Women’s History Month continues as we celebrate the profound contributions of women in hymnody, art, and sacred music.
Spotlight on Cover Art: Worthy of Being Fed
This week’s bulletin cover features Worth of Being Fed, by Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity, Acrylic on raw canvas with digital drawing, inspired by Isaiah 55:1-9.
In my early 20s, in the midst of too many life transitions to navigate at once and a personal crisis that deeply unraveled me, I called an old family friend who happened to live in the new city I had just moved to. I don’t remember what I said, exactly, but the friend instantly sensed that I needed more than just a phone conversation. She invited me to meet her at the park near her apartment. We went on a walk, and as the daylight waned, she said, “Would you like to stay for dinner?” I’ll never forget the way she warmed up homemade soup from her fridge and fixed me an arugula salad. She dressed it with olive oil and lemon juice, and to my surprise, added a pinch of salt and a shake of pepper. Like manna in my desert, that meal nourished me at a time when I did not think I was worthy of being fed. The prophet Isaiah brings a message of good news to the Israelites, though they have been in exile for so long that perhaps they’ve forgotten there is a story beyond scarcity. Through Isaiah, God invites them into an abundant life rich with food that is free and waters that satisfy. In this image, a feast is savored and shared. The brackets, which look like doves flying inward, also form the shape of a vessel that is simultaneously upright and full and also upside down and poured out. We fill up so we can pour out—we can’t give from an empty cup. In this text, there is no doubt that God’s expansive mercy is abundant. The only question—for the Jewish exiles and for us—is are you ready to be restored? Can you believe you are worthy of God’s nourishing grace? Will you allow yourself to receive it? by Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity
Spotlight on Prelude: Adoration by Florence B. Price
This Sunday, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of Florence Price (1887-1953), a pioneering African American composer who broke barriers and enriched the landscape of American classical music. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, Price's talent shone brightly. She was the first African American woman to have her symphony performed by a major American orchestra, with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra premiering her Symphony No. 1 in E minor in 1933.
Price's music beautifully blends classical forms with elements of African American spirituals, folk melodies, and dance rhythms, creating a unique and powerful voice. Her compositions, including symphonies, concertos, and art songs, reflect both her deep faith and her experience as a Black woman in America. Let us remember and celebrate Florence Price's extraordinary legacy, a testament to the enduring power of talent and perseverance in the face of adversity.
A Sanctified Art: Creativity as Worship
Throughout Lent, much of our liturgy and artwork comes from A Sanctified Art, a female-founded, women-led creative team dedicated to making worship an imaginative, justice-driven, and deeply inclusive experience. Their work is grounded in the belief that all people carry the imprint of the Divine Artist, and their resources help congregations engage scripture with curiosity and creativity. Their core values emphasize:
The unique creativity of all people, reflecting the image of God.
The inherent goodness of every person, affirming the dignity of all.
The transformative call of the gospel, leading to justice and wholeness.
Worship that engages our whole being, drawing on mind, body, heart, and soul.
Learn more about their work at sanctifiedart.org.
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