ARTS & MISCELLANEOUS
 

Carry Me
by Tim Lowly

Brian Volck in the on-line blog “Image: Art, Faith, Mystery” writes: “Lately, I’ve been reading some works at the intersection of theology and the impaired body. As a physician trying to live as a Christian, thatís where I spend much of my professional time. While I treasure idealized portrayals of the human figure in classical and Italian Renaissance art, I, like you, perhaps, am an imperfect body in a suffering world. In my life and work, I experience pain and suffering less as a brutal shattering of perfection than a familiar, often ironic companion - Here’s where I find the work of (21st century) visual artist Tim Lowly so compelling. His daughter, Temma, who appears frequently in his paintings, has a constellation of impairments Lowly never disguises. - Lowly lovingly places his daughter in contexts which neither idealize nor demean her.
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Faith-Related Links & Blogs

(Blogs are like on-line journals kept by individuals with the addition that they are often interactive.

Often visitors may comment on entries and create discussion. These sites are not related in any way to First Congregational Church and are provided only as a way to provoke thought on faith and faith issues.)

Philocrates (commentary on liberal religion and politics)
Image:Art, Faith, Mystery
BuildingBridges
Faith Stories
thecampbell chronicles
Killing the Buddha
Emerging Church Blog
Soul Gardeners
Ragamuffin Minister
Blog.Culture and Faith.com

UCCTruths
(critiques of UCC policies and actions, particularly those of
Natl. Office)

Mission Statement

As followers of Jesus, First Congregational Church of Bakersfield, United Church of Christ encourages and invites all to join our church family on our faith journey. We accept diversity and support individual spiritual growth. We seek to do God’s work in service of the local and global community.

VISION STATEMENT

BIBLICAL BASE:
Paul says in Romans 12 that Christian people live in the world as it is, but it is our unique place to transform ourselves in faithfulness to a world yet to come. All people in the church have abilities that they are called to use in the mission Christ accepted for himself and now sets before us: to embody in our place and time God’s way of holy love. To such a life we covenant.

VISION STATEMENT
We gather in worship as a believing community to hear the gospel, to sing, pray and receive the sacraments. Worship stands at the heart of the church, between our gathering and our scattering as God’s people. Worship prepares us to go into the world as re-formed people.

We enthusiastically accept Jesus’ calling to be witnesses in the world to the love that was in him. Such a witness, in action and in word, is the basis for programs that reach into the community. Our goal is to equip all members, with their unique gifts, to witness to God’s love, peace and justice.

We develop our faith at church, at play, in the family and at work. This is both our joy and responsibility. The Bible, faith tradition, preaching, teaching, other church members, and God’s spirit are among our resources. We will bring to children, youth and adults at every stage of development a progressive faith foundation and a community that is welcoming, safe and empowering.

We seek for others to join us in praise and service to Christ. For while our congregational life brings us energy and joy, the congregation does not exist for itself alone. We are one expression of God’s spirit at work in the world. We affirm our part in the life of the U.C.C. and the larger ecumenical community.