Hi folks, over the next couple of weeks I will be posting a blog about how we have used ‘pictures of love’ since we gathered the photos together. It has been on display for a few weeks in one of our local churches and its had a good response from those who have looked at the photos. recognising people who they know and also asking questions about it purpose and ‘what is it all about’?
Since then we have used the exhibition in a local shopping centre as part of a week long mission to the local community in several churches… below describes the concept and what happened during the week… Enjoy!
As part of the Together Mission, the Circuit took over an empty shop in the Park View Shopping Centre in Whitley Bay. We mounted the exhibition Pictures of Love – photographs of people’s personal responses to the question, ‘What does love mean to you?’ But we also filled the shop with paints, craft materials and volunteers. Passers-by were invited in to see the exhibition and create their own images of love. Children, parents, grandparents, teenagers answered that challenge, adding their own pictures to make a wall of colourful faces, places and patterns.
In the window each day a volunteer made wooden crosses; during the week others knitted, painted, wrote poetry, made friendship bracelets. Each person encouraged visitors to join in, reflect and talk. It was a lively, unthreatening space and all who took part found it a positive and moving experience. Visitors shared their stories and volunteers got to know people from across the Circuit.
There was also a quiet corner where visitors could simply sit and rest. Each day there were volunteers who offered prayer for those who wished. And there were refreshments too.
On the last day a visitor asked what we were doing for Christmas. Another said, ‘Why don’t you do this more often?’ Over 340 people came into this pop-up creative space during the five days we were open. The church invited them in, provided hospitality, respect, rest and the opportunity to create something unique. Perhaps the question, ‘Why don’t we do this more often?’ is one we need to explore with more confidence, imagination and joy.
Rob Wylie is the founder of BeachcomberFX and guides its leadership team. He has worked in the North East for over 20 years and has vast experience from various roles he has held. He has a passion for Fresh Expressions of Church and Pioneer Ministry as well as beer, beaches and Miniature Schnauzers.
