The SPIRE Autumn-Winter 2013

A U T U M N – W I N T E R 2 0 1 3 CREATIVITY AND THE LIFE OF FAITH westwood united methodist church

t does not matter if it is an art somewhat tired. One year, a dedicated museum, a theater, a concert hall, group of volunteers considered what a Ian opera house, or a little church new vision for one of these camps might building on a prairie. At some point, look like. From that group was born each of these places display or perform an arts and crafts camp that gave the Cover photo by Lehrer Architects works that are the result of the church’s participants a chance to foster their cre- showing details from the 2011 award- winning Sanctuary addition. love of and support of the arts. People of ativity. There was candle making, wood www.lehrerarchitects.com faith have always known that our music, working, batik, quilting, painting, music our dance, our written and spoken words, making, percussion instrument building as well as what we see with our eyes, is (bad idea) – you name it; at one time or capable of making a deep imprint upon another we tried it all. While some in- our souls. Inspired visual art, whether spired and beautiful works were created, Byzantine adornment in Istanbul’s Hagia that really was not the goal. Instead, it Sophia, modern interpretation through was the amazing experience of how art the stained glass of our own sanctuary could draw people together in relation- here at Westwood, or the Renaissance ship, and facilitate interaction with faith. genius of Michelangelo’s adornment of There was a real power in that art camp, the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City – these which became an activity looked forward expressions have helped to tell God’s to by many. story to countless generations. Poets and playwrights have interacted with themes hy should the church be in- rooted in the Christian faith to help us terested in the arts? Because better understand the human condition. Wour art can speak truth in Cantatas, motets, symphonic works and ways we cannot. As people of faith, we oratorios have found their origins in yearn to be connected to truth. It’s not sacred text and story, illuminating eter- a surprise that a verse of a beloved hymn westwood nal truth and providing another way to or the contemplation of a simple icon united methodist church experience God. Perhaps no one said it can move us in ways that are the work- better than Johann Sebastian Bach, “The ings of God’s Spirit. I believe that our 10497 Wilshire Boulevard aim and final end of all music should be human creativity is God-inspired, and Los Angeles, California 90024 310 474-4511 none other than the glory of God and the the creation which we call “art” helps us refreshment of the soul.” understand the great mystery that is our www.westwoodumc.org www.TheLoftLA.org A number of years ago, when I was faith. In this issue of the Spire Magazine serving a different congregation as their members of our faith community reflect Minister to Children, Youth, and Fami- on how art moves us in deep and spiritu- lies, I was responsible for planning and ally-growing ways. leading three family camp experiences each year. Like many long-standing How is it on your journey? traditions, the family camp had become —Pastor John Woodall 2