Following the four workshops of "Enjoy God's Handiwork" in July (click to read the Overall Review and Reflection) to witness the final phase of the two churches' merger, TWIN TOWERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH and EMBRACE CHURCH, now entering into August, the new name after the merger of the two churches will be announced by the end of August!

For the transitional special moments, the "Art and Faith" fellowship group will host two sessions of Walk-in Open Studio in August at the churches, focusing on the theme "Sketch Your Sacred Place Stories."

Everyone is welcome to join without registration. The Church will provide basic art supplies, and you are also encouraged to bring your own.

For any questions, please feel free to contact me: FanLu.Art@gmail.com

The artwork on the poster is mine, which tells the story of a sacred place through prayers expressing my gratitude for my academic life in London. I was standing at Tate Modern Art Gallery, looking ahead toward the Millennium Bridge—over the River Thames—with St Paul's Cathedral visible both near and far. I walked the entire length of this steel suspension bridge designed for pedestrians. The most memorable thing about St. Paul's Cathedral is that it was my very first stop when I arrived in London, and I lived just a 5-minute walk away, so I would walk by each time. So many good and beautiful memories arose when I sketched to record this little story of the sacred place of my experience.

As I walked across the Millennium Bridge, I observed the old and the new. This experience reflects the current reality of the present moment, where I also serve as a bridge between different cross-cultural contexts, contemplating Faith and Art within the various communities in the visible and invisible resonance, and standing the test of time.

At any time or stage in life, it's common to face the process of questioning, refining, and misunderstanding. Being misunderstood and later appreciated is very often a part of this journey—sometimes explaining thoroughly to doubting or attentive listeners, but usually simply needing time to reveal its actual value. As Ephesians 4:3 encourages, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." True unity, especially among people from diverse backgrounds, is always built on a foundation of TRUST.

The church warmly invites you, as participants of all ages, to sketch your own stories, for the sacred places can be anywhere that matters or is meaningful to you, either your home, the church architecture, nature, or wherever that speaks to you, that your heart knows. Art has its therapeutic function in a healing journey for deep inner reflection and serves as a channel to convey messages. In His presence, peace and stillness abound, for every person is God's temple; wherever we go, God is always with us.

A new journey has just begun. Wishing you and me all the best in life and beyond!