You are the Potter; we are the clay.

In 1997, my husband Tom was called to be rector of a Via de Cristo weekend. He chose as this theme: "You are the Potter, we are the clay."

The theme song for the weekend was Abba! Father! by the Reverend Carey Landry (c. 1977 New Dawn Music)

Refrain:
Abba, Abba Father,
You are the potter,
we are the clay,
the work of Your hands.

Mold us, mold us and fashion us
Into the image of Jesus Your Son,
Of Jesus your Son. (Refrain)

Father, may we be one in You,
May we be one in You,
As He is in You and You are in Him. (Refrain)

Glory, Glory and praise to You,
Glory and praise to You,
Forever, Amen, Forever Amen. (Refrain)

Abba! (Sung in a whisper)


To make the theme come alive, we envisioned that at the first team meeting worship would begin with the team circled around a large block of clay. As part of the commissioning, each person would come to the center, take a lump of clay, work it until it was pliable, flatten it, then etch their name in it. As each person received their call for service, they would contribute their clay piece to help mold a chalice. Communion wine would be served from this chalice during team meetings and on the weekend.

"No problemo!" I thought. I am not a potter.

So off I went with my great expectations to Pullen Art Center to get clay, instructions, and rent kiln time to fire our chalice. My hopes were dashed as the potter gently explained that the idea was impossible to implement.

As web master for a middle school arts magnet, I frequently took photographs of student work for our online art gallery. After photographing lively, intricate thematic teapots created by our students, I complimented our 3D art instructor on her students' skill and artistry. Standing by the kiln, I shared my sorrow over a dream lost.

Mary Ann Wood listened to my heart. She is a potter. Mary Ann is also a dreamweaver. Hearing my ideas, she sought the core of the dream and wove it into a pot. I left with a block of brown clay. My steps were light, my heart soared.

How deeply God spoke to me as I worked my clay and inscribed my name. I accepted my call to service and added my name and piece of clay to the pot. In conforming it into the vessel, my name became illegible.

Our pot held the bread served during communion. It served as a silent, but powerful reminder of our commitment to service.

I learned a lot about Christ through this experience. When you're inspired by God with a creative idea, keep trudging through and beyond obstacles. Christ can make a way when there seems to be no way.

Christ used that homely little pot to touch some lives. He spoke volumes to me through it.

How has Christ influenced the lives of the team and guests of Mixed #30? How has He spoken to others through them? Only He knows.

Through my quest for a chalice, I learned something else. Artists are blessed as they create and their artistry touches those who see their creations. Art teachers inspire, instruct, and encourage. Their influence ripples out through each work of art created by their students. And perhaps some of them will go on to weave dreams and build bridges for others.

Thank you, Mary Ann! You empowered, encouraged, and inspired me. I continue to hold you close in my heart and pray for you. May God bless you with healing from cancer and the peace that passes understanding. I saw pictures of the lovely tiles you made for Bob and Bonnie. I saw your sweet spirit beaming through them, warming hearts and bringing joy!