WDP - After And Crafter

The service on Friday was - interesting. We had to re-arrange things due to illness. But all went well, and 20 people turned up - more than expected [some visitors found us via the national website, so it obviously pays to put the service details there] including 5 blokes. This morning we have a "follow up" meeting, to talk about what went well and what didn't. People seemed to like the informal seating, and having the coffee and biscuits brought in at the end, rather than trooping out to the Church Hall. 

Back in 2019, I had entered an embroidered piece into the competition for the cover artwork for the order of service. My piece was shortlisted, but didn't win. It was quite a complex brief- the artwork had to represent justice, freedom, forgiveness and peace plus it was to represent England, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus the theme verse from Jeremiah "I know the plans I have for you" says the Lord. Finally it had to be A3 in size. Here are some pictures of the work in progress

Explanation of the artwork ; Our islands are situated on the North West edge of continental Europe – our climate is temperate, with abundant rainfall – and we are warmed by the Atlantic Gulf Stream. We are blessed with mild winters, verdant springtime, warm summers and plentiful autumnal harvests. This artwork has a background which reflects our ‘green and pleasant land’ – and central to it is the WDP logo of four women in prayer. Their colours represent the black basalt of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, the grey slate from the Welsh hills, and the white English cliffs- the fourth woman in blue, for our many rivers and lakes and the waters around our coasts.In recent years our nation has faced turbulent times – but the rocks and the waters point us to the One who is our Eternal Rock, who brings us to the still waters, and restores our souls.

Around the logo are the four symbols of freedom, forgiveness, justice and God’s peace.

Our peoples have been known throughout two millennia for their endeavour and exploration, industry and invention, creativity and construction – so the lower frieze represents these achievements; Smeaton’s lighthouse, Beck’s Tube Map, Hodgkin’s insulin structure and Handel’s "Hallelujah!". Made in the image of the Creator, our scientists, artists and engineers have sought to share their creations and discoveries with all nations– and their plans and designs have been used to bless and benefit many people around the world. These plans remind us of our theme text- Jeremiah 29:11 – “I know the plans I have for you …to bring hope and a future.”

Below- my finished piece. The local committee kindly suggested it should be part of our display last Friday - which was encouraging. It took quite a while to stitch, and has been in the loft for nearly 3 years.