Kim Brown, New Worshipping Communities Enabler is visiting some of the diocese’ established New Worshipping Communities. Recently she visited the Sanctuary Arts New Worshipping Community in Kempsey to find out more.
Recently I visited The Sanctuary Arts Community, also known as ‘Create’, which meets every Friday in term-time at St Mary's Church Kempsey, led by ALM Kay Mason.
The group gathers for coffee, tea and pastries at 9.30am, and Kay shares the theme and art activity for the session. Everyone made me very welcome, and I was invited to join in all the activities.
Then everyone moved to the sanctuary of the church for a time of worship, prayer and bible verses on the theme, which that week was ‘Rejoice’. We considered different ways to rejoice, and what to do if we aren't feeling very joyful. Then there was a time of meditative prayer. One lady said this part was her favourite time of the week.
Following this we were given a choice of artistic ways to respond to the theme, and a wide and beautiful array of arts materials. Kay gently teaches the different methods so that even those of us who have never held a paint brush before felt brave enough to give something a go!
A very peaceful silence descended around the large table, as everyone became lost in the creative endeavour. When we had completed our different responses to the theme, those who wanted to, shared their efforts and what meaning they had found in them this week. In the midst of busy lives, the group working together in the quiet was a really valuable time, a breathing space that many of us found helpful and healing.
At the end of the session, I asked a few of the people there what coming to this new worshipping community means to them. One lady who was new, attending only a few times so far, found it a very welcoming group and it was helping her get to know people locally. Another said she loved the quiet time of worship at the beginning. While a regular member explained that because of commitments her husband and children had at the weekend, she couldn't attend church on a Sunday morning, and that coming here filled her up, strengthened her faith and brought her peace and restoration in her busy life.
I asked Kay at the end of the service why she had started this and how she did it:
