February 2023 Gathering

February 14th

A Dutch theme was evident this morning with clogs, tulips and delft patterns on display alongside an array of handmade books.
Alex offered a warm welcome to all and we gathered to sing “Christ be our Light “and “Such Love”.

 

Alison G gave a talk about

Corrie Ten Boon

a brave Christian, and watchmaker, who hid Jews in her house in Holland during the war as part of an escape route, until she and her sister were arrested and taken to a series of concentration camps. Following that experience Corrie continued her long life as a Christian speaker and writer.

A time of prayer and reflection followed, where we prayed for the earthquake victims, survivors and aid agencies.
All of the creative activities centred around the Dutch theme.

Cherry led a group in Origami where the task was to fold the paper into a tulip. It transpired that this was “open to interpretation” and some of the group’s tulips had a slightly different design.

There was a table for book making with colourful covers and glued and stitched pages and this will be an ongoing process with more to learn each month guided by Sue.

The free art table gave opportunities to experiment with the Delft pottery palate of blue and white.

The card making with Alison G featured cogs and wheels to reflect the work of our Hero. The designs were imaginative and the card could be used to write a memorable phrase or a message.

The prayerful knitting was available as usual, which is very calming and meditative activity with time to rest and pray.

For those who wished to express themselves in writing, there was the creative writing table, a jug of tulips to provide inspiration and jog memories.

To see this month’s creative writing, click here.

Coffee and biscuits were available throughout the morning. Thank you, Pam.

Finally, there was the opportunity to exhibit and share our art work, talk about how the activities made us feel and finish with a blessing
The home-made soup offered a choice of sweet potato or broccoli soup, with optional additions of peanuts or Spring onions. They were pronounced delicious! The selection of cake was also much enjoyed, the lemon drizzle was moist and yummy!

Our next meeting is on Tuesday March 14th starting from 10.00am with coffee from 9.30. The theme of Heroes of Faith continues and the ever-popular soup lunch and a warm Kingdom Arts welcome to all.

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January 2023 Gathering

January 10th

Our first meeting of 2023 started off with a very ‘buzzy’ feeling as we had new people and many old friends who came. There was even a queue for refreshments (many thanks to Pam and Carolyn) before we started.

The life and work of
Gladys Aylward
in China

 

Following our theme of ‘heroes of faith’, we reflected on the life of Gladys Aylward, the British missionary who went to China. Jan K. gave us a lively overview of her life and pointed out some of the discrepancies between it and as depicted in the film of her life ‘The Inn of the 6th Happiness’.

As she helped to stop the practice of binding the feet of little girls in China we used shoes as our prayer focus and imagined what it would be like to walk in the shoes of others. It was a ‘pass the shoe’ prayer time which gave us an opportunity to reflect on the lives of others through footwear.

We had a wonderful choice of Chinese themed activities to participate in including ‘willow’ art with Karen,

making Chinese lanterns and concertinaed dragons with Alison,

Chinese characters and cutting out

Chinese symbols organised by Sue.

When we gathered together we shared what we’d done and heard some wonderful creative writing inspired by our reflection on Gladys.

Shafali shared memories of hearing Gladys speak when she was at school and how hearing about her had inspired her in later life.

The soup, as usual, was delicious. An old favourite, leek and potato, and tomato and basil. It was very welcome and warming. We also had some delicious cakes to finish off.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday, 14th February starting from 10.00am with coffee from 9.30. A warm Kingdom Arts welcome awaits you all. We look forward to seeing you then.

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December 2022 Gathering

December 13th

 

The wonderful display of many different Nativity scenes from across the world greeted all who came: sets from Peru, Germany, African countries and Bethlehem were laid out.

Alex offered a warm welcome to those who were making their first visit and we began with some joyful seasonal singing and then followed a “Drama” about the Incarnation, to start everyone thinking.

All of the creative activities centred around the Christmas theme.

There was plenty to make: tiny matchbox cribs, made by decorating a matchbox and a small pebble.

The hanging decorations of folded paper angels, were described as “easy” by Alison who was fortunately on hand to assist the group.

Lego sets were available to encourage creative building of the Nativity with added scenic extras and an Angel on horseback!

Beautiful pastel pictures of mother and child were drawn [please do look at the pictures]

The prayerful knitting was available as well as a colouring activity, both of which are very calming and meditative.

Coffee and mince pies were plentiful and certainly helped to keep us warm, thank you Pam and Carolyn.

For those who wished to express themselves in writing, there was the creative writing table, others became more divergent! and an oral discussion exploring the meaning of “Fear Not “ensued, which added something different to the shared session.

At the end of the morning there was the opportunity to exhibit and share our art work, talk about how the activities made us feel and celebrate together by lighting candles and singing.

