Messenger October 2006 Page 2

"STORIES OF HOME"
Art Project Coming
to Westminster

Westminster is partnering with the Lincoln Arts Council this autumn. During October you are invited to decorate your own 2'x2' house (templates can be found in the Garden Room). Then in early November we will host a very important, larger exhibit created by local artist Kate Brooke. Ms. Brooke is one of twelve area artists who were chosen by L.A.C. to work under the direction of world-renowned artist Pepon Osorio. Osorio has paired twelve artists with twelve Lincoln families. Together they have created twelve "stories of home."

Brooke's piece tells the story of the Al-Baaj family. When she was 15 years old, Zainab Al-Baaj and her family were forced to flee their home in Basra, Iraq, just ahead of Saddam Hussein's soldiers. Their flight across the desert was so sudden that Zainab was forced to leave behind all her belongings, even her shoes. After living in a refugee camp, Zainab ultimately came to Lincoln NE where she, her husband and three children have created a new home.

"This piece is primarily about Zainab's early life and her journey out of Iraq," says Brooke. "It is an interactive piece, one you are invited to travel upon and to touch. Many of the objects carry text, like the pages in a book; please pick up and read those objects."

Westminsterites and visitors will be able to walk on and interact with the piece which tells Zainab's own story of home. The exhibit will be hosted by our church November 3-17, with a very special event on Sunday, November 5. Plan to attend Homecoming Sunday on November 5, with a celebration that morning and a special storytelling event that evening. Homecoming Sunday is also the day that Westminster's house art projects will be unveiled. If you haven't purchased a template yet to create your own "story of home" please contact the Rev. Sara Dingman or the church office.

It's not too late! Last month 125 Westminsterites and friends said "Yes!" to joining an eight-week SMALL GROUP at Westminster. There's still time for you to join us too! You can choose from over 12 different groups, and we have something for everyone. This fall we are learning about spiritual gifts and talents, using a workbook called "Serving from the Heart." If you've never been in a small group before we especially invite you to take this risk! You will make new friends even as you grow in faith. To get involved call Sara Dingman or Kathy Collins today.

Pumpkinfest October 15th Pumpkinfest is a tradition of fall decoration shopping and a brat (or hot dog) meal after worship. It falls on October 15 and your participation is invited in two ways: • Entry level: Come, eat, shop. • Advanced level: Same as above plus your prior donation of those fall items that are in your yard that others might enjoy. Some provide baked goods. Fall is a good time for transplanting. You might have live plants to donate as well. Special - There will be a limited supply of "Penny's Painted Pumpkins." The workers at Pumpkinfest are from the Lohmen mission group and are earning funds for the project in Germany next summer.