Happy Christmas everyone - may God be with you all this special day and we hope this project has encouraged you to find new ways to connect to God, challenging you to re-think traditional worship tools like shrines to find new and interesting ways of using them.
Now that all the shrines are out, you can walk round the city to see them all (or where they used to be) and work off that Christmas food and drink!
This PDF (281Kb) has an overview map and suggested circuit. A second PDF (3Mb) gives more details maps and photos so that you know what to look for.
The shrines are being left out until twelfth night (January 6) to give you time to see them.
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Saturday, 24 December 2011
December 24th, 2011 - Saturday
Location: Nexus Art Cafe
Designer: Naomi Jackson, fashion designer - http://runandfell.com/
Location Notes: Nexus is a very special not-for-profit cafe - creative, bohemian and working closely with the community that cherishes it. Hosting all sorts of events, educational activities and art exhibitions alongside its core cafe function. It has been the home of Sanctus 1 since its founding, so holds a special place in our hearts.
Shrine Notes: This shrine was created to evoke a sense of fun and celebration. The box itself is wrapped like a large gift, whilst inside the balloons and bunting, party poppers, sweets and birthday cake remind us of childhood birthday parties. Birthday parties are all about valuing a person by acknowledging the day they were born and celebrating their life. Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birth, and the fact that His life was God's Gift to the World. The shrine features interactive elements such as a musical candle, sweets and party poppers to take, as well as a card to write messages on.
Designer Notes: As well as conveying a sense of merriment and conviviality, I wanted to hint at the way we often cloud the meaning of Christmas with festive trimmings and paraphernalia. We get lost in the celebration itself as opposed to what or whom we are celebrating. This Christmas, challenge yourself to push past the seasonal hype, the stuff and the things that we all get wrapped up (pun intended) in and take a moment to seek out what Christmas is really all about.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: Naomi Jackson, fashion designer - http://runandfell.com/
Location Notes: Nexus is a very special not-for-profit cafe - creative, bohemian and working closely with the community that cherishes it. Hosting all sorts of events, educational activities and art exhibitions alongside its core cafe function. It has been the home of Sanctus 1 since its founding, so holds a special place in our hearts.Shrine Notes: This shrine was created to evoke a sense of fun and celebration. The box itself is wrapped like a large gift, whilst inside the balloons and bunting, party poppers, sweets and birthday cake remind us of childhood birthday parties. Birthday parties are all about valuing a person by acknowledging the day they were born and celebrating their life. Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birth, and the fact that His life was God's Gift to the World. The shrine features interactive elements such as a musical candle, sweets and party poppers to take, as well as a card to write messages on.
Designer Notes: As well as conveying a sense of merriment and conviviality, I wanted to hint at the way we often cloud the meaning of Christmas with festive trimmings and paraphernalia. We get lost in the celebration itself as opposed to what or whom we are celebrating. This Christmas, challenge yourself to push past the seasonal hype, the stuff and the things that we all get wrapped up (pun intended) in and take a moment to seek out what Christmas is really all about.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Friday, 23 December 2011
December 23rd, 2011 - Friday
Location: Parsonage Gardens
Designer: Ros Watson, Student Minister
Location Notes: Evidence of Parsonage Gardens exists as far back as 1066. The gardens were used to provide food for the collegiate church in the 14th and 15th centuries. The 18th century brought a new church to the area, which was demolished at the end of the 19th century after city centre residents had moved to the suburbs. Road names in the area reflect this heritage, even Deansgate (which may reference the gate or way to the Dean or to Denys (an early St Mary’s was also dedicated to St Denys and St George)). It is now a hidden gem of the city, providing peace and tranquillity.
Shrine Notes: How many times in the last week have you asked yourself ‘Have I remembered everyone?’ And then a card or a present arrives and you realise you haven’t! The shrine, wrapped as a present, poses that question - lift the flap and see. Maybe take a moment to think about your answer - it’s not too late!
Designer Notes: With all the pressure of Christmas, the cards to write, the presents to buy, the people to see or if you find Christmas a difficult time, the effort to just get through it all can sometimes make it easy to forget who it is all really about. At Christmas God gives to each one of us the greatest gift of all, His Son Jesus, as a tiny, vulnerable baby. With this gift God says to you ‘With all my love, always’.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: Ros Watson, Student Minister
Location Notes: Evidence of Parsonage Gardens exists as far back as 1066. The gardens were used to provide food for the collegiate church in the 14th and 15th centuries. The 18th century brought a new church to the area, which was demolished at the end of the 19th century after city centre residents had moved to the suburbs. Road names in the area reflect this heritage, even Deansgate (which may reference the gate or way to the Dean or to Denys (an early St Mary’s was also dedicated to St Denys and St George)). It is now a hidden gem of the city, providing peace and tranquillity.Shrine Notes: How many times in the last week have you asked yourself ‘Have I remembered everyone?’ And then a card or a present arrives and you realise you haven’t! The shrine, wrapped as a present, poses that question - lift the flap and see. Maybe take a moment to think about your answer - it’s not too late!
