J. Berger
This is the final post
about the Sermon Notes Gift.
Here we will also share some thoughts
from the artists.
This is the final post
about the Sermon Notes Gift.
Here we will also share some thoughts
from the artists.
First, Debbie Harman shares some honest thoughts
about "learning along the way"-
"I first started journaling my sermon notes
after attending a Visual Faith Workshop in 2015.
Before that, I thought that sermons were something
to get through before communion.
But once I started, I found I couldn't stop!
Now, I even take my sketchbook
when I go to the beach!"
J. Berger
"I always sketch in pencil,
"I always sketch in pencil,
just jotting down notes or little drawings
to represent the thoughts I have or something
the pastor said. I then spend the rest of the week
"making it look pretty."
I have found that the message of the sermon
becomes more meditative for me.
I may be drawing or coloring,
but I'm thinking about the message.
I never used to remember sermons
once I walked out of church!"
"I also have the time
to do a little more research
on what the pastor has said.
I've looked up other Bible passages,
read about the historical
significance of certain events,
and even looked up Greek or Hebrew
to get a better understanding of context.
I have also found myself meditating
on religious artwork as I search
for inspiration for my own art."
D. Harman
"I think this is a habit
that will be with me forever.
"I think this is a habit
that will be with me forever.
I have even journaled congregation
town hall meetings,
town hall meetings,
prayer vigils, and Wednesday night Lenten services.
I never realized how such a simple exercise
could make such a lasting impression on my faith."
J. Berger
Jeanne Berger shares a bit about her process.
Jeanne Berger shares a bit about her process.
"The Illustrated Guide to Visual Notetaking
by Mike Rohde
led me to my current process
of sketch- noting sermons.
It tells how to quickly draw simply,
(even for the non-artist).
You can pull out key information,
and enjoy taking notes.
Sometimes I catch the theme quickly
and do a bigger picture, sketch/drawing."
J. Berger
"Often, I am just listening to the sermon
"Often, I am just listening to the sermon
and brainstorming, connecting ideas,
letting God (and coffee) direct me.
Don't worry, just go.
I tend to start in the middle of the page
and then fill in space around it.
Not a purposeful thing-
just what feels right to me."
D. Harman
"When I know I will be busy,
"When I know I will be busy,
I go straight for the pen.
Otherwise, I draw in pencil
and go back later and clean it up.
Layering color and texture later
is a way of meditating
and helps to reinforce the message.
Sometimes I steal away an hour or two
and pray this way.
I find a verse
that fits a prayer need
or something to inspire me
and draw that-
either in my sketchbook or Bible.
If I am praying for a someone
and think it will help,
I will send the drawing to them."
D. Harman
"Initially, I began this process because
"Initially, I began this process because
I'd watch my friend Debbie draw in church.
Then, I went with her to a Visual Faith workshop.
With the encouragement of my friend, Debbie,
and Pastor Dave Betzner,
I have continued this spiritual practice."
The images of the drawings in these 5 blog posts
were photos taken from the book gift to Pastor Dave Betzner.
Any cut off words and blurriness are due to this format
(and my very hurried photo taking to return the book)
and not the work of the artists.
I give thanks for the sharing of this body of work
from these 2 inspired artists.
Perhaps their work will
INSPIRE YOU
to be connected to the Word
in this fulfilling way.
Perhaps their work will
INSPIRE YOU
to be connected to the Word
in this fulfilling way.
Connie Denninger
