One word can change the atmosphere...whether it's spoken, written, or communicated through movement. This is a blog about Worship Arts,and especially for learning about how we can make more powerful statements through what we present to others through our writing, choreography, theatre or visual art... or a collaboration of two or more. Anything is possible. It's the Poetry of Motion!
At this busy time of year, I hope everyone enjoyed wonderful presentations of worship around the Christmas theme whether it was through Musicals, Drama, Poetry, Cantatas, Dance, Caroling, or Non-traditional Tradition, and that those who were observing were blessed. I had the most amazing opportunity to direct a children's play that was a lot of fun for the kids as they learned how to present the Good News of Christ in a creative way. They also learned that excellence as an expectation does not mean to never make a mistake, but to put enough time and effort into what we do, so that no matter what happens, we know what to do when mistakes happens (so that no one else notices) :-)
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we will be back in 2016 with more insights about worshiping Christ through the arts!
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11 (NIV)
I would like to send Holiday well wishes and thanks to everyone who has taken time out of their busy year to read Poetry of Motion!...especially to my 40 followers. You have many choices in what to read online, so I'm glad you chose to add your name to my list.
I look forward to writing more in 2014, as I am led. I don't post just for the sake of posting, I only put up a new blog when I feel that I have something to say. That being said, enjoy your holiday season, glorify God in all of your presentations, be safe, and hope to see you in the New Year!
There are many ways to creatively share the Good News while maintaining the integrity of God's Word and communicating a clear message. There is nothing entitled "The Christmas Story" in the Bible, although the birth of Christ is clearly stated and can be told at any time of the year. Because of this, we have an unlimited number of frameworks from which to write plays, poetry, cantatas, do choreography or create artworks that have the birth of Christ as their central theme. Gone are the days when we are limited to basic recitations for Children's Church or re-enacting the Nativity as a period piece. These are wonderful starting points, but with the blessing of leadership and much prayer, research and collaboration, recitations can have a fresh approach and the Nativity can be brought into the modern day---remembering to maintain the truth of God's Word.
I once attended a Christmas production where stations were placed at different locations on the church grounds, and the audience could interactively experience different aspects of the Christian walk. At the end of the journey, participants gathered to sing carols and enjoy all kinds of Christmas treats. There was something for everyone, young and old. One of the most innovative Christmas productions I have ever been in was centered around a giant chess game with a spiritual warfare theme. The possibilities are endless! Even if we use traditional musical selections, we can choose contemporary arrangements. The important thing in this case is to always make sure that the artist and genre of music selected are appropriate for a worship setting. When in doubt, collaborate with the Minister of Music and of course the Pastor so that no one is offended.
With some extra planning and prayer, you can creatively present the Good News in a way that will challenge today's complex thinkers (and stay well within your ministry budget). It's time to think outside the box and get into Non-Traditional Tradition!
Please enjoy this unique Christmas presentation of music, drama and dance:
While we are all preparing for the holidays, remember to keep the worship of God at the center of all things. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, don't get caught up in the busy-ness, commercialism and greed that overtakes many during this time. Find someone to bless, who cannot return the blessing and continue to seek out opportunities to share whatever you have with someone else!
Being kind to the poor is like lending to the Lord;
he will reward you for what you have done.
Prov. 19:17 (NCV)
Generous people will be blessed,
because they share their food with the poor.
Prov. 22:9 (NCV)
When you happen on someone who's in trouble or needs help among your people with whom you live in this land that God, your God, is giving you, don't look the other way pretending you don't see him. Don't keep a tight grip on your purse. No. Look at him, open your purse, lend whatever and as much as he needs. Don't count the cost. Don't listen to that selfish voice saying, "It's almost the seventh year, the year of All-Debts-Are-Canceled," and turn aside and leave your needy neighbor in the lurch, refusing to help him. He'll call God's attention to you and your blatant sin.
There are many ways to creatively share the Good News while maintaining the integrity of God's Word and communicating a clear message. There is nothing entitled "The Christmas Story" in the Bible, although the birth of Christ is clearly stated and can be told at any time of the year. Because of this, we have an unlimited number of frameworks from which to write plays, poetry, cantatas, do choreography or create artworks that have the birth of Christ as their central theme. Gone are the days when we are limited to basic recitations for Children's Church or re-enacting the Nativity as a period piece. These are wonderful starting points, but with the blessing of leadership and much prayer, research and collaboration, recitations can have a fresh approach and the Nativity can be brought into the modern day---remembering to maintain the truth of God's Word.
I once attended a Christmas production where stations were placed at different locations on the church grounds, and the audience could interactively experience different aspects of the Christian walk. At the end of the journey, participants gathered to sing carols and enjoy all kinds of Christmas treats. There was something for everyone, young and old. One of the most innovative Christmas productions I have ever been in was centered around a giant chess game with a spiritual warfare theme. The possibilities are endless! Even if we use traditional musical selections, we can choose contemporary arrangements. The important thing in this case is to always make sure that the artist and genre of music selected are appropriate for a worship setting. When in doubt, collaborate with the Minister of Music and of course the Pastor so that no one is offended.
With some extra planning and prayer, you can creatively present the Good News in a way that will challenge today's complex thinkers (and stay well within your ministry budget). It's time to think outside the box and get into Non-Traditional Tradition!
Please enjoy this unique Christmas presentation of music, drama and dance:
Hi! I'm Wynne! Thanks for visiting my pages today. Please click on the links under "My Blogs" for Poetry of Motion!, a Worship Arts Blog where we'll learn how to communicate more fully through the arts; MindScape Poetry, my poetry blog; and UrbanArtsLive!(TM), my Children's Creative Arts website featuring a slideshow of creative projects I have worked on with public school students on the East and West Coasts.(If you're on UrbanArtsLive, please scroll to the bottom of the page to view the slide show). You can e-mail me at: Urbanartz212@gmail.com. Tel: 347.841.6790. I hope to meet you soon!