Designer Notes: With all the pressure of Christmas, the cards to write, the presents to buy, the people to see or if you find Christmas a difficult time, the effort to just get through it all can sometimes make it easy to forget who it is all really about. At Christmas God gives to each one of us the greatest gift of all, His Son Jesus, as a tiny, vulnerable baby. With this gift God says to you ‘With all my love, always’.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Thursday, 22 December 2011
December 22nd, 2011 - Thursday
Location: St Ann’s church
Designer: Sarah Stuart & Cat Pratt, members of Sanctus 1 - www.sanctus1.co.uk
Location Notes: St Ann’s was consecrated in 1712 and had a remodel in the late 1880s by Alfred Waterhouse (architect of the famously gothic Manchester Town Hall). It is right in the heart of the city and provides for many of the city’s dwellers, shoppers, tourists and workers. It also forms part of the early history of Sanctus 1.
Shrine Notes: This shrine encourages reflection on the Israel-Palestine separation barrier (wall) and the impact it has on the daily lives of Palestinians at they try to access work or medical care. It imagines Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem having yet another obstacle to pass.
Designer Notes: But for the big Christmas fair, this shrine could also have been sited in Piccadilly Gardens, as the stark concrete wall reminds us of a separation barrier. By placing Mary and Joseph in the context of the separation wall it will hopefully make people consider the parallels between their situation and the current situation of many Palestinians. The nativity is often depicted as warm and clean, with Christmas candlelight and a cosy newborn baby - this shrine aims to juxtapose this with the poverty and difficulty of life under occupation.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: Sarah Stuart & Cat Pratt, members of Sanctus 1 - www.sanctus1.co.uk
Location Notes: St Ann’s was consecrated in 1712 and had a remodel in the late 1880s by Alfred Waterhouse (architect of the famously gothic Manchester Town Hall). It is right in the heart of the city and provides for many of the city’s dwellers, shoppers, tourists and workers. It also forms part of the early history of Sanctus 1.Shrine Notes: This shrine encourages reflection on the Israel-Palestine separation barrier (wall) and the impact it has on the daily lives of Palestinians at they try to access work or medical care. It imagines Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem having yet another obstacle to pass.
Designer Notes: But for the big Christmas fair, this shrine could also have been sited in Piccadilly Gardens, as the stark concrete wall reminds us of a separation barrier. By placing Mary and Joseph in the context of the separation wall it will hopefully make people consider the parallels between their situation and the current situation of many Palestinians. The nativity is often depicted as warm and clean, with Christmas candlelight and a cosy newborn baby - this shrine aims to juxtapose this with the poverty and difficulty of life under occupation.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
December 21st, 2011 - Wednesday
Location: Band on the Wall
Designer: David Lowther, cafe manager & artist - www.nexusartcafe.com
Location Notes: This great venue is another staple of the Manchester nighttime scene. It is currently not-for-profit and run by the registered charity Inner City Music, which provides education to the local community and schools as well as hosting superb music in its legendary setting. However, its history shows it existing since the 1850s and possibly earlier and being a music venue since the 1930s!
Shrine Notes: The impact that music makes to a particular space is demonstrated in this shrine. Music transforms space from a dormant entity to a living being. Music is often used to bridge the gap between the spiritual and the secular and for some is a spiritual experience in itself. As you reflect on this shrine, remember the music you have heard in this place and how it has touched your inner soul.
Designer Notes: I have used this shrine to express a meeting point between different mediums. Carols are a meeting between traditional approaches to Christmas and a diverse culture that still includes them in many aspects of modern life.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: David Lowther, cafe manager & artist - www.nexusartcafe.com
Location Notes: This great venue is another staple of the Manchester nighttime scene. It is currently not-for-profit and run by the registered charity Inner City Music, which provides education to the local community and schools as well as hosting superb music in its legendary setting. However, its history shows it existing since the 1850s and possibly earlier and being a music venue since the 1930s!Shrine Notes: The impact that music makes to a particular space is demonstrated in this shrine. Music transforms space from a dormant entity to a living being. Music is often used to bridge the gap between the spiritual and the secular and for some is a spiritual experience in itself. As you reflect on this shrine, remember the music you have heard in this place and how it has touched your inner soul.
Designer Notes: I have used this shrine to express a meeting point between different mediums. Carols are a meeting between traditional approaches to Christmas and a diverse culture that still includes them in many aspects of modern life.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
December 20th, 2011 - Tuesday
Location: Midland Hotel, near the café
Designer: Martie Newton - Honorary Secretary of the Manchester Branch of the Council of Christians and Jews - www.ccjmanchester.org
Location Notes: One of the iconic hotels of Manchester that over the course of 100+ years has hosted many a celebrity and royalty as well. Its Grade II* listed grand red-brick facade protects an opulent interior. It was built by the Midland Railway Company in 1903 to serve the Manchester Central railway station behind and started life with a covered walkway between the two (demolished after WWII). It was famously the meeting place of Mr Rolls and Mr Royce, leading to the formation of Rolls-Royce Ltd in 1906.
