Using Art in Worship

  Art work can be used in a variety of applications as part of a Church Service, in prayer and home groups and Services of Meditation and Reflection, retreats and quiet days

Art work is available to hire for worship, some images may only be available in the form of a digital file, which could be projected.  Such applications have worked very well in the past and it would be my recommendation to use work in this way.  It has been found to be less disruptive to the flow of a service if the images are projected and also helps the congregation to engage with the image being presented.   Other services have worked equally well where the paintings were laid out around the church; here the congregation walked from one image to the next, this is a traditional way to perform stations of the cross however this format could work equally well for other services.  It could also be negotiated for postcards to be made of a particular image if for example in a prayer group it was felt projecting an image less appropriate or not a possibility. 

Below are some documents from both previous and upcoming Services which may help to inform and inspire how art can be used. Please click on the underlined headings.

Service of Evening Prayer with inspirational Art  

Family Service of praise and reflections 

Stations of the Cross Service for Holy Week 

A Parish retreat  

Service of Reflection: A journey for Lent

Work on Loan  

To loan any original artworks please contact me with your requirements and I will happily assist you.  I ask that you would cover any expenses and make a donation towards the continuation of my ministry. Recognition of the artist and contact details should be communicated.   

Images for Projection

The following compilations are available :

  • The Creed Series
  • Prayer over the water
  • Stations of the Resurrection
  • Nine Lessons for the Nativity

    Please specify the Disc and the Nature in which you intend to use the image
    A fee of £10.00 will apply
    Images will be sent to you on disc, Please provide your delivery details
    Allow up to 5 working days to receive your item. Please make cheques payable to L Barrett.     Such images provided are to be used only for the purpose agreed and supplied for.  To contact me please use this Contact Form or email me at leonie@marklew.net.

    Theology & the Arts References

    The following is a list of reference books which are useful references on Art for Worship.    

    • Sacred Art, Jenni Davis, 2005, Pitkin Jarrold Publishing
    • Grace and Necessity: Reflections on Art and Love, Rowan Williams, 2005, Morehouse
    • Art and Worship, Anne Dawtry and Christopher Irvine, 2002, SPCK
    • The Church and the Arts, Diana Wood, 1995, Blackwell publishers
    • Art for Gods Sake: a call to recover the arts, Phillip Graham Ryken, 2006, P&R publishing
    • Show me a picture: 30 children’s sermons using the visual arts, Phyllis Vos Wezeman Anna L. Liechty, 2005, The New Brown Bag; The Pilgrim Press
    • Art as Spiritual Activity: Lectures and Writings, Rudolf Steiner, 1998, Steiner Books
    • The Arts and their mission, Rudolf Steiner, 1986, Steiner Books

    Letter to artists: His Holiness Pope John Paul II 1999

    Lambeth Conference 2008 Exhibition

    Episcopal Church and Visual Arts

    Church Art - Church of England

     

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