November 13: “Open Forum” – Bethel members and guests
Here is an opportunity for informal conversation on topics of your choice when we get together at Bethel this morning. If time permits, we will also gather oral history about some of Bethel’s artwork in anticipation of a 4-week series on Christian art starting on November 20.
Art, Beauty, and Creativity in Christian Traditions
A 4-week Series
November 20: “Artwork at Bethel” – Valerie Yancey (Bethel member)
The presentation will focus on some of Bethel’s paintings, icons, sculpture, chancel items, windows, vestments, and other works of art. Learn about the artists and our history of acquisition of commissioned and gifted art pieces. Come and enjoy learning about our treasures, ask questions, and provide any insights or history you may have about the artwork.
November 27: “Moravian Advent and Christmas Customs” – Pr. Roy Ledbetter (Bethel member)
Topics will include background on who the Moravians are; the meaning of Advent in Moravian communities; and unique Moravian Advent and Christmas customs, such as the Moravian Star, the Putz, the Illumination, and the Christmas Eve Lovefeast and Candlelight Vigil. We will also learn a simple, beloved Moravian seasonal hymn.
December 11: “A Ministry of Sacred Art” – Sr. Glynis McManamon, Sisters of the Good Shepherd, North St. Louis County
Sister Glynis is the founder of the Shepherding Images Studio & Good Shepherd Gallery in Ferguson where she is engaged in a ministry that reveals her special interest in both using and adapting the Byzantine (Eastern) style of Christian images (iconography) and in the creation of sacred art featuring women and diverse ethnic groups. She will talk about her ministry and will display examples of her work, including a piece that depicts women named in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, a fitting part of the Advent/Christmas season. Other sisters of the convent have been invited to join us this morning, too.
December 18: “Windows into Heaven” – Mark Schaefering, Saint Theodora Icons Studio of St. Louis
Mark will discuss iconography in the Orthodox (Eastern Church) tradition, including the history of icons, the theology behind the use and veneration of icons, their place in Orthodox worship, the production of icons, and contemporary interest in icons by other faiths. We will also ask him to share his knowledge of the history and style of the icon commissioned for Bethel’s 90th anniversary and based on the story of Jacob’s dream recorded in Genesis 28:10-22.