Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Sermon Notes Gift- Part 5

                                                                                                        J. Berger
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!"
                                                                                                                                          D. Harman

                                                                                                        J. Berger
"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!"
                                                                                                                                                          J. Berger

                                                                                 J. Berger
                                      "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

                                                                                                                                            J. Berger

                                                                                    D. Harman
"I think this is a habit 
that will be with me forever. 
I have even journaled congregation
 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.
"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."
                                                                                                                                    D. Harman

                                                                                        J. Berger
"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

                                                                                D. Harman
"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."
                                                                                                                                               J. Berger

                                                                                   D. Harman
"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."
                                                                                                                                               J. Berger

                                                                                                                                    D. Harman
  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.
Connie Denninger

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always wanting to be connected!