The home-made soup offered a choice of either purple soup, or parsnip with walnuts and maple syrup if it took your fancy. The latter was unusual and delicious!

The festive selection of cake to follow was also much enjoyed, thanks to Jane.

Our first meeting next year is on Tuesday January 10th starting from 10.00am with coffee from 9.30, the ever-popular soup lunch and a warm Kingdom Arts welcome to all.

We hope you had a Merry Christmas and you have a Happy New Year.

Our first meeting next year is on Tuesday January 10th starting at 10.00am with coffee from 9.30, followed by the ever-popular soup lunch. A warm Kingdom Arts welcome awaits you all. We look forward to seeing you then.

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November 2022 Gathering

November 8th

This month we had a solemn beginning to our session, as we remembered and paid tribute to Vikki Moore RIP who had died so unexpectedly two weeks earlier, after a short illness.

Led by Alex, we prayed for David and family members and also her friends at Kingdom Arts who were saddened and shocked by her death. We had a few minutes of contemplative silence.

Alison Moore had volunteered to play for us, as we sang hymns including “Hosanna”.


Then we continued our series looking at the lives of influential Christians or “Heroes of Faith” by learning about

Archbishop Oscar Romero
from El Salvador.

The short talk from Barbara R helped us to explore the life and mission of Oscar Romero, who passionately and bravely fought for the rights of the poor and voiceless people of San Salvador and died a martyr.
This led us naturally into the exploration of the art and craft of South America, and there was plenty to choose from;

First of all were wonderful wooden crosses to be decorated with acrylic paint, so gloriously colourful.

Next was an outline of a Condor; a design to be filled with mosaic pieces, which were both intricate and delicate.

Alison Griffin taught us how to make woven plaited bracelets, using embroidery thread, a lovely activity to free our thoughts and help us to talk and work together.

For those who wished to express themselves in writing, there was the creative writing table, where there was much discussion and expressing of thoughts as ideas flowed.

The prayerful knitting was available as well as a colouring activity, both of which are very calming and meditative.

Coffee and biscuits essential to keep us going, were plentiful thank you Pam and Carolyn.

At the end of the morning there was the opportunity to share our art work, creative writing and feelings.

The home-made soup offered a choice of either, carrot and coriander, or tomato apple and celery both of which were hugely enjoyed and delicious! The cake to follow was also much enjoyed.

Our meeting next month is on December 13th starting at 10.00am with coffee from 9.30, followed by the ever-popular soup and there was a mention of mince pies!
We look forward to seeing you then.

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October 2022 Gathering

October 11th

“Amazing Grace How sweet thou art!”

This joyful and spiritual hymn of praise started our morning in Saint George’s church which was decorated with knitted chains, which are now on their way to the Cathedral as part of raising awareness of modern-day slavery.

There was a warm welcome to all followed by an Introduction from Alex, as we continued our series looking at the lives of influential Christians or “Heroes of Faith.”

Then Jan B unfolded the interesting, diverse and sometimes surprising story of

John Newton

 

This was extended into an insight into the slavery situation in Britain and other parts of the world with some shocking statistics and the work being undertaken to stop this. We had time to reflect and to pray. Thank you, Jan.

 

Sue explained the variety of activities for the morning: some knitting of chains, chain stitch, making of bookmarks and creative writing. The prayerful knitting was available as well as a colouring activity, which are both very calming.

The large group of knitters became most animated and inspired a poem!

The delicate chain stitching became birds and many memories were shared, whilst the designing and making of bookmarks was also popular.

The coffee and biscuits were plentiful, thank you Pam and Carolyn, and aided the creative juices!

At the end of the morning there was the opportunity to share our art work, creative writing and feelings.

To see this month’s creative writing, click here.

Jan K promised us home-made soup, “parsnip and not much apple” or gazpacho, it was excellent!

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The next meeting is on Tuesday November 8th with coffee from 9.30.

Please come and join us, but do check this site or our Facebook page before your journey to make sure the session is not cancelled! We look forward to seeing you.

June 2022 Gathering

June 14th

It was the last meeting of the summer and we were in the mood for a celebratory picnic!
The singing of the chorus “You’re the Author of creation” was joyous as was the rendering of one of my favourites “Be still for the presence of the Lord”

A marvellous display of miniature figures reflected in a mirror, formed the backdrop to a display representing the feeding of the 5000.

Alex introduced the retelling of the story, in a small group roleplay.
Prayers and reflection followed and Alex introduced the activities.

Lyn explained about the fish collage, Vicky the cross-stitch key rings, and Alison the modelling activity of loaves and fish to add to the models. Other activities were charcoal drawing of a still life picnic scene, prayerful knitting and creative writing.