Shrine Notes: The shrine represents the two festivals of Advent-Christmas and Hanukkah. Both celebrate with symbolic lights God’s gracious intervention in our lives to bring peace, joy, a fresh beginning and renewed relationships with Him and with one another. For those who are willing He brings great things from small beginnings: the oil for the Temple lamp, the baby born in obscure poverty, cups of tea shared by those who hoped to become friends. Will you let the Light in to your life or someone else’s? Who will you invite to tea?
Designer Notes: As the label explains, this was the site of a meeting over afternoon tea at the height of the Second World War. The Nazi regime was carrying out its hateful policy of eliminating all things “other”, especially, but not exclusively, the Jews. There was a need to seek reconciliation and friendship between Christians and Jews after centuries of mistrust and worse. From this small beginning the Council of Christians and Jews was formed: a national and now, international, body.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: Martie Newton - Honorary Secretary of the Manchester Branch of the Council of Christians and Jews - www.ccjmanchester.org
Location Notes: One of the iconic hotels of Manchester that over the course of 100+ years has hosted many a celebrity and royalty as well. Its Grade II* listed grand red-brick facade protects an opulent interior. It was built by the Midland Railway Company in 1903 to serve the Manchester Central railway station behind and started life with a covered walkway between the two (demolished after WWII). It was famously the meeting place of Mr Rolls and Mr Royce, leading to the formation of Rolls-Royce Ltd in 1906.Shrine Notes: The shrine represents the two festivals of Advent-Christmas and Hanukkah. Both celebrate with symbolic lights God’s gracious intervention in our lives to bring peace, joy, a fresh beginning and renewed relationships with Him and with one another. For those who are willing He brings great things from small beginnings: the oil for the Temple lamp, the baby born in obscure poverty, cups of tea shared by those who hoped to become friends. Will you let the Light in to your life or someone else’s? Who will you invite to tea?
Designer Notes: As the label explains, this was the site of a meeting over afternoon tea at the height of the Second World War. The Nazi regime was carrying out its hateful policy of eliminating all things “other”, especially, but not exclusively, the Jews. There was a need to seek reconciliation and friendship between Christians and Jews after centuries of mistrust and worse. From this small beginning the Council of Christians and Jews was formed: a national and now, international, body.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Monday, 19 December 2011
December 19th, 2011 - Monday
Location: Sheep statue in the Roman Gardens, Castlefield
Designer: Claire McDermott, member of Sanctus 1 leadership - www.sanctus1.co.uk
Location Notes: Castlefield is the site of the Roman fort Mamucium (aka Mancunium). It was built in AD79 by Gnaeus Julius Agricola during his campaigns against the Brigantes. Canals arrived at Castlefield in 1761 and helped usher in the Industrial Revolution. In 1982 the area was designated an Urban Heritage Park and is now host to a number of bars, restaurants and outdoor events. Placing an advent shrine next to a statue of sheep seems particularly appropriate, linking the shepherds of the Christmas story to the regions heritage in the cotton industry and farming.
Shrine Notes: Through the gate are images of nature; flowers, trees and a lake. This natural imagery, which contrasts with the usual urban image of Manchester, highlights the green space of the Roman gardens, and is a comment on the hidden gardens throughout the city, a place to find peace in a chaotic city. In the lake, there is a candle in the shape of a fish. The fish represents all animal life, because they are a part of the nature that we revere and should care for. The choice of the fish is also symbolic, as it was used by early Christians who had to keep their identity hidden, and would place the symbol of the fish outside meeting places, so that Christians knew where was safe.
Designer Notes: I took inspiration from the Shinto shrines in Japan, using the red Torii gate at the front, which is seen as a portal between the secular world and the divine.The gate is too small for us to pass through, creating a frustration, something many people feel when they try to access and understand spirituality.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: Claire McDermott, member of Sanctus 1 leadership - www.sanctus1.co.uk
Location Notes: Castlefield is the site of the Roman fort Mamucium (aka Mancunium). It was built in AD79 by Gnaeus Julius Agricola during his campaigns against the Brigantes. Canals arrived at Castlefield in 1761 and helped usher in the Industrial Revolution. In 1982 the area was designated an Urban Heritage Park and is now host to a number of bars, restaurants and outdoor events. Placing an advent shrine next to a statue of sheep seems particularly appropriate, linking the shepherds of the Christmas story to the regions heritage in the cotton industry and farming.Shrine Notes: Through the gate are images of nature; flowers, trees and a lake. This natural imagery, which contrasts with the usual urban image of Manchester, highlights the green space of the Roman gardens, and is a comment on the hidden gardens throughout the city, a place to find peace in a chaotic city. In the lake, there is a candle in the shape of a fish. The fish represents all animal life, because they are a part of the nature that we revere and should care for. The choice of the fish is also symbolic, as it was used by early Christians who had to keep their identity hidden, and would place the symbol of the fish outside meeting places, so that Christians knew where was safe.
