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The Newsletter of ARM and the Chapel Galleries™

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Art & Mission: Artist as Communicator

Jesus never took a casual position towards our communication. Rather He declared that our words were indicative of deeper heart issues, issues that were, and still are, of primary importance to Him. Surrounded by religious leaders who had rules about everything beyond the basic Law that was given through Moses, Jesus rebuffed the idea that the disciples were defiled because of the way they ate. He said, "It's not what enters the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man. The things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man." (Matthew 15: 11,18-20a.) When God sees our communication as a link to our thoughts and a mirror of our hearts, communication takes on a whole new meaning. All of us use words both spoken and written, but for the artist, communication doesn't end with words. We are responsible for what we paint, the music we play, how we act, etc., because all of it is a reflection of what is in our hearts. It is common to believe that a person cannot control his thoughts. But the Scriptures tell us to "take every thought captive", implying we can take control of our communication while it is still in our heads and before it leaves our mouths. But the real impossibility lies in trying to change our own hearts. We are without hope, like a leopard trying to change his own spots, except that God is in the business of transforming us from within. He conforms us to His image, He transforms us so that our thoughts are renewed, and in time we find we also communicate that which brings Him glory. Yes, we become His masterpiece.



Mission Bridge: Alabaster's Gallery in Focus


 Alabaster Gallery
Alabaster's Arts and Tea
Pottstown , Pennsylvania


In an old, brick Victorian mansion gutted by fire and then abandoned for 13 years, Pamela Jacques saw an opportunity to influence a community for good. After a complete renovation, the destroyed Victorian home was resurrected as Alabaster’s Arts and Tea, and opened in September 2008. In addition to the art gallery, Alabaster’s offers great food and custom blended teas served on painted tables made from the original doors of the burned house. All of the food on the seasonally changing menu is prepared fresh with organic ingredients. Alabaster’s is at 935 High Street, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania 19464, right next door to the famous Hill School. The gallery will host a new exhibit of Chapel Gallery™ artists entitled “Black & White“ which opens November 7 at 5pm with an hors d’oeuvres reception, and runs through the holidays. A Buffet High Tea including soup, salad, main course, scones, dessert & beverage will also be available beginning at 6pm the night of the opening for $29.95. Reservations for the Buffet High Tea are required. For reservations, info on special events, hosting private groups and the gallery’s hours of operation, call (484) 949-8165.
 




Call for Christian Artists!



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The Marriage Supper: Processional
(detail) by Rosemarie Adcock
 

Would you like to be a part of changing your world? Christian artists of all disciplines can transform culture. We can influence cultural spheres that have been left abandoned for centuries and use our work for a mission. Chapel Galleries™ and ARM are committed to using the arts in mission, in humanitarian relief, and in reaching people with the good news of the Gospel. We are committed to promoting the work of artists serious about their Christian commitment and linking them to Christians serious about art and the Church. CAMMA, the new member program of ARM, exists not only to make a statement about what we believe, but artists participate in Chapel Galleries™ exhibitions and publications. Along with a bio, chosen artists are presented on our Chapel Galleries™ site at http://www.ChapelGalleries.com  and in exhibits such as the upcoming “Black & White” exhibit in Pennsylvania.
 




Practical Ministry Training:
Is the Bible Practical?

By Pastor Ed Adcock


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A Reading from the Book of Isaiah 
(detail) by Rosemarie Adcock




“True theology is not theoretical, but practical.

The end of it is living, that is, to live a godly life.” – Martin Bucer

Many in our culture believe that some Christians are “so heavenly minded, they are no earthly good.” It is my position, and I think also the Bible’s, that if, as a Christian, you are no earthly good, you are not really heavenly minded. This is because spirituality in the Christian religion is not isolated from the physical. The physical and the meta-physical are not disconnected from each other. This is ultimately portrayed through God, who is Spirit (metaphysical) as He became physical flesh (Jesus Christ) and dwelt among us. Christian faith and practice are vitally connected in such a way that the Scriptures teach that if one’s faith in the Biblical God is genuine, it will manifest itself in practical ways that God calls good works.

The whole law of God was summed up by Jesus, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ “The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Not only are people called to love your neighbor, but notice that the love of God includes the physical aspect, in that a person is called to also use all your strength. Much of the Bible goes on to describe, in practical application, here on earth, how Christians are to go about fulfilling the “Great Commandment” of loving God and neighbor.                              

The Bible does not just reveal God’s commands without providing practical instructions on how to accomplish what God says. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 teaches us, “and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

Notice that the Apostle Paul is reminding Timothy of the ability of the Scriptures. Verse 15 states that they are able to give wisdom leading to salvation. They are also able to equip believers completely for every good work in life. In verse 17, the Biblical word translated as the English word adequate means sufficient, completely qualified; and “one in which all the parts are complete or whole and what they are supposed to be, so that they might serve their destined purpose.” The origin of the word adequate comes from the Latin adaequare, meaning to make equal. Man is not equal to the task of doing good works, i.e. the works that are pleasing to God. Man cannot save himself by them, nor can he do them on his own even after he is given new life by faith in Jesus Christ. 2Timothy 3:15-17 not only speaks of the Scripture’s sufficiency unto salvation, this passage teaches that the Scriptures are practical; and are the sufficient and authoritative guide for the believer in living a sanctified life; or in other words, a life that is pleasing to God. It is only by adding the whole counsel of Scripture, inspired by the Holy Spirit (i.e. teaching, reproof, correction and training), to the Christian’s practice that a person is equipped to be equal to the task of living a God-pleasing life.

