It Feels Like Victory

Last Fall all Lutheran churches received resources to create ways to celebrate the 500th year of the Reformation that was largely successful because of the efforts of Martin Luther and the other reformers of the 16th century.  One of the resources mentioned having an art show and discussing some suggested pieces of art supplied in a slide show.  That would have been nice, but we live in Othello, Washington.  We live in the heart of the Columbia Basin.  We live in one of the most unique areas on the planet, so we are surrounded by artists who work hard to capture the beauty of God's creation around here.

What was suggested by the Reformation Resources Guide became the Othello Ministerial Association hosts the Celebration of the Arts.  I participate in a group of colleagues who gather monthly and discuss religious matters and how they relate to our congregations.  We had been thinking about something we could do together ecumenically, and up until now our efforts had been marginally successful.  We hosted an ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service last year and got less than 30 in attendance, none of whom were Lutheran besides Anna and me.  We wanted to host an ecumenical Pentecost service at a city park, but it rained that weekend and we had no indoor alternative.  When we discussed doing an art show together my colleagues liked the idea, but not if it was tied to the Reformation, so it became an event where we simply had the opportunity to give thanks to God for the art and talent that we are surrounded with in our community.  Because God got involved, it turned out great, even much better than I expected.

The pastors in our ministerial association all have musical talent.  As a matter of fact, their family members are talented as well, so it was easy to form a musical ensemble built of the pastors, their families, and a few talented volunteers from their congregations.  At our first rehearsal it became apparent that, since we had never played together before, we could benefit from having a director. The secretary at one of the churches just happened to be a retired band director and very experienced musician, so he eagerly agreed when asked and became our director, and the Othello Ecumenical Ensemble was born.  We became the group that ended the service at the Celebration of the Arts.  Our director is also an accomplished hand-bell ringer, so he played a bell solo.  The choir of Pilgrim Lutheran Church sang a piece, and yours truly sang the Lord's Prayer.  A local author recited an original poem and all of the pastors added Scripture readings and prayers.  It really was a wonderful event and I hope we can do another one next year and make it an annual tradition.

Along with performing art, local artists were encouraged to display their creations.  There were several paintings.  Anna shared some of her photography along with paintings by members of her family, but for me, the highlight was the art we displayed for Ethel.  She is 94 and lives in a nearby care facility, but she has spent years creating works of art by painting dishes, duck decoys, clocks, quilt racks, and even a writing desk or two.  She had never had the chance to display her art all at once like we did, so she was all smiles from ear to ear throughout the event.  That, for me, made the whole thing worthwhile.  Ethel knows for sure now that what she has done all her life has made a difference for others.  Isn't that what it's all about?