Designer Notes: I took inspiration from the Shinto shrines in Japan, using the red Torii gate at the front, which is seen as a portal between the secular world and the divine.The gate is too small for us to pass through, creating a frustration, something many people feel when they try to access and understand spirituality.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Sunday, 18 December 2011
December 18th, 2011 - Sunday
Location: Fred Aldous
Designer: Michael Crispin, artist
Location Notes: Fred Aldous is one of the key shops in the Northern Quarter, supplying many strange and wonderful artist and craft materials, turning it into one of the creative engine rooms of the quarter. Their lovely staff are more than willing to help you find something or suggest what products will best help move your project forward. It’s also a bit of a Tardis, so don’t be surprised if you go in for 5 minutes and come out ages later, arms full of exciting goodies.
Shrine Notes: Take time to look around the shop at all the wonderful things people make to help you in turn make wonderful things. Everyone has some form of creativity in them. Whether it’s good quality or not is all subjective - what matters is you enjoy the creating. Be inspired to make something.
Designer Notes: As a full-time artist using a very wide range of materials and techniques I was excited to have the opportunity to create a shrine box that represented something I believe to be very important and fundamental to us all regardless of our personal circumstances. The figures inside the box facing towards the warm light represent any one of us seeking God and our inner selves for strength throughout our lives. With the outside of the box I wanted to use the words "THE PRESENT" to emphasise the fact that the shrine is a gift and/ or opportunity to take some time out of the busy rat race that is so familiar to us all. I feel we rarely get the time and peace just to be still and listen to our heart, soul and therefore God within us.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: Michael Crispin, artist
Location Notes: Fred Aldous is one of the key shops in the Northern Quarter, supplying many strange and wonderful artist and craft materials, turning it into one of the creative engine rooms of the quarter. Their lovely staff are more than willing to help you find something or suggest what products will best help move your project forward. It’s also a bit of a Tardis, so don’t be surprised if you go in for 5 minutes and come out ages later, arms full of exciting goodies.Shrine Notes: Take time to look around the shop at all the wonderful things people make to help you in turn make wonderful things. Everyone has some form of creativity in them. Whether it’s good quality or not is all subjective - what matters is you enjoy the creating. Be inspired to make something.
Designer Notes: As a full-time artist using a very wide range of materials and techniques I was excited to have the opportunity to create a shrine box that represented something I believe to be very important and fundamental to us all regardless of our personal circumstances. The figures inside the box facing towards the warm light represent any one of us seeking God and our inner selves for strength throughout our lives. With the outside of the box I wanted to use the words "THE PRESENT" to emphasise the fact that the shrine is a gift and/ or opportunity to take some time out of the busy rat race that is so familiar to us all. I feel we rarely get the time and peace just to be still and listen to our heart, soul and therefore God within us.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Saturday, 17 December 2011
December 17th, 2011 - Saturday
Location: At the top of the disused staircase in Angel Meadows
Designer: Alan S, Nexus Art Cafe artist-in-residence - http://nexusartcafe.com/art/
Location Notes: Not very well known, this park is tucked away on the edge of the inner city. It has a mixed history, that notably included hosting one of the ugliest churches in Manchester (St Michael’s) and the largest cemetery in Manchester (at the time), used for those with no family or too poor to afford a ‘proper’ funeral. In the last decade, it has received much love, attention, donations and grants to improve its condition.
Shrine Notes: This is a shrine to all the men, women and children of Manchester. In this fast moving world of ours, do we have the time to take a few moments to think about what we are doing here and why the world is such a crazy place? Should we just give thanks to something for our family and friends or just stand in awe in what we see in the world and beyond?
Designer Notes: Hello, my name is Alan S. I decided to put out the shrine in Angel Meadow because of the meadows’ history. I believe up to forty thousand souls have been laid to rest in the meadow, mainly paupers who could not afford a decent funeral. Many of the people interred in the meadow are Irish, who came to Manchester to work in the cotton mills during the potato famine in Ireland. The reason it is called Angel Meadow is because some people say they have seen angels looking after the persons buried there.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: Alan S, Nexus Art Cafe artist-in-residence - http://nexusartcafe.com/art/
Location Notes: Not very well known, this park is tucked away on the edge of the inner city. It has a mixed history, that notably included hosting one of the ugliest churches in Manchester (St Michael’s) and the largest cemetery in Manchester (at the time), used for those with no family or too poor to afford a ‘proper’ funeral. In the last decade, it has received much love, attention, donations and grants to improve its condition.Shrine Notes: This is a shrine to all the men, women and children of Manchester. In this fast moving world of ours, do we have the time to take a few moments to think about what we are doing here and why the world is such a crazy place? Should we just give thanks to something for our family and friends or just stand in awe in what we see in the world and beyond?
