Quartz is a partnership between St John’s Dumfries and Wordsmith Crafts CIC. Simon is supported a day a week to work flexibly to support Quartz activities, maintain this site and help people use the arts to experience, explore, and express spirituality through the arts, and for those that choose to, to enter into our heritage […]
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Sculpture
Sculpture artist Ildiko Malovecz (Dee Art and Design) is publicly creating a half size papier mache statue design of the patron saint of Dumfries. We are blessed that she has chosen St Johns church as one of the venues for this project. We are glad to support her in inviting and involving the local community […]
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Grace
When I say grace before or after eating and am being thankful for having food to eat. More than this, as well, I am pausing to be thankful that food has flavour, and as human beings we are able to sense this and delight in the experience. Followers of the Way can describe this as […]
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Jan 2026 QFC
Gathering as Quartz Forest Church on Sunday the18th of January We will meet at 2pm outside the Crichton chapel on the 18th of January. ///exist.stupidly.uppermost 55.050833766805376, -3.59431226162093 Peace We will meet in Peace and make peace by meeting. Whether you consider yourself a close friend of Jesus or are just a wee bit curious we […]
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18th of January QFC
Forest Church to start the year! Time is a funny thing. To what extent do we experience it, and to what extent do we create systems to manage our experience of it? There are many calendars which could be used to track the beginning of the new year. Julian or Gregorian? Church festivals, or community, […]
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St Mungo
Tuesday the 13th of January is a day to remember the life and witness of St Kentigern. Also known as Mungo, his two names are a good introduction to his story. Kentigern is a princely name. A path he could have chosen to follow as the son of a princess. It might mean something like […]
Quartz has a WhatsApp group where members share “Glimmers” moments when they recognise the presence of God in their daily lives. This can be a picture, or text, and it helps us keep in touch even when we are not in the same place for a while. When we share pictures though, are we simply […]
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Heroes
Today is David Bowies Birthday. This post is inspired by one of the songs he wrote. In Quartz we have practiced techniques known as Lectio Divina, and Terra Divina. These inform contribute to various attempts to increase the practice of the presence of God. Music is important in the life of many worshiping communities. I […]
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Echoes!
Whilst looking for something else I was stumbled upon this wee presentation. It is a review of the projects we grouped together under the name of “Outerweave”. Coming soon in 2026 we will be running some Quartz “Faith and Art” workshops. 4 sessions of 2 hrs each. #sensingspirituality, drawing thoughts, weaving connections, colouring light. They […]
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Merry Christmas!
Here is a collection of the images that have been on the Quartz website in Advent. The theme celebrates the miracle that flesh thinks. Dust and breath combine. From the beginning, and for ever. Canopy of stars St John’s building is open for prayer and reflection. We have filled the sky indoors with echos of […]
Here is a collection of posters with information about what is on around Dumfries this Advent and Christmas! 4pm Christingles! Candles, fruit, deep symbolism – and sweets. What could be more family friendly 🙂 The River of Life are offering food to give away and a warm place to gather. More information about what’s on […]