Engaging with God in the Arts

artwork by Carol Sexton

Even a brief walk in nature reveals the wonders of God, the Divine Artist. Likewise, as human artists, we are invited to share in the sacred process of creation. While many of us are hesitant to make such a claim of being artists, we are each engaging with God in artistic endeavors every day.

The spiritual gifts of Divine creativity are uncovered both in our response to art and in our own participation in the act of creating. We find that God speaks to us in new and surprising ways and that our responses become a kind of prayer. It is a prayer without words, one discovered in color, texture, design, and movement.

This year's gathering will explore the spirituality of creativity, and together we will be participating in activities that are both reflective and also "hands on." Topics will include the creative cycle and the ways the Spirit is revealed in performance arts. The day-long gathering will also include worship, small-group workshops, and lunch, as well as time to enjoy an exhibit of local artists and browse through our "bookshop."

Facilitators:

	Nadine Pence Frantz, Associate Professor of Theology at Bethany Theological Seminary, specializes in leading groups in explorations of the intersection of the material arts and theology. An articulate,creative speaker, Dena Pence Frantz will facilitate the reflective aspects of our encounter with creativity.
	Carol Simon Sexton, Campus Ministry Associate for Spiritual Formation at Earlham College,is an accomplished artist, a retreat leader,and a spiritual guide. An ESR alumnus, Carol Sexton is skilled at making art accessible and enjoyable for artist and would-be artist alike!

Schedule
Sat. March 8th

All events meet in the
ESR Center building.

REGISTRATION

A $25.00 registration fee covers the day-long event, which includes lunch and refreshments. Please make checks payable to Earlham School of Religion. The registration form and fee should be received by March 1, 2003. After that date, the cost increases to $35.00.

To register, send your name, address, phone number and e-mail address along with your check to the address below.

You can download a registration form in PDF format here. Print the form, fill it out, and send it with your check to the address below.

Listening to the Spirit
Stephanie A. Ford
Earlham School of Religion
228 College Ave.
Richmond, IN 47374

Click here to download the free Acrobat Reader to read the PDF.