Designer Notes: Hello, my name is Alan S. I decided to put out the shrine in Angel Meadow because of the meadows’ history. I believe up to forty thousand souls have been laid to rest in the meadow, mainly paupers who could not afford a decent funeral. Many of the people interred in the meadow are Irish, who came to Manchester to work in the cotton mills during the potato famine in Ireland. The reason it is called Angel Meadow is because some people say they have seen angels looking after the persons buried there.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
NHS Inter-Action Magazine
Earlier in the month Val (designer of the December 2 shrine) was interviewed for her internal work magazine, the NHS Inter-Action, in an article called "The Secret Life of Valerie Johnston". Val has been interviewed in the past, but had forgotten what it was like and enjoyed the experience. Although felt that reading back her own words was a bit like an out of body experience! It's become a discussion point at Val's workplace, with people emailing her on the back of the article and there have been a number of visits to this blog as a result, prompting further discussions. So well done Val for stepping up and talking about yourself and the project, encouraging your colleagues to find out more.
Keep us posted with any news or reviews, blogs or tweets you have seen or been a part of.
Keep us posted with any news or reviews, blogs or tweets you have seen or been a part of.
Friday, 16 December 2011
Methodist internal news
The project featured in this weeks internal Methodist news bulletin:
"Sanctus 1 is a Christian community with an emerging church tradition in Manchester. They are placing 24 art installations around the City Centre based on the theme of shrines with the idea of trying to get people to re-engage with sacred space throughout Advent. They are releasing a new shrine every day in Advent (like an advent calendar) and you can follow the progress of the event on their blog."
"Sanctus 1 is a Christian community with an emerging church tradition in Manchester. They are placing 24 art installations around the City Centre based on the theme of shrines with the idea of trying to get people to re-engage with sacred space throughout Advent. They are releasing a new shrine every day in Advent (like an advent calendar) and you can follow the progress of the event on their blog."
December 16th, 2011 - Friday
Location: Cathedral Gardens fountain, 2nd bench
Designer: Ros Watson, Student Minister
Location Notes: Bounded by some of Manchester's oldest buildings and newest, Long Millgate is an ancient road that cuddles Cathedral Gardens. Next door is the old Manchester Grammar School building, Chethams School of Music (past residents and visitors including Dr John Dee and Karl Marx). At the far end is the Cathedral and the old Corn Exchange (now called the Triangle), with Victoria train station at its back. Completing the picture is the modern and distinctive Urbis and the almost complete Chethams extension. In Victorian times, Long Millgate was a Victorian slum. In the 1960s it housed the Manchester Sports Guild, home to the local jazz scene of the time.
Shrine Notes: The shredded timetables represent the many constant demands on our time and are intended to catch the wind and vibrations from the city so that they are continually moving and making a noise. They are hung as a curtain masking, yet occasionally giving us glimpses, of the offer of peace and stillness printed at the back of the shrine (Psalm 46 v 10).
Designer Notes: The shrine is placed on a bench, near a fountain in sight of Manchester Cathedral. However it is also in the centre of a busy city, near a main road, shopping centre and railway station. I wonder how many of us who regularly come into Manchester city centre have ever been able to find the time to slow down, to sit still and to find peace and calm here? How many of us keep busy, but long for stillness? How many of us keep rushing around, because we fear stillness? How many of us keep moving, because we don’t know what we would do if we stopped? To each of us God offers Himself, His presence and His peace. The message of Christmas - ‘Immanuel’, which means ‘God with us’ (Matthew 1 v 23).
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: Ros Watson, Student Minister
Location Notes: Bounded by some of Manchester's oldest buildings and newest, Long Millgate is an ancient road that cuddles Cathedral Gardens. Next door is the old Manchester Grammar School building, Chethams School of Music (past residents and visitors including Dr John Dee and Karl Marx). At the far end is the Cathedral and the old Corn Exchange (now called the Triangle), with Victoria train station at its back. Completing the picture is the modern and distinctive Urbis and the almost complete Chethams extension. In Victorian times, Long Millgate was a Victorian slum. In the 1960s it housed the Manchester Sports Guild, home to the local jazz scene of the time.Shrine Notes: The shredded timetables represent the many constant demands on our time and are intended to catch the wind and vibrations from the city so that they are continually moving and making a noise. They are hung as a curtain masking, yet occasionally giving us glimpses, of the offer of peace and stillness printed at the back of the shrine (Psalm 46 v 10).
Designer Notes: The shrine is placed on a bench, near a fountain in sight of Manchester Cathedral. However it is also in the centre of a busy city, near a main road, shopping centre and railway station. I wonder how many of us who regularly come into Manchester city centre have ever been able to find the time to slow down, to sit still and to find peace and calm here? How many of us keep busy, but long for stillness? How many of us keep rushing around, because we fear stillness? How many of us keep moving, because we don’t know what we would do if we stopped? To each of us God offers Himself, His presence and His peace. The message of Christmas - ‘Immanuel’, which means ‘God with us’ (Matthew 1 v 23).
