On April 6 we commemorate the lives of three artists whose work had an enduring effect on the church: Albrecht Dürer (1528), Matthias Grünewald (1529) and Lucas Cranach (1553).
How has your congregation used art (visual, music, movement) to communicate the gospel in your community?
My congregation is where Chrismons started. I recall as a young boy sitting around a table making Chrismons in the summertime. The ministry has gone worldwide. It is always a joy to go into the Chrismons office and find out that we have an order from Australia or Africa. I have had wonderful conversations with people calling in to find out if we have any new materials or to make an order. And then there are always the surprises that come in the mail, or just walk in the door.
I went to the Gulf to assist in the rebuilding and was overwhelmed by the destruction. For a moment of peace, we went to a small park in Slidell, LA to see a Christmas tree display. Local groups had decorated trees. To my amazement, I found a tree with Chrismons. I asked Barbara Simmers, the pastor at Peace Lutheran in Slidell if it were her congregations tree and she said she did not know who put it up. I still don't know, but I can say I was greatly comforted by its sight.