jesus is traditionally identified with the animal kingdom. Mary probably made it to Bethlehem riding on a donkey. Jesus was born in a space meant for the shelter of animals. He was laid in a manger meant for the feeding of animals. The first sounds he heard could well have been the sounds of animals. He was first announced to the shepherds whose whole life revolved around the care, feeding, and protection of animals. The Magi made their journey to worship Him on animals likely to have been camels. This means that “The birth of Jesus isn’t just about humans but about all of God’s creation.” (Michael Bourgeois)

The birth of Jesus and his being laid in a manger is actually a signal that the new world to come will be characterised by a very different relationship between humanity and the animal kingdom. The cradling of the Provider of Providence in a manger was a symbol that he is the One who feeds all creatures, both animal and human, and so echoes the song of Psalm 104 that ‘all creatures look to God to give them food in due season.’ As a result, our common calling is to praise our Creator WITH all creation and, as a result, all that we do now with the animal world should reflect the values of God’s coming Kingdom.

The manger is found in Bethlehem, a word meaning ‘House of Bread’, thus magnifying the symbol that God is the Provider of food for all his creatures. And the holiness of this animal’s feeding trough is magnified even further by yet another dimension. The Body of Christ is taken from his mother’s breast and then laid to rest in the manger for others to come and adore him. The Body of Christ is elevated there for all to come and worship; and to feed on him by faith and with thanksgiving. That which was designed and made to feed the animals is sanctified as it cradles the One ‘through whom and for whom all things have come into being’. The manger becomes the altar, the meeting point between God and his creatures.

For those, O Lord, the humble beasts, that bear with us the burden and heat of day, and offer their guileless lives for the well-being of humankind; and for the wild creatures, whom Thou hast made wise, strong, and beautiful, we supplicate for them Thy great tenderness of heart, for Thou hast promised to save both man and beast, and great is Thy loving kindness, O Master, Saviour of the world. Amen. (St. Basil the Great)

Almighty God, maker of all living things, in whose Fatherly wisdom we trust and depend, we remember with joy and gratitude, all your creatures, whose beauty and diversity enriches our lives beyond measure. We ask your forgiveness for the many ways in which animals are abused and exploited, through both ignorance and greed and we confess before You our part in their suffering, acknowledging the times we have remained silent, lacking the courage to speak out in their defence.
Help us, O Lord, as we endeavour to live in harmony with all Your creatures, leaving only the footprints of true discipleship upon this earth when we leave and not the deep scars of greed and exploitation. Encourage and inspire each one of us to be remembered for our simplicity of heart and generosity of spirit and for our ’oneness’ with all creation. Amen.

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The Massive Violins - All I Want For Christmas.

International Animal Rescue - winners of the JustGiving ‘Charity of the Year’ award

Many congratulations to International Animal Rescue who have won the JustGiving ‘Charity of the Year’ award.

You can join International Animal Rescue in a celebration for all the animals at Christmas. Traditional carols, music from the fabulous Massive Violins, mulled wine and mince pies plus readings by special guests including actor Peter Egan - will all make for a wonderful Christmas evening. Set in St Stephen Walbrook, one of Sir Christopher Wren's most stunning churches, the evening is a chance to celebrate Christmas and the animal kingdom. Sing your heart out this Christmas whilst raising money for the work of International Animal Rescue which rescues animals from cruelty and suffering around the world.

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Little Donkey.

Carols for the Animals

Last night we hosted International Animal Rescue at St Stephen Walbrook in a celebration for all the animals this Christmas. The service featured traditional carols, the Choir of St Stephen Walbrook, mulled wine and minced pies plus readings by special guest Peter Egan (Downton Abbey). All of which made for a wonderful Christmas evening.

All the proceeds went to support the animal rescue projects of International Animal Rescue and the evening included a special presentation from Alan Knight OBE, Chief Executive of International Animal Rescue, on the orangutans in Borneo and the current forest fires emergency.

Here is the introduction, reflection and prayer that I shared as part of the service:

Welcome to St Stephen Walbrook for this special service of Carols for the Animals. I’ve been asked to begin by telling you a little about this wonderful building in which we meet and then to reflect briefly on our theme of carolling for the animals.

For over a thousand years a place of worship has stood on this site. Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, the present church, is the fourth to have stood here. At the time of its building the great dome was unique in England and it was from this church that Wren developed his plans for St Paul’s Cathedral. Many distinguished men of letters and of the arts have graced the life of this place and been buried here. They include John Dunstable the composer, Sir John Vanburgh dramatist and architect and Rev’d Robert Stuart de Courcey Laffan, who with Baron Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympic Games in 1890. Dr Chad Varah was for over 50 years the rector of St Stephen Walbrook and, among his many legacies, was the founding of Samaritans, the charity which exists that fewer people die by suicide.

Following on from the major social outreach programme involved in founding Samaritans, Chad Varah and the congregation wanted this iconic Wren building to express a theology of how they saw the gospel in relation to the world around them. That meant that the 17th century placing of the altar away from the people with the priest standing with his back to the congregation no longer expressed what they felt to be the immanent nature of the God they worshipped and served. Thus Henry Moore conceived this centrally placed altar made of travertine marble cut from the very quarry which provided the marble for Michelangelo’s work. In this way St Stephen’s was designed for people to gather as a community around the altar where God could be found at the centre. As you can see, Moore’s altar is surrounded with dazzling kneelers by the artist Patrick Heron. The opportunity for twentieth century artists and craftsmen to adorn the interior of St Stephen Walbrook came initially as a result of bomb damage in the Second World War, with that reordering being completed in the early 1980s.

All this is relevant to tonight’s Carol Service because what Christians celebrate at Christmas is God come to be with us in the person of Jesus, the babe born at Bethlehem. In Jesus, God moved into our neighbourhood, entered our world, and came to be with us by becoming one of us. That is what is symbolised by our central altar and is the reason why Jesus was called Emmanuel, which means God is with us.

The gospel according to Luke tells us that Jesus came to be with animals as well as humans. The new born Jesus was laid in a manger, which is a feeding trough for animals. So, we must imagine that there were certainly animals nearby! Jesus' first bed was an indicator of His nature and purpose. Rather than coming to earth amidst fanfare and in plush surroundings, the King of Creation and God's own Son was born among animals, with his very first visitors being lowly shepherds (caretakers of animals) from the fields.

That Jesus was born among animals is both a sign of his humility and also of his connectedness with God’s creation. Christians believe that the birth of Jesus begins a new world, a world of peace and love, a world which unites heaven and earth, a world which reflects the kind of world God originally intended; that is a world in which humans and animals live together harmoniously. So, in Isaiah we read words which it would be worth contemplating throughout this service: "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." (Isaiah 11:6-9)

A short poem by Ralph Hodgson says that:

'Twould ring the bells of Heaven
The wildest peal for years,
If Parson lost his senses
And people came to theirs,
And he and they together
Knelt down with angry prayers
For tamed and shabby tigers
And dancing dogs and bears,
And wretched, blind pit ponies,
And little hunted hares. 

Following the injunction we are given in that poem, let us pray …

God our Heavenly Father, maker of all living creatures,

You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land.

You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters.

Give us the grace to see all animals as gifts from You

and to treat them with respect for they are Your creation.

We pray for all animals who are suffering as a result of our neglect.

May all be happy. May all be without disease.

May all creatures have well-being and none be in misery of any sort.

Take our heartfelt prayers and fill Your ill or suffering animals

with healing light and strength to overcome whatever weakness of body they have.

And at this special time of year, make us glad with the yearly remembrance

of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ; who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

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Steve Scott - This Sad Music.