The cross-stitch activity was delicate and beautifully completed by several of our group. It looked simple, but nimble fingers and good eyesight were essential, as well as concentration.

There was lively chatter from the collage group, who knitted or stuck fish onto a collage background of water. Tissue paper, fabrics buttons and wool were on hand. One quote from the morning was “What I enjoy is conversations and all the chat as we do the craft”

The modelling group were a little quieter but had intense discussions – including the size of fish in lake Galilee! – as they concentrated on miniature baskets, bread and fish.

The still life scene was beautifully capture by ladies who refused to be called artists.

As always, we also had the creative writing corner. You can read some of their work on the Creative Writing pages.

We gathered at the end of the morning to share our experiences; both the joys and the difficulties, and we were delighted to be joined at that point by David New.

We learned a new version of a song about 5000 hungry folk; requiring fast finger actions! Such fun. The sung blessing was shared.

Then we adjourned to the quiet garden for sandwiches, fruit, cakes and scones and cream.

We were all well fed and so said farewell until September.

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The next meeting is on Tuesday September 14th with coffee from 9.30.

Please come and join us, but do check this site or our Facebook page before your journey to make sure the session is not cancelled!

May 2022 Gathering

May 10th

We began with an introduction from Alex followed by singing “Praise is rising” which together with “He is lord” was accompanied by some of our musicians; thus, setting the scene for an active and creative morning.

Mother Theresa

Alex led us in a time of prayer and reflection, and then Jan Kear gave a fascinating talk and biography of Mother Theresa as part of our series looking at the lives of influential Christians or “Heroes of Faith.”

What a full and interesting life led by this remarkable woman! Her work in the poorest areas of Kolkata [Calcutta] was true missionary zeal.

Sue, Alex and Alison explained the activities for the morning: some Indian crafts, regular activities and the start of a project for next month’s “feeding of the five thousand”.

There was a very popular table with Rangoli patterns using glue, stencils and powder paint with glitter and also one with stamps to design a Mandala pattern, involving great concentration, meditation and care.

Then we had expert tuition from Alison who introduced Mudroc!
Figures were fashioned using strips of paper and damp strips of Mudroc, wrapped in layers around pipe cleaner figures of all shapes and sizes and postures.
Some dexterity was required and it sparked plenty of conversation. This activity will continue in June.

The prayerful knitting was available as well as a colouring activity, which are very calming.

The coffee was plentiful, thank you Pam, and aided the creative writing.

Click here to read this month’s writing > May Writing

At the end of the morning we learned the song ‘Jesus the Lord said I am the bread’, delightfully accompanied by an Appalachian dulcimer, a Shruti, an Indian drum and Indian bells.

There was the opportunity to share our art work, creative writing and feelings.

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Our next meeting is planned for Tuesday June 14th from 9.30, with (fingers crossed) a picnic lunch in the quiet garden!!

Please come and join us, but do check this site or our Facebook page before your journey to make sure the session is not cancelled!


April 2022 Gathering

April 5th

Today was the second of a series looking at the lives of influential Christians. This month Saint Aiden.

We began with music and joined in singing “I the Lord of sea and sky” which together with “When I survey the wondrous cross” set the scene for the morning.

Alex led us in a time of prayer and reflection, followed by the second of a series looking at the lives of influential Christians or “Heroes of Faith”

We had a very interesting short talk from Barbara R about St. Aiden, an early Celtic monk who founded a monastery on the Island of Lindisfarne and re-established Christianity in Northumbria around AD 535. Aiden was well known for his ascetic practices and great gentleness.

A reading from Matthew 28 verses 18 to 20 helped us to understand how he saw God’s purpose for his life.

There was a very popular table with Celtic patterns involving great concentration and repeated over and round, under and over again!
Some concentrated on drawing and design

Others tried their hand at weaving or stitching. Over and under and over again! Not easy!!

For those who preferred it there were Celtic patterns to colour!!

Whenever one needed a break, the coffee was plentiful with flapjack, crispy nests; also wonderful Celtic Knot cheese biscuits, thank you Vikki for designing and hand crafting them.

The Celtic Knot Biscuit

Intricate and intriguing woven knot, a circle encircled,
interlinking loops on an infinite journey,
leading me along the path of life with God beside me all the way.

Our deconstructed bits of life,
large or small,
curved and twisted
can be reshaped, reformed, regenerated
influenced by God’s purpose.

© Barbara Rolison April 2022 Kingdom Arts

To aid concentrated private prayer or meditation, there was a table with a wooden labyrinth for finger tracing.

