By Maria Hart, Garden Chapel (Dover, NJ)
In times of darkness and crisis, Garden Chapel (Dover, NJ) desires to help and give to those in need. The COVID-19 pandemic has left members of Garden Chapel feeling immobile, questioning their ability to fill needs because this situation is so new and unique.
One area of concern is the challenges children and youth face amidst this crisis. It is a significant adjustment for them. Educational practices have changed. Daily news reports talk about healthy people nearby who are becoming very ill, even dying. It has become the new norm, sadly. The pandemic is emotionally, mentally, and spiritually challenging for many young people.
Members of Garden Chapel have a special passion for the arts, as the arts serve as an outlet to express human emotions and our faith.
While so many are focused on the pandemic, Garden Chapel wants to redirect attention and resources to the arts with our “Delivering Hope Arts Contest.” As most everyone is needing to stay at home these days, now is a good time to use the gift of music, fine arts, video, and literature to spread hope. Adults, too, are invited to participate, as many have lost jobs and are home, faced with great uncertainty and possible despair.
As news reports continually report on the growing rise of COVID-19, the body of Christ is called to spread an even larger dose of hope. This invitation to share the gifts of music and art is one way we can do that.
See the flyer for all the details (English & Spanish) and a registration form.