Happy Easter, dear friends! Easter at Westfield this morning was glorious. The day started early with an Easter Sunrise service that was simply beautiful. The good folks over at Allen Hill Tree Farm in Brooklyn, CT have been hosting the service for years. We gathered in between their barns and out buildings and looked out over the ridge that surrounds Killingly. We listened to John’s telling of the first Easter then sang hymns of praise and thanksgiving. Just as we finished the sun peeked over the farthest hill. Was it cold? YES. I was finally able to put the long johns my choir at Loganville First gave me when I left. But was worth it? YESYESYES.
Then it was time to swing by the church. The sign needed to be changed from “It is finished” to “Alleluia! Christ is Risen.” I needed to be sure the heat was switched on (it wasn’t). And I need to be sure our fishing line hadn’t snapped in the night.
Fishing line? Yep, that’s right. Fishing line. Lots of it. I’m sure you remember our Lenten fabric installation.
No? Here’s a quick look:
After some scheming, figuring, and down-right dirty mathematics (not to mention more yards of fabric than I care to share), that turned into this:
After six weeks of our purple/black fabric cutting the space in half and looming over us like a gathering storm, the darkness was shattered by two striking rays of coral and peach colored fabric. At the center, a beautiful flowered cross. Pots of tulips surrounded our (admittedly huge) pulpit.
The grape vine garland that took the place of our Christmas evergreen during Lent burst forth with flowers and greenery this morning.
And now, a word of thanks:
Thank you, good folks of Westfield Church for being willing to go with me on this. And a special thanks to Donna, Amanda, Richard, John, and Suzon who showed up Holy Saturday afternoon to meet their pastor holding a spool of fishing line and pointing to the balcony saying “I think we should run this between those two windows!” Thanks for not laughing in my face and for your patience with my….particular-ness.
Friends, Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen, indeed!
Jon, you have outdone yourself. This is simply gorgeous.
Thanks, Joan! I can’t wait for you to see it in person!
John – one of the most spectacular Easter seasons I can remember in my time here. Your visual artistry adds to the message you so adeptly convey to the congregation. Please keep,up the inspirational work!
Jeff, you’re trumpet this morning was a wonderful addition!
I have loved every part of this journey with you! Thank you! Everything was gorgeous today; the sunrise, the church, the singing, the sermon….thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thank YOU for being part of it all!
Sparks joyful laughter! makes my heart sing!
Hi Jon. Love your Easter draping…We here at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Attica NY want to do one similar to yours. How did you know how much fabric to get with the drapes and all…Please let me know.
Hey Laurie!
I’m so glad you like it! Each ray is around 30 yards in length. That’s more than we need, but it lets us play with the swag and height as well as the length of the ending drop. Here’s a tip for installation: The rays hang over fishing line. On each side of each ray, there is a small hole with a key ring through it. A line is attached to each ray then secured on either side with the line the fabric hangs on. This enables us to pull the fabric back and forth and ensure that it stays flat and taut. Best of luck!