A slide show with scenes from Lindisfarne and the surrounding area was for browsing along with a book with illustrations of the Lindisfarne Gospels.

The craft activity from last month continued with block printing, based on the designs on the colourful African fabrics, as well as a table with materials for applique, a beautiful and delicate stitch craft.

The designs were again taken from a small portion of African fabric pattern.

The creative juices flowed on the writing station and there are new pieces for you read.

Past Present Future

The expectation of Spring fills the air
Mixing up yellows and blues and swirling petals
In the gusts of God’s breath.
New growth, new life
Can we feel blessed?
Ignoring artificial trappings dispelling arguments and wars
Letting the shadow of the cross fill our lives every moment
Hearing those cries of understanding
And Jesus’ gifts of love comfort and forgiveness
Echoing from the past for us today
And forever.
© Helen Mc Nicholl Kingdom Arts 05/04/22

At the end of the morning there was the opportunity to share our work and feelings – plus a final song sung to a traditional Celtic melody which many of you will recognise.

for those who like to know – the song is accompanied by Sue on a penny whistle and Trevor playing a shruti (an Indian instrument, I’m told).

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Our next meeting is planned for Tuesday May 10th from 9.30, with the enticing prospect of a home-made soup lunch!!

Please come and join us, but do check this site or our Facebook page before your journey to make sure the session is not cancelled!


March 2022 Gathering

March 8th

Today was the first of a series looking at the lives of influential Christians and we began with Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Jan B talked to us about the life and determination of this most charismatic man – really interesting, and well worth researching if you know little of the man.

His influence in moving Christianity forward, particularly in South Africa, was amazing, from very humble beginnings which he never forgot.

Today’s theme was based on Africa

The morning’s activities included two activities inspired by African designs and prints:-

Printing by hand – based on the designs on the colourful African fabrics laid out in the centre isle with African artefacts. This will continue next month.

Appliqué – a beautiful and delicate stitch craft. The designs were taken from a small portion of African fabric pattern.

Rainbow spinners – as the colours of the spinners combined, they reminded us that all people, whatever their appearance or creed, can live together and share our world – even if it often doesn’t happen. An activity which took many of us back to childhood and caused much merriment and excitement in twirling a rainbow coloured revolving disk.

Work in progress:-

Finished:-

African drumming and songs – Sue led a drumming workshop in the Magdalene room where we learned two African songs and played a variety of drums and percussion, which became the finale at our sharing at the end of the morning with an opportunity for everyone to join in and sing and dance!

Rehearsal

Performance – including spinners (and dancing???)

Butterflies – a sign of hope – something we all need.

Carolyn was inspired to write this:-

When we see butterflies
And hear the hum of insects
As they hover among the flowers
And the tall, windblown grasses
And feel the gentle caress of the warm breeze,
Then, O Lord, our hearts are raised in joy
And thanksgiving.


It was an uplifting morning with plenty of fun for all.

Unfortunately, our thoughts also turned to the world problems and Ukraine. Our time of worship including prayers for God’s support and guidance for the world leaders during this difficult time. Let us all pray that a solution may be found soon.

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Our next meeting is planned for Tuesday April 5th from 9.30.
Please come and join us, but do check this site or our Facebook page before your journey to make sure the session is not cancelled!

It is our aim to return to longer meetings including lunch as soon as we can.


February 2022 Gathering

February 8th

Our first meeting of the year began with coffee [or tea], delicious homemade Shrewsbury biscuits, and a chance to meet with friends or talk with someone new; a most welcome interlude for those who felt able to join in.

Alex called us together to celebrate with songs of praise led by our musicians and we began with:

The light that shines is the light of love.
Lights the darkness from above.

This introduced the theme of “Light in our Darkness”. Readings and prayer helped us to be reflective, as we considered how God shone His light in our lives. Soon we were ready for a chance to express ourselves in art, craft or model making.

The Lego table was surrounded with enthusiasts in their eagerness to build a lighthouse! – proving a little more challenging than expected. The result was an unusually colourful structure but complete with an amazing revolving light.

The craft activity using black and white allowed free expression by cutting out shapes within a black square and displaying these on white paper.

There was a table with pastels for blending and also brightly coloured paper to make a picture.

These were all displayed at the end of the morning around a circle representing darkness into light.

There was a chance to talk about our work and how we felt. Sharing experiences with each other is a valuable part of each session and where we are able to show appreciation of skills and ideas.

The idea of a special Jubilee recipe book was discussed so watch this space!

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Our next meeting is planned to be on Tuesday March 8th from 9.30.
Please come and join us, but do check this site or our Facebook page before your journey to make sure the session is not cancelled!

It is our aim to return to longer meetings including lunch as soon as we can.