Advent 2018

Well I'm just so excited about this year's design! I've always been a little frustrated that the thing droops when it gets heavy......you can't really tell it unless you're in the balcony, but I know it and it bugs me :) I did a little research and found some 1/2' aluminum square tubing that is waaaay stronger and actually lighter than the All-thread I have been using. So this one's a beast! I went 8 1/2 feet across ( about a foot longer on each side than ever) I also found some mirror ball garland at Hobby Lobby and added lots of shiny ribbon. I have to say, it's one of my favorites and it is straight as an arrow up top ! 

"Ordinary Time" 2018 Part 2

Boy. Am I ever delinquent in posting this :) here we are sailing through the church year, and we'll be rounding the corner heading into Advent before I know it! This year, I started small, and have been gradually adding to the centerpiece ( it's the season of growth in the church year, right? )  Most of it is ribbon that I've used before, but I also made some leaves from design paper and stuck them wrong sides together over some fishing line- I like the look it added. Also there's more gold ribbon this year- our Paraments have quite a bit of gold in them, so they compliment each other. So, the folks in the first service have commented that the light shining through the windows ( at 8:30 am) are causing quite a 'light show'......I'm absolutely sure they mean it as a compliment :) 

Lent 2018

Here's my offering for this year's Lenten season....it's hard to photograph (for me, anyway) and get the full effect- but this one comes pretty close. The sun was shining through the upper windows and it caught some of the shinier ribbons. I've been adding a little and tweaking it every couple of weeks- and for Holy Week it will get a little 'darker'.  Pastor's mid-week sermons this year are about "Jesus in 7 words or less"- trying to help us discover our own 'Jesus story' to share with others. It's a challenge, for sure. But if it brings one more person to faith, then challenge on!

Ordinary Time 2018

I like that it's all different lengths....and wrinkly, just like us :)  This won't be up for long- Ash Wednesday (and the beginning of the Lenten season) is FEBRUARY 14TH this year! I can't remember when it's come so soon in the year. 

Advent 2017

I'm a little late to the party......but here's my Sanctuary art offering for last year's Advent season :) I did add a little to it each week, which was fun. It's sure hard for me to get a great photo of these 'jellyfish'. Trust me, it was much more beautiful in person.

the longest night

Each year our small group helps with a service of hope, held on the winter solstice ( also the shortest day of sunlight- especially here in the great Pacific Northwest!)  it's just a beautiful, peaceful, hope filled time of song, readings, candle lighting and prayers for anyone who is seeking a little quiet time in the hustle or heartbreak of the busy season....Christmas can be really tough on folks who have lost a loved one, job, marriage, etc. We do still manage to have a few upbeat, rocking songs :)  I took this picture of the altar with all the beautiful candles on it, but also with the new nativity set our worship minister made this year.......I absolutely love how the manager is lit up- Christ the Light of the World!