ArtServe Conference

ArtServe is the successor organisation to the Methodist Church Music Society (MCMS) it was born in 2008 and initially ran alongside MCMS. Eventually, MCMS activities and assets were transferred to ArtServe and MCMS formally ceased to exist as a separate organisation on 31st August 2010. I joined them for their annual conference at High Leigh conference centre which celebrated and gave thanks for 75 years of MCMS in addition to rejoicing in the formation of ArtServe.

ArtServe exists to support all of the creative arts - music, drama, dance, storytelling etc. The conference had a vibrant programme of worship and workshops, I was invited to lead worship and gave the keynote address using as my theme 'Transforming Love:Engaging Faith using Creativity' reflecting on how we might be creative in our worship spaces with labyrinths and prayer journeys and how we might use art to share the story of God with vulnerable people.



Here is the centrepiece of our worship in the hall where our main sessions were held during which many people contributed by using their creative talents.


We were treated to an amazing concert by the Saint Michael's Singers from Coventry Cathedral in Hoddesdon Parish Church accompanied by Paul Leddington Wright, an Artserve member, well known for his work with BBC TV Songs of Praise. He is a freelance composer, arranger and organist, and well known for leading choral workshops. He was organist and director of music at Coventry Cathedral from 1984-1995.



Drama in worship from the workshop led by Jo Richards.
A great variety of workshops were available over the weekend including -
Congregational music in worship -Paul Leddington Wright.
Drama- Derek Davidson Movement and Dance - Jo Richards
Storytelling-Ken Luxon
Visual Journaling- Rachael Singleton Advent Music- Margaret Rizza Pointers for ArtServe-Rev Dr Ivor Jones


Morning worship was led by Rev Nick Young, Rev Graham Tidmarsh presided and Rev Dr John Taylor, former President of Conference preached on the theme 'Touching the Mountain' reflecting on the transcendence of God with beautiful PowerPoint images followed by a meditation.





The impromptu Orchestra led by Paul Leddington Wright provided the music for worship alongside the organ for the final worship service of Holy Communion.