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
On the radio - the interview
Earlier in the month the Sanctus 1 paid leader, Al Lowe, was interviewed live on radio (96.9 ALL FM) by radio presenter and Sanctus 1 regular, Ursula Pabisch. You can now listen to that interview right here:
Many thanks to Ursula for making space on her drive-time show for this project and for providing the mp3.
If the embedded mp3 player doesn't work for you, download the file directly from:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1964735/Al%20Lowe%20Interview%20Advent%20Shrines.mp3
Many thanks to Ursula for making space on her drive-time show for this project and for providing the mp3.
If the embedded mp3 player doesn't work for you, download the file directly from:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1964735/Al%20Lowe%20Interview%20Advent%20Shrines.mp3
Thursday, 15 December 2011
December 15th, 2011 - Thursday
Location: Site of the IRA bomb of 1996
Designer: Sarah Lowe, Housewife and Mother
Location Notes: Located next to the post box between the M&S/Selfridges building and the Arndale, this spot marks the biggest IRA explosion on British soil. A most significant site for Manchester, the city responded not in grief, but in a determination not to be undone. It marked a turning point for the development of the city, prompting a massive rebuilding and regeneration of that site and those nearby.
Shrine Notes: This shrine uses the theme ‘..in remembrance of me’ (Luke 22:19). It is located at the site of the IRA’s 1996 Manchester bomb which was the centre of all the devastation that occurred on that day. Nowadays it is common for people to place remembrances at sites of devastation and loss, this is usually in the form of cellophane wrapped flowers tied to local objects eg a tree or lamp post. Jesus left us with Holy Communion ‘in remembrance of Me’ and this shrine juxtaposes this with the modern day remembrance of flowers. As you pass by this shrine, pause a while in the hustle and bustle of the street to remember all those affected that day in June 1996 and give thanks for the regeneration of the city centre which followed and think also of the sacrifice made by Jesus for us all and the renewed lives and hope that that has given generations of people since.
Designer Notes: I spent some time thinking carefully about this site and what it means to the people of Manchester. It struck me that this was the site of enormous devastation and loss for many people and that it is just such places which today would have flowers placed at the side of the road. I am intrigued by the fact that as Advent progresses the flowers themselves will gradually wilt and die and this contrasts with the living bread and wine of the Holy Communion - both ‘in remembrance of me’.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: Sarah Lowe, Housewife and Mother
Location Notes: Located next to the post box between the M&S/Selfridges building and the Arndale, this spot marks the biggest IRA explosion on British soil. A most significant site for Manchester, the city responded not in grief, but in a determination not to be undone. It marked a turning point for the development of the city, prompting a massive rebuilding and regeneration of that site and those nearby.Shrine Notes: This shrine uses the theme ‘..in remembrance of me’ (Luke 22:19). It is located at the site of the IRA’s 1996 Manchester bomb which was the centre of all the devastation that occurred on that day. Nowadays it is common for people to place remembrances at sites of devastation and loss, this is usually in the form of cellophane wrapped flowers tied to local objects eg a tree or lamp post. Jesus left us with Holy Communion ‘in remembrance of Me’ and this shrine juxtaposes this with the modern day remembrance of flowers. As you pass by this shrine, pause a while in the hustle and bustle of the street to remember all those affected that day in June 1996 and give thanks for the regeneration of the city centre which followed and think also of the sacrifice made by Jesus for us all and the renewed lives and hope that that has given generations of people since.
Designer Notes: I spent some time thinking carefully about this site and what it means to the people of Manchester. It struck me that this was the site of enormous devastation and loss for many people and that it is just such places which today would have flowers placed at the side of the road. I am intrigued by the fact that as Advent progresses the flowers themselves will gradually wilt and die and this contrasts with the living bread and wine of the Holy Communion - both ‘in remembrance of me’.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
December 14th, 2011 - Wednesday
Location: Midland Hotel, phone booth 4
Designer: Roger Newton - That Roger!
Location Notes: One of the iconic hotels of Manchester that over the course of 100+ years has hosted many a celebrity and royalty as well. Its Grade II* listed grand red-brick facade protects an opulent interior. It was built by the Midland Railway Company in 1903 to serve the Manchester Central railway station behind and started life with a covered walkway between the two (demolished after WWII). It was famously the meeting place of Mr Rolls and Mr Royce, leading to the formation of Rolls-Royce Ltd in 1906.
Shrine Notes: This is the fourth of five shrines to be located at the hotel, occupying a no-longer-in-use phone booth. This shrine reflects charitable crochet for those just beginning life, those about to leave this life and those dependent on humans for life. This shrine contains a still-born presentation/burial robe, more dignified than a blue paper towel; a prayer shawl, for the sick or elderly; a well used pet blanket, claw needle-felted by an appreciative recipient and a list of charities accepting yarn-craft items, both finished work or craft supplies. At the heart of all religions lie the ideas of love and compassion for ‘the other’ rather than self. “Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you do for me.”
