Refreshing Our Imaginations

This Sunday, to our great delight, Joy Banks came and unveiled the art we had commissioned her to make around our four core images: the Well, the Table, the Seed, and the Net. To these, Joy added an unexpected design element, ‘The Welcoming Christ’, who holds them all  together.

Here are words she used to describe this Christ in an email: 

“Although you didn’t stipulate this in the commission, from the beginning I wanted to find a way that all four core images could be combined or held together in one larger piece. As I played around with many possibilities, what emerged was the idea of nestling the images around a central Christ figure. 

Along with this idea, these words immediately popped into my head, ‘The Welcoming Christ’, and I sensed this reflected what I have perceived to be a key charism of your community. Over the last years you have intentionally taken steps to become a community that reflects the abundant and generous welcome of Christ, and so I thought it might be nice to create this extra piece to the commission to hold your core image together. 

To convey this welcome, I have carved an image of Christ with open, inviting arms. But I have also depicted Jesus stepping toward the viewer and not statically standing in place—as in most traditional images. The welcome of Christ is invitational, yes, but also coupled with the remarkable and mysterious movement of Christ drawing near to offer that invitation.”

When I look at Joy’s artwork, I feel as though she has given voice with her imagination to the very heart of who we are. At the centre of our communion is the face and form of this Jesus, and at the centre of our practices are the words and ways of this Jesus. I feel deep love in my heart for this welcoming Christ. 

In the weeks to come, we will continue to savour the beautiful images Joy has created for us. I look forward to how these images will refresh our creative imaginations, revealing more of who we are as a community, and who God is calling us to be.  

I close with Joy’s words, again: “I trust that the welcoming Christ will meet you once again this day with abundant love.” 

Warmly,
Anne

Rev. Anne Baxter Smith
Pastor, Church at Southpoint