A New Look at Old Testament Wisdom

Piece by piece, a stunning collage of the Old Testament builds at the front of the sanctuary. Each artwork depicts a different passage of the Old Testament, but together they form a whole, displaying God’s love for his people and pointing to Christ.

For seven months, Meadowlands Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Ancaster, Ont., has been studying the Old Testament based on the Old Testament Challenge preaching curriculum published by Zondervan. 

Each week a member of the congregation submits an artwork relating to that week’s Scripture passage, which is then displayed at the front on an easel, used for the bulletin cover, and projected on the screen during the service. The artists also write an explanation of the way the passage spoke to them in the creation of the piece. Afterward, the piece is added to the growing tapestry at the front of the sanctuary, which is woven together by the thin chains suspended above.

“This art project tells the story of how people respond to Scripture in different ways,” explained project coordinator Alice Wolters. “It is inspiring to see this multigenerational involvement in the services.”

The art pieces consist of a range of media, from cross stitch to collage, pastels to photography.  The artist profiles are also diverse, from children to seniors, amateurs to professionals.

“It has had such an enthusiastic response. The artwork creates conversation, excitement, and engagement,” said pastor Everett Vander Horst.

After the series completion this May, the art pieces will be hung on the walls throughout the church. The entire collection can also be viewed on the church’s website.