Observe! Keep your eyes open! That’s the sleuth’s advice for the New Year. For instance, have you observed the covers of the church bulletins?  “During the ordinary times of the church calendar we have a sketch of our building, but during the special seasons, I wanted to communicate a message,” Reverend Staas indicated.  “When I learned how creative Diane is, I solicited her help.  She has the ability to ‘just make it happen’!”

Diane Thompson was in Juarez, Mexico with the church mission team when she felt a calling to join the Contemporary Worship Praise Band. It was through her music that Dillon discovered her creativity, and he seized the opportunity to expand the church’s ministry with her art. “He explains to me the vision in his head,” Diane began. “I try to really feel the message, and then I sketch it out in lead. From there I do some shading with chalk, and take it to Dillon for review. We build the drawings around seasonal themes and selected scriptures.”

A favorite mentioned by both Diane and Reverend Staas was used during the 2008 Lenten season. It portrays Christ’s praying hands with a shadow of the Cross flowing across them. The sleuth was inspired by the recent Advent portrayal in which three people anxiously await the arrival of Jesus as from a distance they watch Mary & Joseph traveling toward Bethlehem.  Diane has done over twenty bulletin covers, usually four per year. All are available in the church office, and you are encouraged to stop by to give them a second look.

“I like to be a helper, a support person,” Diane mused. As we enter this New Year, let us be grateful for all the artistic contributions of our talented congregation.