Wandering Heart: A Planning Webinar for Lent (Recording & Summary)
On January 23rd, 2024, we hosted a Lent Planning Webinar for anyone using (or interesting in using) our Lent series, Wandering Heart: Figuring out faith with Peter. In this time, we dove into our theme and why we created this series. We shared some tips about how to use the materials, and talked through ideas for implementation. Below is the recording. We hope this can be helpful to you as you plan and prepare.
We’ve also summarized much of the conversation that occurred in the chat. We are amazed by and grateful for the wealth of knowledge and inspiration within the larger Sanctified Art community. Be sure to read through the Q/A’s and crowdsourcing ideas at the bottom of this page.
In the webinar, we shared a Quick Links PDF with links to all the resources and materials discussed. If that document might be helpful to you, you can download it here:
an outline of the webinar recording:
00:00:00—00:16:46 Welcome and introductions
Welcome and introductions from the Sanctified Art creative team alongside participants’ introductions shared in the chat. Introducing all the guest contributors who helped create the Wandering Heart resources. In the chat, participants shared what they find relatable or compelling about Simon Peter (see those responses at the bottom of this post).
00:16:46—00:24:45 How we developed the “Wandering Heart” theme & series
Telling the story behind this theme and discussing what Peter can teach us about our own faith journeys. We also shared about the focal scriptures included and how the series is thematically connected to the hymn, “Come Thou Fount.”
Several webinar attendees were interested in copies of the theme grid we shared, which condenses our weekly scriptures and themes into a format that is easy to reference. Click to the button below to obtain a PDF file of the theme grid.
00:24:45—00:48:57 an overview of all the materials
An overview of all the resources in the bundle as well as bonuses and supplements, with comments and ideas for how to use each component. Consider this an “insider’s guide” to all the resources. If you would like to share just this segment with staff, colleagues, or volunteer leaders, below is a link to the overview video:
00:48:57—1:01:11 Experiencing the resources
A short segment in which we share a poem from the series and engage in a brief visio divina practice using the artwork, “The Descent” by our guest artist, Rev. T. Denise Anderson. If you are curious about visio divina, we model this spiritual practice during this segment. Participants offered responses to the art in the chat. We spoke aloud some of their responses and reflections.
1:01:11—1:25:32 crowdsourcing ideas, Q/A, & premiering our theme song
In this final segment, we engaged with the conversation in the chat and responded to the questions in the Q/A box. While you can’t see that discussion in the video recording, we verbalize many of the ideas in the chat, and much of our conversation is summarized in the section below. We concluded by playing our theme song for the series. We invite you to join our Facebook Group to continue to collaborate with other pastors and ministry leaders.
QUESTIONS & Answers:
(Summarized from the chat & discussion)
Q: there are wonderful curricula for children and youth.
have you thought about producing curriculum for adults to interact with all of your great resources?
A: Yes! Our Wandering Heart bundle includes curriculum for youth and children. We don’t have a specific curriculum for adults, but there are several resources that work great in small groups:
1) The first is our devotional booklet—we strongly suggest you discuss this weekly in small groups! Your format/flow can be adapted to what you need, but you can read the weekly poem to open your time together, then read the focal scriptures for the week and discuss the art and commentary together. Lots of churches like to do visio divina with the art, which is a wonderful option. The devotional includes reflection prompts you could use for conversation prompts.
2) If you have a small group who wants to dig deep into the scriptures and weekly themes, we recommend you use the sermon planning guide. The “Guiding Q’s” section provides lots of questions for discussion on the focal scriptures. You could also pull articles/podcasts/book recommendations from the “Further Reading & Research” section of the guide if participants want to read and digest something beforehand to then discuss together.
3) The youth curriculum could easily be scaled up to be used by adults. It includes journaling prompts that could be adapted for discussion prompts.
4) Our daily devotional cards could also be used by small groups. There are 7 devo cards per week, so you could use the daily questions on each card for conversation prompts.
Q: I think I missed this—but does the sermon planning resource include the RCL readings as well as themes from this series?