Designer Notes: My medium is crochet, but all yarn-crafts (knitting crochet, embroidery, etc.) unite people of all ages, races and religions and can be used for religious purposes, to decorate places of worship, for charity or as an aid to prayer and meditation. Christianity arose in the northern hemisphere and the western church adopted the Roman mid-winter festival as a celebration of their founder, Jesus’, birth. The mid-winter celebration and Advent include the idea of the death of the old and the birth of the new, the ending and beginning of life, the sun and the Son.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: Roger Newton - That Roger!
Location Notes: One of the iconic hotels of Manchester that over the course of 100+ years has hosted many a celebrity and royalty as well. Its Grade II* listed grand red-brick facade protects an opulent interior. It was built by the Midland Railway Company in 1903 to serve the Manchester Central railway station behind and started life with a covered walkway between the two (demolished after WWII). It was famously the meeting place of Mr Rolls and Mr Royce, leading to the formation of Rolls-Royce Ltd in 1906.Shrine Notes: This is the fourth of five shrines to be located at the hotel, occupying a no-longer-in-use phone booth. This shrine reflects charitable crochet for those just beginning life, those about to leave this life and those dependent on humans for life. This shrine contains a still-born presentation/burial robe, more dignified than a blue paper towel; a prayer shawl, for the sick or elderly; a well used pet blanket, claw needle-felted by an appreciative recipient and a list of charities accepting yarn-craft items, both finished work or craft supplies. At the heart of all religions lie the ideas of love and compassion for ‘the other’ rather than self. “Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you do for me.”
Designer Notes: My medium is crochet, but all yarn-crafts (knitting crochet, embroidery, etc.) unite people of all ages, races and religions and can be used for religious purposes, to decorate places of worship, for charity or as an aid to prayer and meditation. Christianity arose in the northern hemisphere and the western church adopted the Roman mid-winter festival as a celebration of their founder, Jesus’, birth. The mid-winter celebration and Advent include the idea of the death of the old and the birth of the new, the ending and beginning of life, the sun and the Son.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Beaches and challenges
There's a couple of blogs discussing the project that you might want to have a wander over to. First up is Ben Edson who secretly wishes Manchester were like Barcelona and had its own beach. Next is Steve Taylor who was challenged by the degree to which public spiritual art should or could point to church or Christianity. If you spot something in cyberspace having a look at this project, please comment and let us know (whether it's a positive or negative view).
December 13th, 2011 - Tuesday
Location: Sacred Trinity
Designer: Kolyn Amor, artist - The Altaer
Location Notes: Sacred Trinity was home for a long time to Sanctus 1 prior to decamping to a more central location. It hosts a wide variety of services, events, exhibitions and concerts and as such is thought of as a spiritual/emotional home by a large number of people from all sorts of backgrounds. There’s been a church on the site from 1635, with the current Grade 2* listed building dating from 1752. It's not far from M&S, at the corner of Blackfriars & Chapel St, so pop along when you can.
Shrine Notes: 'I'm A Celebrideity- Get Me Out Of Here!' - a response to the concepts of fame, fortune, commercialism, Christianity, voyeurism & vanity - all with a hint of festive cheer...
Designer Notes: "I awoke one morning and found myself famous." Lord Byron
"Seek not greater wealth, but simpler pleasure; not higher fortune, but deeper felicity." Mahatma Gandhi
"When any creativity becomes useful, it is sucked into the vortex of commercialism, and when a thing becomes commercial, it becomes the enemy of many." Arthur Miller
"Christmas to a child is the first terrible proof that to travel hopefully is better than to arrive." Stephen Fry
"An exhibitionist is nothing without a voyeur." S.A. Sachs
"What is the vanity of the vainest man compared with the vanity which the most modest possesses when, in the midst of nature and the world, he feels himself to be man!" Friedrich Nietzsche.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: Kolyn Amor, artist - The Altaer
Location Notes: Sacred Trinity was home for a long time to Sanctus 1 prior to decamping to a more central location. It hosts a wide variety of services, events, exhibitions and concerts and as such is thought of as a spiritual/emotional home by a large number of people from all sorts of backgrounds. There’s been a church on the site from 1635, with the current Grade 2* listed building dating from 1752. It's not far from M&S, at the corner of Blackfriars & Chapel St, so pop along when you can.Shrine Notes: 'I'm A Celebrideity- Get Me Out Of Here!' - a response to the concepts of fame, fortune, commercialism, Christianity, voyeurism & vanity - all with a hint of festive cheer...