Being heavenly minded is God’s way for us to be a blessing to the world and to enter into God’s plan of bringing people near to His kingdom reign, here on earth as it is in heaven. The practice of our faith must be practical and manifested in ways that bring glory to God. Jesus teaches us to “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” The Bible is ultimately practical in teaching us how to do just that.                                   

Rev Ed Adcock   
            Pastor Ed  Adcock    

 




















          
Church and Mission: Be the Church

 
When we think of church, typically we think of the place we go on a Sunday, or perhaps have an image in our thoughts of a gorgeous building with a steeple reaching into the sky. But we know from the Scriptures that the word for church in the original Greek is ecclesia, or "called out ones," which refers directly to us. Those who identify themselves as followers of Jesus are in fact, the Church. Not only are we the Church, but God's Word calls us the Body of Christ and describes this Body, just as the human body, as that which has many parts, all different from other parts-not in importance, but in function; whose members are healthiest when functioning rightly together as a whole. Therein lies our challenge. People with artistic gifting are often highly visionary and often extremely independent. They may not see themselves as having much need for other members of the Body, or others having much need for them. It may seem more comfortable to function on the periphery of the Church if one functions at all, but what good is an amputated appendage? We don't think of ourselves as someone who is missed, just as an amputated appendage is missed. But that's exactly what happens. As a part of the Body of Christ, only we can contribute the function for which we alone were created. God chooses to work through His Church, so He calls us as living members, to function as part of His Body; that is, to be His Church.







CAMMA Artist in Focus
The Council and Association of Ministers
Musicians and Artists

Singer Laurel Heiss
Laurel Heiss


Artists that are a part of CAMMA range in artistic discipline from music to painting. One of our favorite singers is Laurel Heiss, who has often been part of our worship team, known affectionately as “The ARM Band”. Laurel has been singing for as long as she can remember, but she was part of her first professional group, Les Mystiques, at 12 years of age. Music and ministry are part of the life of her whole family. Her husband Stu, who is the Pastor of Worship at their church in Illinois, has been the lead guitarist for Resurrection Band (Rez Band) since 1974. Now, over 25 years of international tours and 16 albums later, Laurel and Stu have more concerts to attend. Son Jacob who is an associate pastor in Chicago leads his group Identity Crisis with vocals, guitar and keyboards. Daughter Adriel Heiss Harris and husband Noah play with Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons, and played Carnegie Hall October 10 before leaving for their European tour. Laurel’s great love beyond family and music is biblical counseling. She is a sought-after, trained biblical counselor ministering God’s word to bring hope and transformation to peoples’ lives.

If you are an artist of any discipline, a pastor or missionary or simply a Christian who has a passion for the arts,  you can learn more information about our membership at this link:


"Pastors Concerned for Artists and the Arts,
Artists Concerned for the Church,





First Chapel Gallery™ Group Exhibit:  “Black & White”


Healing of the Blind Man
Healing of the Blind Man by Daniel Jimmick

“Black and White” is the name of the upcoming exhibition of CAMMA member artists Rosemarie Adcock, Joseph Field, Dan Jimick, and Jeff Rogers. It features black & white drawings, etchings, photography, clayboard works and other media. The exhibition will open Nov. 7 at 5 pm with a black & white themed semi-formal reception at Alabaster’s Gallery in Pottstown, PA. The show continues through January 6 (Epiphany). Portions of proceeds support ARM/ Chapel Galleries™ humanitarian work. For information go to: http://chapelgalleries.com/collections/23228.







Mission Impossible?
Then Pray for the Impossible



Laure Krueger Prayer coordinator 

Laure Krueger


Meet Laure Krueger! Laure is the new Prayer Coordinator for ARM, although she’s not entirely new with us. Laure participated with us in the prayer ministry of ARM during the time we held evangelistic worship concerts at a US Navy base. We prayed for the impossible and thousands of young adults made decisions for Christ in weekly concerts over 10 short months. It sounds impossible, and to us it was impossible, but it happened. To this day we know that God’s hand moved as a response to the prayers of His people. Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing.” So as we seek to change our world for Him, we also seek Him in prayer. To participate, email arm.prayer@gmail.com Join us, and watch God change our world!
 
 

                          

 

More About us…….

Chapel Galleries™ is the business entity that fuels our mission. Our 501c3 charitable organization, Arts for Relief and Missions, Inc. (ARM), was founded in 1993 for humanitarian relief and other missions of the Church by use of the fine arts and music. CAMMA, the Council and Association of Ministers, Musicians and Artists is the discipleship ministry of ARM, committed to God’s Word as our sole authority for faith and life. Our members advance the work of the Church as “Pastors Concerned for Artists and the Arts, and Artists Concerned for the Church.



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Rosemarie Adcock
is the Founder and President
of Arts for Relief and Missions, Inc.
 and leads the work of the Chapel Galleries™.
 
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