We begin a new four-week worship series this week called Artisans at The Table based on the book The Artisan Soul: Crafting Your Life Into a Work of Art by Erwin McManus. We hope this worship series will help us claim our creative essence and celebrate our lives as works of art.
Outline of Artisans at The Table
September 7 Soul based on Genesis 2.7 & Exodus 2.1-15
September 14 Voice based on Genesis 3.1-11b
September 21 Image & Craft based on Matthew 3.13-17
September 28 Masterpiece: A New Humanity based on John 2.1-11
The description of “Artisan” is widely used in our culture. Take a walk in Midtown and you will see places that offer “Artisan Bread,” “Artisan Cheese,” “Artisan Coffee,” and “Artisan Beer.” When a product is described as “Artisan,” it is usually identified with something small, local and intimate. The ingredients are assumed to be high quality and the production process is small and specialized. Artisan Bread is crafted. Nonartisan bread is produced in mass quantity. Erwin McManus, in his book The Artisan Soul: Crafting Your Life Into a Work of Art, uses the metaphor of God as Artisan and Artist to challenge and encourage God’s people. God refuses to mass-produce human beings. Instead, God insists on an intimate process that, in the end, forms each of us in God’s image.
This week we will consider the story of Moses and wonder together about the life he created for himself.
Read Exodus 2.1-15 .
Consider journaling a list of all the reasons Moses might have to NOT become a leader.
Like Moses, we all carry within us the essence of an artist but many people either do not believe this or are simply convinced that they are “not artistic.” We all need to create, to be a part of a process that brings to the world something beautiful, good and deep which is rooted in Grace. When we are able to be part of this process we claim our Artisan Soul.
In what ways do you believe you are creative? In what ways do you believe you are not creative? What are some of the roadblocks you experience to your own creativity?
Help create Linda’s message for this Sunday by sharing all or part of your list in comments.