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