On Thursday afternoon, a group of aspiring artists have been under the direction of the talented Lori Hanson (Oil Painter) 

Caroline was so inspired by Lori, the classes, Monet and her new gift of crying she travelled to Scotland. She writes 

"With fabulous patient teaching from Lori, a group of us turned a blank canvas into a Monet! 
This inspired me to visit the National Art Gallery of Scotland to look at more of Monet's paintings "

Juliet has made this incredible print out for you to colour in. Many of you will recognise it as an excerpt of a north facing stained glass window here at St. Johns. Now you can colour it in however you like !! This beautiful nativity scene is perfect for the season ! We'll also be posting it on our Facebook page s please do comment below that and share your creations (if you like). Juliet, as well as being integral to St. Johns and a very busy ordinand also has the lovely Colouring Calm - please do give it a like ! 

We are very blessed here at St. John's to have a congregation that brings together so many beautiful differences and skills. At Cafe Church on Sunday, one table wrote this poem for Advent. One of our resident poets (the wonderful Debbie), kindly brought it together for us.
​

DECEMBER 4th 10am-3pm St John's Sharow
​Art Focus for Advent…  We spend time thinking and praying during Advent.  A time of waiting and hopeful anticipation, a time for searching ourselves and preparing once again to receive Jesus anew into our hearts and lives; welcoming new birth within us. Do join us for this special time of prayer and reflection together, limited places available, bookings open now.
​Please email Juliet on [email protected]

Once per quarter, an excited, mystical lull descends upon St John's. People are found stumbling through the heavy church doors carrying lunch boxes, others with arms full of sketchbooks and pens. 

Some are here to simply bask in the peace and tranquility of St John's, calmly colouring in some of Juliet’s amazing Christian designs, others are crafting and sticking, creating cards and art from the array of materials provided. There is often someone drawing, and perhaps someone cross stitching in this ecumenical gathering of creatives. It doesn't matter if you really are't an artist, or you're a professional, faith unites across the denominations and generations. Most of the art lovers return retreat after retreat, showing their love for this special day which typically runs from 10am-3pm.

We are blessed at St John's to have an amazing Lay Minister (Juliet) who is also a professional artist, able to guide even the least confident artists if desired and who will lead in prayer too. Juliet is the owner of Colouring Calm which sells a selection of intricate, Christian contemplative colouring pages, allowing people to meditate on biblical phrases and imagery. Juliet is currently on an ordination pathway with the Church of England and is a familiar face around Ripon, with her water-colour artist husband and choral-scholar son.  

Art and Spirituality days are generally very peaceful, although there is usually a more chatty time later on, with free movement throughout. Artists can find inspiration from two-hundred year old St. John's or our award winning bio-diverse churchyard. And there is of course constant drinking of tea. 

​Book with Juliet on [email protected] or via the DLP : ​https://learning.leeds.anglican.org/event/art-and-spirituality-day-retreat-2/