A: The sermon planning guide is shaped around the focal scriptures selected for the series. For Lent 1-5 we included the psalms from the RCL (Year B) as secondary readings, but that is the only connection to the RCL in this series. You can download our theme grid here.
Q: which day of holy week is most appropriate for the stations of peter liturgy?
A: It depends on how you bring it to life, as you may decide to use the liturgy as physical stations for participants to travel through. In that case, you may wish to leave them up all of Holy Week for visitors. If you are using the communal worship version of the liturgy, Maundy Thursday or Good Friday would work well. There are 6 scriptures included, starting with foot washing and ending with the crucifixion.
Q: Does the words for worship include communion liturgy?
A: It includes communion liturgy for Easter Sunday and the Second Sunday of Easter, but every Sunday includes an affirmation of faith that could be adapted into a communion liturgy.
Q: There is a book, “We follow Jesus,” recommended in the Children’s curriculum for the first week of Lent. I can’t find where to purchase it! help?
A: Whoops, we didn't realize it was out of stock on Amazon. We found it in stock here and here.
Q: Will the "Wandering Heart" music video include lyrics to the song?
A: Yes! We are currently editing a music video for our theme song, “Return to You.” It will include the lyrics and also feature much of the art and visuals in the series.
Q: Is the Patron Access Page available to more than one staff member?
A: Yes, if you purchased the full “Wandering Heart” bundle, then you will be directed to a Patron Access Page to download all the files/materials you need. You are welcome to share the link and password with the rest of your staff, worship team, or anyone else in your congregation who may need access to the resource files.
Q: are there audio versions of the original hymns? I only saw pdf files I think.
A: Yes, you can download the sheet music for our original hymns here. In the devotional booklet, we included QR codes for the hymns (to try to save space for printing purposes). Those link to pages on our website where you can play the tune while singing along to the sheet music.
Q: Do you have a spotify playlist like last year? What is it called?
A: We do! It’s titled, “Wandering Heart: Figuring Out Faith with Peter.” Find it here.
Q: Where do we order the paraments & banners for altar display?
A: We have two printed-to-order banners that feature the Wandering Heart icon and background paintings. The small banner is printed on a weather-resistant material and includes grommets. It could be displayed outdoors or indoors. This size might work well as a parament for the pulpit. The table tapestry is printed on a blanket fabric and it is hemmed along the edge. It’s not best for outdoor display, but could be displayed as a cloth for your Communion Table.
Mock-up of an altar display utilizing our custom design print-to-order paraments & banners.
Q: HOW DO we access the FREE SUPPLEMENTS?
A: If you order the full bundle, all of the free bonuses and supplements we’ve progressively released are at the bottom of the Patron Access Page. They are also linked at the bottom of the public webpage for the “Wandering Heart” bundle. Here they are:
This is a collection of 5 original hymns (written by Rev. Anna Strickland) inspired by our weekly sub-themes and texts for the first five Sundays in Lent. Each hymn offers new words to sing with familiar, public domain tunes. Download the sheet music to include these hymns in your worship. Note: These hymns are also linked in our devotional booklet for individuals and families to sing at home.
CONTENT CALENDAR FOR SOCIAL MEDIA
To support you in sharing this Lenten series with your community online, we have curated a social media calendar for you to use throughout the season. The calendar includes carefully-selected images, graphics, and excerpts from the Wandering Heart resources for you to post on your social media platforms so you can share the series with your larger community, near and far. The calendar is available only to bundle patrons.
We’ve crafted a simple worship outline, including a prayer of the people, centered on our scripture and sub-theme for Ash Wednesday.
We’ve curated a long list of music ideas—both traditional and contemporary—for worship, fellowship, and listening.
Q: Is there a way to download and print all of the items in just a few clicks (post-purchase)? It takes a considerable amount of time to download each folder in the bundle, open each file, and print them to create a comprehensive resource book for myself. Suggestions?
