How much time have you spent thinking about the riverside? More photos, thoughts, and comments have been sent in following our August Forest Church. Perhaps our time out to reflect will have prepared participants for when ecology, spiritual exploration, community celebration of nature, and the arts will overlap this Saturday at NithRaid. Come and find out on Millgreen.
What stories does the river tell?
“The Mole.. sat on the bank, while the river still chattered on to him, a babbling procession of the best stories in the world, sent from the heart of the earth to be told at last to the insatiable sea”
‘The Wind in the Willows’
Some more images of us using masks to think about the animals of the riverside. Photos by Mark Toner.
Some encouraging words from someone who was not able to be there in person, but who is making the invisible Church visible by getting in touch.
“I read the readings and material you posted, and this afternoon I walked by the Creetown burn which has a heron and otters. It felt good to be thinking about what the animals have to teach us, and connecting with the harvest theme by picking blackberries.”
Sarah, Asheiri
Do you know what the salty coo is?
Re-imagining the relationship people have with the river is a transformative act. The people of Dumfries have been creating new rituals and folk traditions to do this.
Reflect on the story of Moses going up the mountain to receive the law. While he was away, absent, Aaron crafts a golden calf, recognising his people’s need. When he returns Moses is furious. Idolatry is not Christian, however the story doesn’t stop there. The rest of the story is dripping with arts and crafts including tents, shrines, fabrics, rituals and immersive experiences. Many books have been written exploring the artistic sources and relationship to the artwork of the surrounding cultures.
I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts.”
Yahweh describes Bezalel the artist in Ex. 31:1-3 (See also Ex. 35:31-35.)
The organisation coordinating this years festival is EcoArt . Nithraid is not a religious event. However those involved are respond to human needs with loving service, by volunteering and working to build community. They seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation. In their lives many will consciously strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. There is also a call out to prepare for and participate in the “Rite of the Salty Coo“.
- Should the Church be involved in town events like this?
- In what ways could the Church contribute, learn … receive?
- What would be welcomed by the community, and would anything be inappropriate?
And if you are the sort of person who thinks with their hands why not explore the relationship between humans and the river, and the rest of our environment, by making some toy boats?