In a unique and engaging approach to sermon delivery, Terrace (B.C.) Christian Reformed Church used art to illustrate a series of spring sermons, showcasing the talents and creativity of its congregation. This initiative, spearheaded by the church's visuals committee, involved the creation of nine distinct art pieces, each representing a different parable.
"Our visuals committee meets as needed; we’re a fairly relaxed group. We have used this idea several times before and decided to do it again," said Yvonne Warcup, a member of the committee. "This time, the sermon series was nine weeks, each with a different parable needing an illustration. So there were nine artists involved. One week was done by a Sunday school class."
The contributors, who volunteered through a sign-up sheet in the church hall, included professional artists and young children. "The ages ranged from an 8-year-old girl to a 79-year-old woman who (previously) used her sewing skills to create beautiful banners that we still use," Warcup noted. "Several pieces were done by committee members."
Each sermon illustrator was provided with a 23-inch square of painter's cloth to work on, and a variety of mediums were employed, including paper collage, felt collage, acrylic paint, quilting, and stitchery. The artwork is displayed at the front of the church sanctuary, with a new piece added each week to illustrate the corresponding parable. Now that the sermon series has concluded, the artwork is on display in the fellowship hall until eventual storage.
“The weekly artwork illustrates and creates interest in the parable being taught,” Warcup said. “Pastor Joel (Ringma) uses slides of the pieces during his sermons. Each Sunday, the congregation enjoys seeing the new one on the wall and the collection filling the space. The overall response is good," she added.
The artwork from this initiative occasionally offered a fresh perspective on familiar stories. “Sometimes, instead of being the 'expected' picture of a certain parable, the artist brings something new,” Warcup explained. For instance, the parable of the Good Samaritan was uniquely depicted by a beautiful, stitched picture of two intertwined hands, rather than the typical scene of an injured man being tended to by another with a donkey nearby.
“All of this showcases the talents and gifts of a congregation and what we can create when we work together,” Warcup said.
The nine-week series concluded June 16 and included illustrations for parables such as “The Hidden Treasure” by Kaylyn Braam, “The Rich Man and Lazarus” by Casey Braam, and “The Pharisee and the Tax Collector” by the Grade 4-7 Sunday school class.
About the Author
Dan Veeneman works in the dairy industry as a ventilation specialist. He lives in Abbotsford, B.C., with his wife and three children. He is a member of Gateway Community Church.