Christ & Creativity
Sharon Benton wrote the following note to us back in March:
I'm in the process of trying to write a sabbatical grant focused on interweaving the sacred feminine (God the Mother, Sophia, Creator) with my own creativity and intuitive ways of knowing. As I write within the parameters of the grant application proposal, I begin to realize how impossible it is to genuinely embody my sabbatical in the proposal - the proposal instructions leave no space for the creative endeavor! So I offer my grant proposal to Fidelia's Sisters - in its true form.
The Call to Create: An Interview with Suzanne Stovall Vinson
This month we begin our intermittent series of interviews with YCWs who blend art and ministry in ways that are nourishing and inspiring. The Rev. Suzanne Stovall Vinson (suzanne l. vinson through her art) offered such thoughtful responses that we offer her thoughts completely unedited here. Don't miss the photos as well...
Also, do you know fabulous YCWs with a story to tell about pursuing art and the creative life along with ministry? Let us know so we can contact her for a future column!
Wearing the Robe
Before we get to Jess's lovely poem about the joys and incongruities of being a young clergy woman...
Next month we will start a new feature in Christ and Creativity, an intermittent series of interviews with YCW's who also practice art, writing or other creative pursuits. We want to hear what drives them to create, who and what their creative inspirations are, and any advice they have for others who want to undertake a creative practice.
If you know someone who would be a great subject for this series, drop us a note.
And now, "Wearing the Robe" by Jessica Rivera.
Scotland: Watercolors by Elsa Peters
This month Elsa Peters shares her beautiful watercoIors with us. She writes this by way of introduction:
I was an art major in college. I thought that this was what God wanted me to do: paint. But something happened; I ended up in ministry. I was called into pastoral ministry where I've never been able to find a place for my art. Instead, it's something that happens when I retreat from my ministry.
Painting is what I do to connect with myself and my God. I carry a travel set of watercolors, find a spot to sit and start painting. I lose track of time. I usually get a sunburn and I remember to see again. I look carefully at creation and breathe deeply, knowing that this is good, even if I'm not happy with the outcome of my work.
These watercolors were created while retreating in Scotland in July of 2008. I traveled with two other YCW to find creativity and strength through the art of friendship.
"Waters of Love" and "Birth Water": New Poetry
Pastor and poet Sharon Benton sent these poems last month with the comment, "It's the end of January, so baptism texts may be over..." And yet the themes of void, chaos, formlessness, and being born to new life are timely as we approach Ash Wednesday and the reflective season of Lent. In Mark Jesus' baptism is followed "immediately" by his wilderness sojourn. And so it, oftentimes, with us as well.
Do you have some words or images to share? Send them along! See our submission guidelines for more.
Preaching Poetry
Special thanks to managing editor Ann Bonner-Stewart, who brought to our attention this poem, which illustrates the power of words and the ways that words interact with one another in different contexts.
Do you have some words or images to share? Send them along! See our submission guidelines for more.
Woman Tree, She Begets, Kacey's Quilt
We are rooted in the earth, sinking our roots deep. We create safe places for conversations. We make homes sharing our hospitality. We engage in deep breathing and thinking, making way for the sacred within us. Three women began conversing over a year ago about each of their ministries and what each felt called to. Each voice was rooted in the sacred, womanly presence of Mother. I began to reflect on each of us, women in ministry, as trees taking root in our various places. Some are transplanted to a space with other trees close by, while others continue to grow in wide, open spaces...
Poem: Bumper Stickers
With the U.S. presidential election one week away, I have been obsessed with bumper stickers--collecting them, reading them, tallying up the McCain vs. the Obama ones in the swing state in which I live.
Some time ago I saw a bumper sticker taped to a car, and I got to thinking about our ideals and the permanence (or impermanence) with which we hold to them. What messages would you be willing to affix to your life forever? What messages come and go with the times?
The poem, "Bumper Stickers," appears after the jump.
Perspectives on Baptism
This month we feature two pieces on baptism from two of our young clergy women. They convey very different, yet equally striking, aspects of the sacrament, as you will see.
We young clergy women are a multi-talented bunch. (Do you sculpt? sew? shoot photos? string words together? We want to hear from you.
The View from Your Ministry
Thanks to everyone who contributed photos for "The View from Your Ministry"! A few of our favorites appear below the fold.
Also congratulations to Emily Chapman, who won the drawing for a Young Clergy Women tote bag and other goodies.
It is exciting to get a glimpse of the different contexts in which we do our work. Though the contest has ended, feel free to keep sending photos of "the view from your ministry" and we'll publish them in a future Christ and Creativity column.