A: Yes, our bundles are jam-packed! We create lots of materials, often for 7-8 weeks, so we do our best to organize everything in an accessible format. We also try to provide all the file variations and formats that our patrons need and request, however, that means there are many files available for you to download. Here are some tips:
1) Our first tip is to only download the exact files you plan to use. For example, the branding bundle includes several variations of the logo, as well as design elements, and backgrounds, etc. That resource alone usually includes about 45 files, organized into sub-folders. Therefore, instead of trying to download every file all in one click, we suggest you peruse the folders and download the exact sub-folders you need.
2) Our second tip is to download progressively. Our bundles usually contain about 150 or more files. Downloading them all at once may lead to lots of frustration, as your device likely can’t handle that load at once. Therefore, we recommend you start with downloading the simpler resources first, since resources like the words for worship, sermon guide, or poems are usually contained in 1 or 2 PDF files. Then continue to use our Patron Access Page as your home base so you can return there to access the additional files you need, when you need them.
3) Lastly, yes, you can download folders of files from Google Drive (where our files are hosted). However, please note that folders that contain several large, high resolution files files may take a while and could lead to an incomplete download. Therefore, you may find it faster to download those files one by one.
crowdsourced ideas
(Summarized from the chat & discussion)
Q: How are you using/displaying the visual art?
IDEAS SHARED:
I've been using the art as part of my sermons for the last few years (and we do that all year long with other artists). This past Advent, we printed off all the art and framed them for a gallery spread—folks loved both looking at them, seeing what the artists had to say right next to them, and reading the poetry for that week.
I often use the art for children's sermon.
We have taken the art and artists statements with the corresponding scripture and have made prayer stations for them.
In the past, we’ve printed the art on large posters and displayed them in our entryway so they can be experienced as you enter worship.
We print the images with artist reflections as our bulletin.
Last Lent I printed posters and put them on the altar… but I’m looking for new/other ways.
We've used the art within projection in worship. We've also projected the images on the wall rather than the text of the scripture. It allows people to focus in on the image and ponder its connection.
We’ve used the art for Lectio/Visio Divina in lieu of a sermon.
Q: How are you using the devotional booklet?
IDEAS SHARED:
As we have an older congregation, I print the devotional as a ledger size booklet (using the large format file). It makes it easier to read.
Will be using it in group study midweek.
We use this in small groups, including online, and in adult Wonder Hour classes.
We print them and use them for weekly Bible Study as part of Visio Divina.
We have used it as our Sunday School time. The devotional is a great way to engage in conversation.
We also printed it in black and white to save money. Then I put the colored art online and shared my screen during the small group meetings.
One of our pastors plans to write monologues from the perspective of Peter that an actor in the congregation will enact for a video series—these will be part of weekly video devotionals…
Q: How are you using the daily devotional cards?
IDEAS SHARED:
Those discussion cards/questions were a big hit last Lent at our Lenten study!
We print these cards every year—people love them!
The daily devotional cards are particularly good for Instagram stories!
I have recorded daily videos using the cards. Time-consuming but so worth it.
I’m hoping to use the daily devotional cards as part of our daily texting on our private congregational app.
For the last few years, I have recorded short videos of me reading the daily devotional cards and shared them on social media. It's been a great discipline for me, and people often engage with them.
Q: How are you using or adapting the words for worship?
IDEAS SHARED:
I've been so grateful for the people in the FB group who write additional liturgies and share them, especially the offering invitations and prayers. If any of you are on the webinar now, THANK YOU!
I'm from an ELCA background, and we have begun using the prayers for illumination in worship (not necessarily a part of typical Lutheran liturgy). It was received so well that we've kept that aspect of worship year-round. Thanks for introducing it to us!
We don't have a call to worship, so I've adapted them into opening prayers.
We are using the affirmation of faith as part of our invitation to the Table. Christian Church (DOC).
Q: How are you using the poems?
IDEAS SHARED:
During each season, we start each service with different voices reading the poems. They are followed by the prelude music. They ground everyone into the service if that makes sense.
I love to use the poems to set the tone of the homily and reintegrate a key phrase as a wrap-up.
We often use the poems in our Visio Divina sessions.
Q: How are you using the materials for children & youth (curriculum, worship bulletins, faith map)?
IDEAS SHARED:
I'm probably going to utilize some of the discussion questions in the youth curriculum for adults. I'm exploring the idea of putting together a midweek service that incorporates the discussion questions as a way of going more in depth on the texts.
