Don's Blog

Hi all.
The Stations exhibition is over, the pews are back and I guess there is the sense of being ‘normal’ again at Wesley.

Unfortunately, the cold/flu that I managed to keep at bay over Easter finally claimed my attention and I gave into it taking a couple of days off work, visiting the doctor and re-entering the world of antibiotics. I am now on the mend.
When I returned to work, the “Comments Book” was on my desk and I began to read.

So many comments….. “Brilliant”, “Truly an inspiration”, “Excellent”, “Awesome”, “through provoking”, “Moving interpretation”, “Made Easter complete for me” ….. and many many more. What was also interesting that of the huge number of visitors that came to see the exhibition a significant number were those visiting Perth from other states and countries.

Some of the paintings have gone to very good homes including ‘The Crucifixion’ by Norma McDonald, our indigenous artist, whose work was purchased by the Synod.

And now is it back to normal? I don’t think so. We take a deep breath and continue the journey of being a witness to the story of Jesus to the people of Perth in other ways. Those ways will continue to emerge, as we remain faithful.

A huge thanks to all the volunteers and staff who gave so much of their time and energy to the Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition. The Comments Book reflects the quality of the work we presented this year but also acknowledges the generosity of those who helped in the many and varied ways. A special thank you to those who were either a ‘presence’ or a ‘tour guide’. In listening to some of the conversations, we were able to achieve so much. Also my deep appreciation to Rev Lee Edwards for coordinating this group.

So a big thank you from me for all your assistance and support. My hope is that we will all get together soon to reflect and debrief from the exhibition and I look forward to hearing more of the stories.
Thanks for reading
Don

Don's Blog

Hi all.

What an amazing opening night. So many people, such a good atmosphere and a wonderful opening speech by Rev Tom Wilson. I have had so many great comments from those who attended, in particular the artists.
It has been wonderful going down to the church every day and sitting with the volunteers and from time to time showing people around the artworks. I have enjoyed immensely the sharing with individuals and groups and engaging in conversations around the themes and interpretations of the Stations. The comments book has been used extensively, and I am yet to see a negative comment. “Stunning, moving, a new interpretation”, and many other positive comments have added to the feeling that this is a good exhibition.
One interesting comment from a member of the congregation – ‘why can’t we do something like this all the time?’
This is a good and thoughtful question that makes me wonder how we can continue telling and witnessing to the story in the same powerful, imaginative way. How can we share in conversation and connection with those who flow by and come into our church? We managed to do something at Advent/Christmas and now at Easter, and now we need to wonder how we can do something more continuously. At this point in time, all suggestions greatly received
Another comment I have heard quite strongly during the week is how wonderful the church space looks. “It is a welcoming warm space”, “it lends itself to being flexible for worship and other events” I am finding it hard to ignore these comments.
Let me conclude by sharing the poem I wrote and shared with the congregation on Sunday. Titled “I Sit”

I sit,
A church,
Art all around,
The journey to the Cross
Painful, overwhelming, gutsy
Artist’s souls in these works
Their gift creating a blessing for us.

I sit
Voices, Conversations,
People sharing their journey,
Listening, hearing,
Lives touching lives.

I sit
I wonder at this journey
Struggle, hardship, pain and yet…
In the watching, in the gift, in the conversations
I see life…
And life out of death is good.

Thanks for Reading.
Don