the mural
How do you say what the church is all about in one picture? This was the impossible task for the artist who generously helped us. The great expanse of corridor wall was crying out for something other than blue-tacked posters and church notices!
And whilst something painted directly onto the wall would be colourful and interesting, how could we keep it looking good? And so we commissioned local artist Richard Grundy.
The brief we gave him was “We know we want it to say “Jesus loves you” but not actually in those words and we are committed to serving this local community in all its needs, so can you draw a picture saying that please?”
We wanted lovely colours but nothing too bright and “in your face!”; something so that people walking through the doors would feel welcomed and safe and yet know this wasn’t just an ordinary café but somewhere a bit special where they were treated as special.
We wanted our mural to be our “mission statement” but not be too gooey or sentimental!
And Richard produced this!
And whilst something painted directly onto the wall would be colourful and interesting, how could we keep it looking good? And so we commissioned local artist Richard Grundy.
The brief we gave him was “We know we want it to say “Jesus loves you” but not actually in those words and we are committed to serving this local community in all its needs, so can you draw a picture saying that please?”
We wanted lovely colours but nothing too bright and “in your face!”; something so that people walking through the doors would feel welcomed and safe and yet know this wasn’t just an ordinary café but somewhere a bit special where they were treated as special.
We wanted our mural to be our “mission statement” but not be too gooey or sentimental!
And Richard produced this!
This says it all – love, joy, peace, truth, hope, faith, forgiveness, justice, all carried along in a great wave emanating from Christ who is strongly present behind the dove (the spirit of peace and powerful indicator of God’s presence).
These “fruits of the spirit” (Galatians 5:22) swirl from the Son (and sun) and sweep from the church into the world. Yet they are also to be found in the world- which if traced can lead us into the presence of the Christ from whom all blessings flow (Hymns and Psalms 764).
These “fruits of the spirit” (Galatians 5:22) swirl from the Son (and sun) and sweep from the church into the world. Yet they are also to be found in the world- which if traced can lead us into the presence of the Christ from whom all blessings flow (Hymns and Psalms 764).
