How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
Back in November I learned about the idea of a virtual pageant. I thought this would be a great way for us to do the pageant this year in a safe way. What also caught my attention with this was that it would allow people of all ages to participate. So, I ventured into the unknown of the video technical world. As it was beginning to come together, and people of all ages were participating and excited about this, I realized something bigger than just creating a pageant was happening. Even though we weren’t together at all, we were still all able to work together towards a common goal. In a pandemic kind of way, we were together. This pageant achieved way more than I had expected when the whole idea began.
Well, another major Christian holiday, Easter, is quickly approaching and so I began to look for ways that all ages and abilities could once again be together while still staying safely apart. In my search, I found some coloring pages designed for a group. The coloring pages, when put together, build a poster that is split into sections, so everyone has their own part of the poster and then when all the sections are put together you have a beautiful piece of art. For some people coloring can be a very calming experience. For others it is a great way to focus their thoughts and intentions while praying. When our hands are busy, and our eyes are on the paper, discussions can feel safer and the people involved can feel less vulnerable. So, for those that have others living in the house together, it can also be a great way to encourage conversation within your home. Together you might wonder. What do you think the poster will say? You might share how it feels to work collaboratively or what Easter means to you. The questions and conversations can spark some meaningful discussions and an opportunity to share your faith with each other.
Everyone, all ages, and abilities, are invited to be a part of the All-Church Collaborative Coloring Project that will take place during Lent and culminate on Easter. The coloring pages and crayons will be available to pick up Feb. 17th at the drive through Ash Wednesday service. Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 23rd you may come by the church office and pick up a packet. For those who would be more comfortable with a no contact delivery please contact the church office. We will be happy to deliver the supplies to your porch. When you have completed your coloring page please drop them off at the office no later than March 29th. There are plenty of coloring pages, so you are welcome to come back for more.
I am excited to see our finished project on Easter morning and to feel the warmth that will come over me when I think about how we as a community were together even though we were apart.
Creative God, thank you for the gift of creativity so that we can continue to find ways to be together in this time when the limits set are many and challenging. We are grateful that you have uniquely created us to be our own self and yet we are able to still come together to celebrate you.
In your name we pray, amen.
Marty