We're sending out a Lenten mailing and are including the Faith Map, along with a letter and fridge sheet for all the activities.
I always use youth questions for adults and just don't tell them. ;)
I like the journal for adults and youth!
So glad for some materials for younger disciples (that also work for older ones too).
I think we are using a “flat Peter” who will go a-wandering through the various families. We are encouraging them to take pictures and post on social media.
Q: How are using the stations of peter liturgy for holy week?
IDEAS SHARED:
We had already talked about Stations of the Cross for Holy Week and are excited to pivot to these. We are adapting for some drive-thru stations in the parking lot, along with self-guided stations for Wed-Fri at the church inside, and a concluding service on Good Friday evening.
We used Stations of the Cross last year, so this gives us a great new option.
Our congregational artists are taking on the Stations of Peter for outdoor stations—we hope the TX weather cooperates!
For Holy Week, I usually collate the weekly themes into different stations anyway so I am excited to be able to add Stations of Peter for Good Friday. I am still deciding whether we guide people together or whether we just do self guided stations.
Q: How are you adorning your sanctuary or chancel? What visual elements will you incorporate?
IDEAS SHARED:
For adornment, I’m thinking of having a wandering path all throughout the sanctuary, trailing over the walls, across the floor, and leading up to the altar. My only obstacle is coming up with the right material or adhesive to make this happen without leaving residue or causing damage.
I have a vague idea of suspending a large cardboard boat from the ceiling. I think boats captured something of the sense of journey, discipleship, Peter’s stories and the church.
Maybe using a rope of some sort in the looping pattern around a wall/room, with the “map” points (maybe laminated and cut out?) placed on it, adding one each week as we go through Lent, or something like that? Or maybe some of the visual art pieces and/or poems could be found at different stopping points along the way as a moving art installation or as a sort of moving Visio divina?
From the SA team: We echo the idea that bringing the sub icons to life somehow would be super cool! We consider them to be sort of like Geo Tags marking moments in Peter's journey, so they could potentially travel or move around week to week. The other visual to play around with is the wandering, dashed line. Could you create a prayer chain that moves and meanders through your space? Could you tape a dashed line to your floor, one that wanders around?
This thread in our Facebook group discuss ideas for art projects.
What do you find relatable or compelling about simon peter?
During the webinar, participants responded to this question. We’ve compiled their responses below.
He’s not one, single thing. He’s so multifaceted; he’s a fisherman and he also reroutes his entire life to try out being a disciple. He is earnest and eager and passionate. Maybe sometimes he’s filled with bravado and sometimes he’s driven by ego. And sometimes he learns how to surrender—to let go. He loves passionately—and he resists vulnerability. So many of us can see ourselves in his story.
Peter seems to have a sense of urgency about his faith and his desire to get closer to Jesus. Peter is the one who says, “Not just my feet, but my head and my hands.” Peter is the one who crawls out of the boat. Peter seems on a mission to go deeper and to connect with Christ. I personally often feel that urgency. I want more, I want deeper, I want closer. Especially during Lent.
Peter gives us a lens for Jesus that is very friend-like. Obviously he looks up to Jesus and Jesus is a mentor figure, but also they are close. I am really honored to see through the eyes of someone who knew Jesus well.
The fervor with which he pursues what he believes. Throughout my formative years, I was taught the “right” words to say and the way to act like I knew what I was talking about, regardless of my actual understanding. I think Peter has several breakthroughs, but his actions don’t always follow his words. But I’m compelled by him, because he offers us an earnest picture of what being a real human is—doing his best to grasp the un-graspable.
I find Peter really relatable in his denials and during Easter. He’s so bold and brave many times before—but all of those times were when he was with Jesus, when he was with someone who loved him unconditionally. When he’s warming himself by the fire, it’s a lot harder to make those big, bold declarations. And when the women come and tell the news of the resurrection, he has enough hope to go see for himself. He’s a little quieter in those instances—and I relate to that desire to blend in and be invisible. It’s a lot easier to be big and bold and brash when you’re with people you know love you.
