The Revd Diane Powell started a new Spring Project in April 2023 with the help of a grant from the Diocesan Growth Fund.
The church created a variety of signs, paintings and displays telling the story linked to Psalm 23. The interactive display was placed around the church grounds which made it inclusive for all – especially for a foster family of adults with disabilities and an infant child with her family. The displays were also welcomed by local dog walkers as well.
The signs and displays included a Shepherd cut out enabling people to pop their heads into the display to have their photograph taken and an angel painting which was prepared to link into their previous Inspiring Angels project at Christmas. The painter of the signs - wanting to play a part in the community had previously learnt Psalm 23 by heart. The artist also held a bible study group during Lent and this was the first time this particular group had come together.
The displays were also taken on visits in local primary schools for assemblies and focused on the story of King David and his anointing. This linked perfectly into the anointing of King Charles 111 during the King’s Coronations. Coronation medals were given out to all the children.
Diane said;“ I am delighted that the local school got involved in this project, it is a non-church primary school, and there is a new headteacher and all the children worked hard to produce artwork for the Coronation and was eventually displayed in the church during the Coronation weekend. This is excellent to foster even closer links with the school”
The signs also helped set the scene for Easter services in the church - first, they held a Hot Cross Bun service on Good Friday, attracting a large number of people from across Mendham. The service was taken outside to view all the signage. On Easter Saturday the displays were used with children including some visiting tourists to explain what had happened the day before and what was to happen on Easter Sunday. The Angel figure was used as part of the Easter Sunday and Holy Communion services. And finally, sunflower seeds were provided to local parishioners with Happy Easter cards. There were distributed with the church magazine.
Diane said “ A family spoke of how they had immediately planted the seeds and a baptism family asked about where they could get more seeds. A father who was given Easter booklets and eggs for his children brought them back to say thank-you to the local leader and attended a service for the first time after at rogation”.
Going forward Diane and her leadership team are planning to continue working with the school on a new project – Humankind. They are also planning a Creationtide service and walk. The artworks in the churchyard have demonstrated that the church can be used creatively and they will continue to explore using the space as a place of reflection.
