Worship opened with the hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King,” shown on the big screen next to a mountain crafted for the 2015 Mt. Everest themed Vacation Bible School.
GOD’S CREATION FOCUSED every aspect of worship at my church, Trinity Lutheran in Faribault, this weekend.
A snippet of snowflake art quilted by Kevin Kreger, who coordinated the Creation themed worship service.
The theme seemed ideally suited for a February weekend when a blizzard was forecast for portions of the state.
A sunflower painting jolts color into an art display.
Come this time of year, Minnesotans are beginning to long for green grass, sunshine and warmth.
The Rev. Paul Rieger uses a book to showcase Creation during the children’s object lesson.
Singing about, hearing about and viewing depictions of God’s creation lifted my spirits. The words of my favorite hymn, Beautiful Savior; a scripture reading from Genesis; and a display of artwork brought in by worshipers highlighted Creation.
Viewing the art after the 8 a.m. worship service.
God’s creation of fish depicted in this crocheted art piece.
Lots of Creation art in many mediums.
After worship—after the singing and preaching and listening—congregants perused art displayed within the sanctuary. Creation worked into fabric and photos, yarn and paintings, wood and paper, and more. So much talent crafted by the hands God created.
Crosses, because they are made of materials from the natural world, were interspersed with the other art.
And then there was the-feet-in-the-hammock photo that flashed onto the big screen during the pastor’s sermon. He used the image to illustrate that “God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.”
A simple bowl of fruit rests as a work of art and and example of God’s Creation.
Slight laughter rippled across the pews of the Lutheran church. Yet, the point was made. God rested. And so should we. But do we?
BONUS PHOTOS:
More artistic examples of God’s Creation.
Looking up at autumn leaves in fabric…more of God’s Creation.
An overview of the major portion of the art display, including my photos on the big screen.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
What a great idea to feature this type of beauty on a cold winter day. I see that Mason City is all closed down–not a bunch of new snow but really high winds so blizzardy. Hope you are able to stay inside and stay warm.
We got a light dusting of snow. It’s tough for me to gauge weather conditions down here in the valley. But I see in the sw part of Minnesota, numerous roads are closed and no unnecessary travel is advised due to white-out conditions.
What beautiful creations this display showcases! So many talented hands… so many perceptions of “God’s Creation”!
That was the interesting thing to see, how individuals interpreted Creation. Not everything displayed was actually made by parishioners, although much was created by their hands. Folks were welcome to bring artwork depicting Creation, whether they made it or not.
Darn toot’n we are – and the rich and vibrant colors you bring to us this day go a long way toward brightening things up.
I’m happy to brighten your winter morning, Greg.
I don’t know about you all up there in Faribault but down here, we have whiteout conditions.
Down here in the valley, I don’t have a good grasp on weather conditions. But I am pretty certain we do not have white-out conditions like you to the south.
Looks like you worship with a bunch of talented people.
Most, but not all, of the displayed art was created by church members.
what a cool thing!
It’s a great idea.
Am totally in love with that darling crochet fish!!!!!!!!!! (Great post!)
I need to check with a friend. I think her daughter may have crocheted it. I love that fish also.
Reminded me of all the creatures in “Finding Nemo”!!!!!! LUV…………….
Yup, me, too.
The crochet fish was made by my daughter-in-law. She makes all sorts of critters, including many bears that get donated to kids around the world, though I don’t know the name of the organization that she works through.
Thanks for that information, Kevin. Please tell your daughter-in-law that she has fans of her crocheted critters. How wonderful that she donates bears to kids around the world.
And this is why Mr. Obama was way off base when he said that the United States is no longer a Christian nation.. We are, we have always been and we will always be, a nation that was founded on Christian beliefs and yet with a religious tolerance for others so long as they are not intended to supplant our God and Creator! Beautiful church and display Audrey.
Thank you, Jake.
What a great idea, so many wonderful exhibits of nature and it’s beauty. I find plenty of that beauty in winter as well. I loved the snowflake quilt and the crocheted fish was pretty cool and original. Is this an annual event at your church?
This is the second time we’ve done something like this in the winter. The last time was two years ago when flowers were the theme.
Them thar Minnesotans sure do have some talent! Nice way to spend the day out of the weather and I sure like that snowflake art quilt!
You still have that thar Minnesota accent, don’t you?
Kevin is one incredibly talented quilter.
Yah Sure You Betcha! Once a Minnesotan always a Minnesotan!
Agreed.
Lovely visual display and reminder of God’s presence. On a snowy cold day this is such a inspiring exhibit of talent in the church community. Thanks for sharing.
That’s precisely why this time of year was chosen for this display, to uplift all of us in the deep of winter.