'Our Story, Our Song' Art Exhibition

The Lincolnshire District asked each of their churches to submit artistic reflections inspired by the presidential theme for this year, Our Story, Our Song. The result was almost 40 pieces of artwork including paintings in oil and watercolour, needlework, poetry, woodwork and glass.

The exhibition was seen in all its splendour for the first time at the Spring District Synod and is now on tour around a number of circuits over the summer. “I always knew there were lots of talented artists in the district,” says Angy Long, Chair of Lincolnshire District, “but this response has been amazing. The theme has really touched people’s hearts.

"We have stories expressing the work done in various churches and personal reflections on faith, the nature of church and important personal relationships.”

Crucified Christ of Nails – The Revd Graham Miles, Superintendent Minister, East Lincolnshire Circuit

Many years ago the Revd Graham Miles read a book that said there is enough iron in each one of us to make a two-inch (5cm) nail.

“As Jesus takes our sins upon himself, there is part of everyone on the cross as it was human sin that put Jesus there. Hence this image of Jesus made in nails where the nails represent humankind and the community of Christians who gather.

“I had comments that it is a person dancing. This intrigued me, as I realised this one sculpture of Jesus made out of nails can represent both the crucified Jesus and the resurrected Jesus dancing with Joy."

Christ the Good Shepherd – Kate O'Flynn

"Lamb of God" is a mixed media artwork on canvas. The background is a collage of hymns and psalms using hymn books taken from a recently closed chapel. The piece used the hymn sheets for “Blessed Assurance” and a wash of colour for the stained glass then black Indian ink for the lead of the window.

“Seeing a stained glass image of Christ the Good Shepherd at Chapel St Leonards Methodist, I felt I wanted to do something creative from it. Originally I was going to do the full picture but it felt right to do one panel and I chose the one with Jesus holding the lamb.

“God has given me a gift of art. He has made me a creative and skilled artist. In all my work I see the fingerprints of God and when I have finished a piece of artwork I am often emotionally and spiritually moved by the gratitude of this divine gift and the almost disbelief that I’ve co-created the artwork."

Ruskington Methodist Church – Signing Blessed Assurance

At Ruskington Methodist Church they joined together to learn how to sign the hymn Blessed Assurance, written by Fanny J Crosby, 548 in "Singing the Faith". The performance was recorded and is part of the district exhibition with a QR code that enables people to watch.

“One of our congregation at Ruskington signs to the hymns during Sunday morning worship and has always wanted the rest of us to join her. This district initiative and the theme of Our Story, Our Song was the perfect opportunity for us to learn the chorus to sing and sign!” says Delia Dubois who helped coordinate it.

“As part of our mission at Ruskington we encourage inclusivity and celebrate diversity. We were delighted to be able to achieve this through singing and signing Blessed Assurance, including all the members of our congregation and visitors, whatever their ability. It is also about raising awareness of British Sign Language within our own church family and hopefully throughout the district. Later this year we intend to hold a "Deaf Awareness" training session for the Sleaford Circuit, inviting the other three churches in the village to join us as well.”