Florida and the Arts

Have returned from a trip of mixing business with pleasure...

I visited my brother and sister-in-law in Sebring, Florida, and it was a wonderful visit! I had an opportunity to talk, to relax, and to reconnect.

And I was able to make two visits to explore churches that offer arts academies as ministries of their church. Both churches were within a couple of hours to the west and to the east of where my brother lives. On Monday I headed west to Bradenton, Florida, to visit the Woodlands Community Church. I would call it a "megachurch" -- it has a large membership, large campus and a large staff. However, the Fine Arts Academy is coordinated by a part-time director who works on a commission. The program offers instruction in instrumental music and voice, musical theater, and dance.

On Tuesday, I headed to the east to visit First Baptist Church, West Melbourne, Florida (also a "megachurch") and its Gateway Academy of the Arts. I found much there that I had also seen at the Woodlands, except that FBC's program has been in existance longer, and does not have a salaried director, but is coordinated and administered by the Music Ministry Assistant. Their program offers classes in instrumental music, voice, musical theater, dance, and art.

[ASIDE: Of course, both facilities are to die for, for those of us who lust after all the bells and whistles (space, lights, and sound) that can be used to enliven and enhance the worship experience -- or to offer the arts to the community!!]

It was an enriching experience to gain some insight into the organization and implementaion of these programs. Interestingly, neither of these churches currently incorporate the teachers or students into their worship experience, except as the teacher/or/student might already have a connection (i.e. some of the teachers play in the churches' existing orchestras). That type of involvement is one of the things I'm interested in seeing as a part of a program, but understanding that the students of these programs are about 1/2 members and 1/2 non-members, their not being involved in worship is understandable.

Pastor Hasker of FBC and I had a good conversation about the importance of art education and art in spiritual formation. The spiritual formation element is where my interest and my passion lie -- but I need to think a little longer about how that might play out in an art academy setting.

So much to share -- so little space (at least if I want anyone to spend timee reading this!)

Anyway, the trip was great! and I offer my appreciation to the staff of both churches and apperciate all the materials they shared with me. And NOW, off to Europe to the Bregenz Music Festival!

Until the next post, Blessings - and stay cool!
Cheryl