During the dog days of summer, we combine Sunday School classes as a way to slow down and reconnect. All are invited to participate in this year's August Forum as we explore our artistic side.
August 5:
Painting the Sacred with Amy Ordoveza
Amy Ordoveza will briefly discuss some of her recent paintings and drawings, and lead participants in creating small gouache (opaque watercolor) paintings that depict places that have been significant to them in their spiritual journeys. Participants may optionally prepare to paint by bringing a reference photo of a place where God has guided them, taught them, or blessed them. No previous painting experience is necessary. For adults and youth; children will participate in a rock-painting session with Pastor Kelly.
Amy is an artist, art teacher, and a member of First Baptist Church. She studied painting at the New York Academy of Art and the Maryland Institute College of Art, and art education at George Mason University. She has taught art for Arlington Adult Education and Fairfax County Public Schools.
August 12
Meeting God Through Flowers with Shirley McBeath
Enjoy learning techniques in arranging flowers, God’s inspiring handiwork. Experience the spiritual blessings and gifts of flowers. Participants will leave with their own floral creation. For adults, youth and children.
Shirley joined FBC in February 1974 with her husband Bill and three children, Beth, Becky and Wil. She was ordained as a deacon in 1976 and has served several times on the diaconate, as well as on many committees and teams. She began her ministry of flowers in 2000 when she envisioned ways to expand the use of the message of God’s love by sharing the altar flowers with others after the worship hour. To fund this ministry, she enlists individuals willing to sponsor each week’s fresh flowers on the altar. After worship, these flowers are creatively arranged into smaller bouquets and delivered to the homebound and hospitalized, as well as to those celebrating special occasions. Shirley donates her time and often the flowers used in arrangements for FBC events. Many of these arrangements are augmented by flowers from her own garden.
August 19
Liturgical Fabric Art with Jac & Kathy Whatley
Design your own liturgical banner! Kathy and Jac will introduce us to the use of fabrics to support and enhance worship and will talk about traditional liturgical colors and holy days and their historical place of symbolism in the church. For adults, youth and children.
Forty years ago, a radiator pipe exploded in Jac and Kathy’s first apartment, destroying a quilt his mother had made. They decided to make one to replace it (and hope to finish it this winter). Along the way they begin making placemats and table cloths and fabric stuffed animals and gifts for Christmas and birthdays. Until they joined First Baptist two and a half years ago they had never done any church art (besides Vacation Bible School!). Julie asked Kathy to make a banner for Pentecost and since then they’ve made more than a dozen banners and stoles for the church. Typically Jac designs, patterns and chooses colors while Kathy cuts, sews, quilts and hand stitches details.
August 26
What Makes You Sing? with Lawrence (Lon) Schreiber and Kevin Biggins
After breakfast we'll head upstairs to the third floor Choir Suite where Lon and Kevin will lead us in a musical adventure in worship featuring William Howard Doane, who is also seen in our Sanctuary stained glass. Lon and Kevin will play a duet featuring one of his most famous and beloved hymns: "To God be the Glory." For adults, youth and children.
After 40 years of serving National City Christian Church as Minister of Music, Lon Schreiber was called to be interim Organist-Choirmaster here at First Baptist in October 2000. He was among the consultants for the FBC Steinway Concert Grand, and the Austin organ with more than 6000 pipes.
Kevin has been a part of FBC since (circa?) 2004 through Lon and the music program, and its many talented members; often through leading worship as the substitute organist or being part of the choir. After completing music school at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, Kevin joined Megabus as a supervisor in NJ/Philadelphia, and eventually became the manager of operations in DC and MD. Since returning to DC, he has attended FBC weekly, involving himself in young adult programs, and showing his deep love for the music program here and its future in the church and the community.