I see Peter as someone willing to ask the questions everyone might be thinking but too afraid to ask out loud.
Peter seems both a caricature and as real as they come.
I often preach about how God works through the most ordinary, flawed, imperfect people to do God's work. Peter is a great example of this. He's just his authentic "real" self, and for Jesus, that's enough.
Peter makes me hopeful as a disciple of Jesus because he wasn’t perfect but he gave Jesus his all. If he could do it, perhaps I can too.
It is intriguing and hopeful that Jesus entrusts someone like Peter who is rough around the edges.
Peter rarely gets it right, but Jesus never gives up on him.
Peter is like us!
Peter usually speaks before he thinks.
I love that Peter is all in even when he is struggling.
His faith experience is so "real" from all in to all questioning/denying
Peter is so very human—but he loves Jesus!
I love how human Peter is—enthusiastic, flawed, passionate, doubting, just like all of us.
Peter has passion. He WANTS to do what Jesus wants him to do. He messes up, but he keeps trying… and Jesus loves him and uses him in great ways.
I find Jesus’ rebuke of Peter in Mark 8 a clear rebuke of us all, never mind Peter’s denial of what is happening.
He is so relatable and makes such blunders but believes and follows with his whole heart.
Peter—he is a perfect image of SECOND CHANCES in God's eyes.
Peter's emotions guided his actions.
I think Peter is someone we can find ourselves in, easier than other characters in scripture! He doesn't give up—he wants to believe—even when he doesn't get it right or understand.
Peter was REAL.
Peter is very relatable—deeply loves Jesus, yet still misses the point sometimes.
I find Peter to be multifaceted. I can relate to him in many ways.
Peter is a very fun disciple to follow because he tends to be all of us — embodying the highs and lows of faith.
I LOVE Peter—he is so human, so flawed, so multi-demensional.
He’s one of the most fully developed personalities in the gospels.
Peter is so relatable, flawed and faithful often at the same time.
I love that we don’t remember Peter’s mistakes/bad points first most of the time.
I find Peter really compelling because I think the work he did to keep the church alive in the earliest years gets underestimated. He must have been a hugely compelling person for others to join with in that early Jesus movement.
He jumps in with quick answers and joy and he makes mistakes; he is genuine.
Peter: impetuous.
One wonders if Peter was (formerly) a Zealot (the freedom fighters)?
I relate to Peter's passion to speak immediate truth from his heart.
He is all over the place, has great intentions, loves Jesus, wants to serve, lets himself down and learns from it.
Peter’s earnest heart.
Peter, a complex human, as we are all.
Peter is very human with an array of emotions as he seeks Jesus.
Peter wants so much to get it right.
Peter is strong, impulsive, earnest… definitely relatable!
Peter likely had imposter syndrome and that resonates with me.
Peter is fallible—his humanity is very important. We can lead even through our imperfections.
Peter an archetype for all of us as disciples.
I love Peter because he's so real. He wants so badly to do everything right, but he just can't quite figure out how to make his desires a reality. I relate to that so much!
He continually bumps into himself despite his best intentions.
Peter is so human and vulnerable and puts it all out there.
I admire Peter’s persistence, he falls over and he gets up. He is always searching.
Peter always seems to want more, to be willing to explore!
If bombastic, impetuous, passionate, acting-first-then-thinking Peter can be used by God—then there's hope for all of us to be useful to the Kin-dom.
Peter gives such human responses. He's all-in, full of mistakes and passion.
Peter can appear to be and seem unafraid to "fail."
Peter is human…reminds me that God calls imperfect and real people.
I love the paradox of Peter—the rock that is strong, but also sinks.
Peter is relatable and compelling in many ways, including Peter's passion and exuberance, and his doubt.
I love that Peter voiced and clung to such clear expectations of Jesus, even as he confessed Jesus to be Christ. And then had to lay all of that down.
I find Simon Peter compelling because of his denial, his reconnection with Jesus, and then his openness to Cornelius.
Peter allows us a window into humanity and into our own humanity, while still watching and learning from his experience—at a safe distance. :-) At least initially…
