This collection of artistic crafts made by several Chapel members celebrates the Fall season by using our creativity to worship and acknowledge our Maker’s goodness and faithfulness to us.

II Chronicles 20 is our inspiration!

— Sharon Williamson

Together

Photography by Ann Ottinger

As I passed an elementary school playground in Houston this Summer, I was captured by this powerful visual. It spoke to me of unity that exists between believers as we follow Christ and glorify our Father… together!

Romans 15:5—6
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thankfulness

Piece by Cheryl Webb
Materials: Ribbon, garlands, fall berries, sprays, fall addendums, and wooden sign

My inspiration came from the word “thankful” and though I am grateful for many things and people in my life, I am most thankful for my faith. This gift from God is a reminder that I cannot earn it, I cannot boast, it was freely given to me by His grace. I’m thankful because it puts my focus on Him and not myself. I am thankful because He is my anchor in a world that seems to be spiraling out of control. Last, but not least, I have faith in a God who is loving, unchanging, in control and in whom I can put my hope and trust.

Ephesians 2:8—9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one can boast.

Tadah Collection

Piece by Sonny Connor
Materials: Tables of wood, one is cherry, three are walnut, two of Oak. The turned bowls are of Oak, Walnut, Mahogany, Rosewood, Hickory and other

We named our house and property in Cumberland, VA “Tadah,” a special word for our family gatherings of thanksgiving. Most of the wood comes from this property. These art pieces represent my heart of thanksgiving for all He has done and for the gifts He has given to me.

Psalm 111:1—2
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.

All Creation Sings Praise

Piece by Billy Burk
Materials: Wood for the birdhouses, softwood of poplar and basswood for the carved birds walking sticks and canes are made from small trees with vines wrapped around the trunks found at the edge of the woods (the vines create the grooves in the wood)

I am amazed at how our Heavenly Father created birds to fly. Some fly away and do not return for days. Some birds are large like Condors and others are small like the hummingbirds. There is great joy in creating the walking sticks and canes for those who need them.

“Praise is the beauty of a Christian — what wings are to a bird, what fruit is to the tree, what the rose is to the thorn, that is praise to a child of God.” — Charles Spurgeon

Job 12:17—18
But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.

Fall Splendor

Piece by Sharon Williamson
Materials: Metal wall-hanging, colorful artificial florals and dried florals

The flowers are gathered to create a burst of fall colors to remind us to gather with others to proclaim the good deeds of the Lord and to praise His name.

Peonies In Glass

Piece by Larry Shoaf
Materials: 550 individually cut and ground stained glass pieces (there are no 2 alike), copper foil, lead/tin solder

Light is necessary for us to be able to see things God has created, things that declare the glory of God.

Romans 1:20 is clear — “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.”

The rich and varied colors in the 550 pieces of stained glass in this shade reflect, in a small way, the incredible wonder of God. Whether in color variations or design of flowers God continues to display his glory for us to feast upon and worship him in amazement and wonder.

Song of Thanksgiving

Song by Timmy Williamson
Song Illustration by Sharon Williamson
Materials: Fabric, but no sewing, glue, paint

A praise to our God for giving life to Hana. Her name comes from the Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii, a long winding scenic road. Hana is a small untouched tranquil town along the way. The vine on each page represents the winding journey we have had with Hana while she was in the womb, her delivery and 9-hour surgery 5 days after birth.

Psalm 109:30
With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD; I will praise Him in the midst of the throng.

Ebb and Flow

Piece by Sharon Williamson
Materials: Wind chime-vintage wooden spools with thread, stainless steel straws, air plant

The driftwood that was once part of a strong tree travels through rivers, lakes and oceans and reminds me of life’s ebbs and flows. The beauty of the vintage spools of thread represent how God is weaving His work in us as we all grow older and there is beauty. The chimes — a song of praise. The air plant represents that God gives us breath and that God is —

I am He; I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

We praise and worship the living God!

Isaiah 46:3—4
Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Piece by Sharon Williamson
Materials: Fabric, bamboo sticks, artificial berries

My inspiration — the gift of a granddaughter, the gathering of the song, the book, the chime and the wall hanging are a gathering of praise and worship

Poem and Praise

The Master Weaver
My life is but a weaving,
Between the Lord and me
I cannot choose the colors,
He worketh steadily

Oft times He weaveth sorrow,
And I in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper,
And I, the underside

The dark threads are as needful,
In the Weaver’s skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver,
In the pattern He has planned.

Not ‘til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly.
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reasons why.

— Author Unknown

Psalm 139:13—17
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book.

Fall Arts & Crafts: Gather In Praise & Worship — October 2021