Painting Pentecost

Text: Acts 2:1-11

My initial painted exploration (painted while the text audio was on repeat):
the proclamation. The light shining in the darkness. The Spirit making a way

Pivotal moments in the sermon:

• "The Spirit reminds us that God works beyond our language and understanding. There was a sound LIKE rushing wind and a phenomenon LIKE tongues of flame, but these are similes. Just like all of our understanding can only give us a glimpse of God."
  
  (but)
  
• "...perhaps the Pentecost miracle wasn't that fire came down from heaven or that the sound of rushing wind filled the place. ...perhaps the miracle wasn't even that people started speaking in languages previously unknown. Perhaps the miracle was that God's word--God's message--was HEARD. Understood.
  ...in a world where the church is perceived as judgmental, hypocritical, and homophobic, perhaps we need to ask ourselves what words--what messages we're proclaiming (regardless of the language).
  
  (so)
  
• "...the Spirit is poured out on all who are present. ALL hear the call to share God's wondrous deeds! We SHOULD use our words--limited though they may be, the Spirit will carry them to completion."

Therefore.... the whole church was invited to come forward and paint words--words of God's mighty deeds that we feel called to share and proclaim. (or, in recognition that the Spirit moves beyond our human language, people were also called to simply put paint on the canvas--to mark presence and participation.

I called in some favors (made good use of gifts) from the congregation and the painting was turned into an altar runner that will remain on the communion table throughout the season of Pentecost:

Reflection: there was something very pastoral about sketching an outline that the congregation came alongside and filled...   And, btw, I initially intended to do a simple line off the dove (like in my painted reflection above) but the banner took on a life of its own. The final flame image was much more free and vibrant. (just like the Holy Spirit blows where it wills).

....Oh, and we also did this in both services:

Dear Fabulous Brass Player,

Pentecost Sunday is June 8th .

As you (might) know, the Acts 2 Pentecost story depicts the Holy Spirit pouring out on gathered believers in the form of rushing wind and fire.  It was a blazing moment of unexpected Holy disruption.

...so what better to express “rushing wind” than the use of wind instruments? What better to depict the dramatic entrance of the Holy Spirit than brassy fanfare? And what better to celebrate that moment of unexpectation than an unannounced quintet who sneaks into the service and plays from the back of the worship space?