Art as faith
The artistic talent within the First United Methodist Church congregation of Rapid City is amazing, according to church secretary Susan Mount Hughes. She invites the public to stop by the church parlor to see for themselves. A display of parishioners’ artwork is on display now, including a series of self-portraits by Soren Sturlaugson, who’s statement of faith says, in part : “Towards the end of a one-year journey through South America, I re-discovered God’s love thanks to the Archer’s ministry in Mendoza, Argentina. Their love and guidance helped me to look past my plans and give God the driver’s wheel of my life. … A month of surrender, prayer and meditation inspired these self-portraits … that continue to inspire me (and I pray others, too) to continue to surrender, meditate and pray daily.” Below is a picture of Soren with his art.
Soren Sturlaugson with several self-portaits on display at First UMC.
Art Jansen’s Celtic Cross and Carved Wooden Chain, along with Ida Liffengren Jansen’s painting “Life References.” are shown below. Art notes that Christ was a carpenter and woodworker, too. “As a carpenter, he needed faith in his ability and his recognition of finished product before he laid a tool to the wood. To me, faith is not knowing, but believing. I look at a piece of wood and imagine what it could become.” Perhaps like God looks at him. Art says that while some of his masterpieces turn out to be “decorative firewood” with faith, he continues to whittle.
Art Jansen with his carved wooden Celtic Cross at First UMC.
Ida LiffengrenJansen with "Life References." The objects shown in the painting were especially important to her, she said.