What's Happening for Pentecost?

At Pentecost we encounter unlimited possibilities for creative expression. There are so many possibilities in which our senses can be aroused, through colour, sound, touch and images. In no other liturgical season are the elements of earth, wind and fire, life and death, so tactile.

Boundless possibilities exist for the collaborative arts, particularly as this year (20th May, 2012) we are gifted with the Valley of Dry Bones reading (Ezekiel 37:1-14) as well as the more commonly read, Acts 2. Both readings invite expression through artistic forms. There is no excuse for being boring here folks!

How will your faith community acknowledge Pentecost?

One year my faith community had red helium balloons on strings stuck to the aisle end of each pew. It looked perky and spectacular in our relatively dull worship space. On that particular morning, we were treated with a liturgical dance during which the players moved down the aisle. The balloons had not been present during rehearsal, and so the effect of the dancers on the balloons was unexpected and startling. As they passed back and forth each balloon dipped and was sucked toward the dancers. It was a wonderful visual metaphor for the Holy Spirit. Inevitably some balloons began to sink over time, leaving the preacher every opportunity to reflect further.

You are invited to share with the spirited and singing community here any idea, intention or memory for/of Pentecost. Written liturgy and music is welcome, as well as arts forms less utilised in our communities.

And once Pentecost Sunday has passed, please share what actually happened so that creative energies are fuelled further for the remainder of the season. Any thought however insignificant can be a trigger for another.

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Here are a few brainstorm starters:

• Dance of the Dry Bones - you get to work out what this is
• Soundscape on Ezekiel Reading
• Rendition of Linnea Good's 'O Dry Bones Hear the Word of God' (it'll only cost you 99 cents to buy)
• Wind sound effects
• Sit around a bonfire and share stories
• Paint bones
• Reflect on what digging up dry bones can tell us - think forensics folks

Looking forward to your idea, memory or intention.

Sounds like Pentecost
The Bright Wind is Blowing
More Resources

Soundscape: The Israelites Cross the Red Sea

On Sunday 11th September (2011) the account of the parting of the Red Sea is included in the lectionary readings. To this end I offer the Soundscape: The Israelites Cross the Red Sea to accompany Exodus 14: 19-31.

This soundscape requires 7 players, a few everyday items and, depending on your preference, may involve the participation of the gathered people. You may choose to reduce the number of players should you so wish (eg: have a chorus of 3 voices instead of 4, and use the chorus members to manipulate other sounds).

Please remember soundscapes are aural, not visual, presentations and balanced amplification of each sound and speaker is crucial to success. I cannot stress the importance of rehearsal strongly enough.

The soundscape is freely available for use in worship with due acknowledgement. If you do make use of this soundscape, I'd be interested to hear about your experience.

 

More about soundscapes

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Soundscape: The Tree of Knowledge

On March 13, the Garden of Eden story (Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7) is listed on the Revised Common Lectionary. To that end I offer this soundscape for possible use in your faith community.

The Tree of Knowledge (soundscape)
Please remember soundscape are aural, not visual, presentations and amplification of each sound effect and speaker is crucial to success. Rehearsal with amplification is also important.
What is a soundscape?

The soundscape is freely available for use in worship and for christian education with due acknowledgement. If you do make use of this soundscape, I'd be interested to hear about your experience. 

More soundscapes