Art Inside These Walls: The Sundays at Central Concert Series

By MaryKate Newcomb

"When you listen to great music, you can't believe life is meaningless. Your heart knows what your mind is denying. We need Christian artists because we are never going to reach the world without great Christian art to go with great Christian talk." ~Tim Keller
"It Was Good-Making Art to the Glory of God"

We often think of reaching our community with Christ's love in terms of going out; building houses with Habitat for Humanity, working at a shelter, donating money or clothes. This practical approach is essential to bringing healing to the brokenness around us. But there are other needs in the human spirit, needs which Christ fulfils as well: the need for beauty and truth expressed through great art.

Jesus used the art of parables to explain the complexities of the kingdom of heaven. He called his followers to observe the beauty around them, reminding them that their Father in heaven cares for them even more than the richly colored flowers of the field. Over and over, the Psalms command us to praise God, to sing and play skillfully.

For four years, the Sundays at Central Concert Series has provided amazing opportunities to do just that. A huge variety of world-class musicians, playing everything from bagpipes to saxophones, classical to folk music, have offered free concerts to the community. Visual artists have shown their work in conjunction with the concerts, encouraging us to look again at things we might normally miss. Delicious refreshments are served after the concerts, and people get a rare chance to talk with musicians and artists in the Concourse.

The majority of people who attend Sundays at Central concerts are not members here. They come because they experience beautiful music, art, food, and friendship in a non-threatening atmosphere. They enjoy staying long after the concert is over to talk about what they have seen and heard. Some have come to worship at Central, because they first loved what they experienced at the concerts. This outreach to our neighbors is the mission of the concert series. The concerts provide an experience of beauty, hospitality, and skillful creativity for people who don't yet know their Creator. Like Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds, and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

The first concert of the 2005-2006 series is next Sunday, October 16th, at 3:00 pm. The choral group, LYRA, will perform Russian folk songs and pieces from the Russian Orthodox Church. Artwork by Central's own Jessi Southern will be on display. For more information, pick up a brochure or check Central's website.