Artful Spirit Connection-2020 Year in Review

 Artful Spirit kicked off the 2020 Lenten season with Jim Day’s Lenten frontal made of burlap and sticks. Each week of Lent, after a letter was read as part of the service, it was then attached to a different branch with burlap frame.

In February 2020, Paula Baines led a paint impression session at Citizens of Maine for 6 of its clients. Plans were in the works with Teresa Reid for a second exhibit show and reception for Citizens of Maine (Hampden), an organization which works with adults with developmental disabilities, for March 17. The exhibit was hung up for display in early March. Due to COVID-19, all church events were canceled.

COVID-19 (the Corona virus) hit Maine at the beginning of March. As cases climbed in the state, Governor Mills issued various state mandates to close schools, churches, stores, and other businesses to stop the spread of the COVID-19. Bishop Thomas also asked the churches to close. Services for St. Pat’s moved to an edited recorded service that was aired on the church Facebook page.

Leaders of Artful Spirit Connection voted to grant a stipend from Artful Spirit Connection to begin a new tech ministry at St. Pat’s to purchase editing software for the technology minister, Jamie Beck. The funds would go towards purchasing editing software to edit online services.

 In the fall of 2020, services moved to live streaming format. 16 Due to closure of various churches and many organizations throughout 2020, Artful Spirit leadership team did not plan or hold any events.

 In December, Artful Spirit Connection mailed out a Christmas card to all households in the directory. The card was designed by Paula Baines. In addition, Paula created a web page and FB album called “What brings you joy this Christmas season?” The team invited members to share a photo of something that brought them joy this Christmas season. It received a lot of positive response. As a surprise, Paula mailed out various photos or art pieces that she had done to the congregation as a thank you for being part of the St. Pat’s family. Several members were delighted and shared their happy surprise with Paula via email or phone message.