Designer Notes: "I awoke one morning and found myself famous." Lord Byron
"Seek not greater wealth, but simpler pleasure; not higher fortune, but deeper felicity." Mahatma Gandhi
"When any creativity becomes useful, it is sucked into the vortex of commercialism, and when a thing becomes commercial, it becomes the enemy of many." Arthur Miller
"Christmas to a child is the first terrible proof that to travel hopefully is better than to arrive." Stephen Fry
"An exhibitionist is nothing without a voyeur." S.A. Sachs
"What is the vanity of the vainest man compared with the vanity which the most modest possesses when, in the midst of nature and the world, he feels himself to be man!" Friedrich Nietzsche.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Monday, 12 December 2011
December 12th, 2011 - Monday
Location: Chinatown pagoda, next to the archway
Designer: Al Lowe, Paid Leader of Sanctus 1 - www.sanctus1.co.uk
Location Notes: Chinatown is a cultural enclave within the city centre of Manchester. It speaks of Chinese culture in terms of food and restaurants, supermarkets and shops, signage and art. It is the second largest in the UK and welcomes visitors with its huge gate way and pagoda. It was formed out of the wave of immigration in the early 20th century with the first restaurant being opened in 1948. A steady increase in restaurants over the years has led to a cultural experience within a cultural experience.
Shrine Notes: Although this location represents a particular culture within Manchester, it also celebrates the cultural diversity of the wider city. This shrine celebrates that cultural diversity by contrasting two music instruments; a modern electric guitar and a traditional Ruan - an ancient Chinese stringed instrument which has been around for over 4,000 years. Stop, think and celebrate the cultural diversity of the city centre and pray for peace between people of different cultures, giving thanks for the wider understanding it brings.
Designer Notes: I was particularly struck by the Psalm 137 v 4 and how it feels to be in a foreign land/culture and perhaps Mary and Joseph’s experience in Egypt. It made me reflect on the cultural expressions we bring with us when we move that help us to assimilate into different places. Music is a very strong communicator of culture and therefore I chose the two instruments to reflect this cultural mix.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: Al Lowe, Paid Leader of Sanctus 1 - www.sanctus1.co.uk
Location Notes: Chinatown is a cultural enclave within the city centre of Manchester. It speaks of Chinese culture in terms of food and restaurants, supermarkets and shops, signage and art. It is the second largest in the UK and welcomes visitors with its huge gate way and pagoda. It was formed out of the wave of immigration in the early 20th century with the first restaurant being opened in 1948. A steady increase in restaurants over the years has led to a cultural experience within a cultural experience.Shrine Notes: Although this location represents a particular culture within Manchester, it also celebrates the cultural diversity of the wider city. This shrine celebrates that cultural diversity by contrasting two music instruments; a modern electric guitar and a traditional Ruan - an ancient Chinese stringed instrument which has been around for over 4,000 years. Stop, think and celebrate the cultural diversity of the city centre and pray for peace between people of different cultures, giving thanks for the wider understanding it brings.
Designer Notes: I was particularly struck by the Psalm 137 v 4 and how it feels to be in a foreign land/culture and perhaps Mary and Joseph’s experience in Egypt. It made me reflect on the cultural expressions we bring with us when we move that help us to assimilate into different places. Music is a very strong communicator of culture and therefore I chose the two instruments to reflect this cultural mix.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
December 11th, 2011 - Sunday
Location: LGBT Youth Centre aka Manchester LGBT Centre
Designer: Kirsty Mabbott, theology student
Location Notes: Tucked away just off Oxford Rd, this organisation provides valued support for the whole LGBT community, as the LGBT Youth Centre is home to more than just youth groups. Its official name is Manchester LGBT Centre and it hosts a plethora of activities for the whole LGBT Community including information sessions, tea and toast as well as various activities and groups. The centre were one of the first locations to offer the project space for a shrine, for which we’re very grateful.
Shrine Notes: The shrine contains a book and pen and poses the question “What does Advent and Christmas mean to you?”. Take time to consider this question and write your response, sharing your honest opinions, thoughts and feelings about this special time of year.
Designer Notes: As a gay woman training for Community Development Ministry with the United Reformed Church I wanted to take the opportunity of using my shrine to explore what Advent and Christmas mean to the communities in which I live, work and play. I wanted my shrine to be fully inclusive to the LGBT community which is why the flag inside is designed to incorporate the Bi Pride, Gay Pride and the Trans Pride flags. I then researched online articles and writings both by LGBT and Heterosexual people of many and no faith regarding this time of year to see what was already “out there” which is the influence for the words scattered around the box.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: Kirsty Mabbott, theology student
Location Notes: Tucked away just off Oxford Rd, this organisation provides valued support for the whole LGBT community, as the LGBT Youth Centre is home to more than just youth groups. Its official name is Manchester LGBT Centre and it hosts a plethora of activities for the whole LGBT Community including information sessions, tea and toast as well as various activities and groups. The centre were one of the first locations to offer the project space for a shrine, for which we’re very grateful.Shrine Notes: The shrine contains a book and pen and poses the question “What does Advent and Christmas mean to you?”. Take time to consider this question and write your response, sharing your honest opinions, thoughts and feelings about this special time of year.
Designer Notes: As a gay woman training for Community Development Ministry with the United Reformed Church I wanted to take the opportunity of using my shrine to explore what Advent and Christmas mean to the communities in which I live, work and play. I wanted my shrine to be fully inclusive to the LGBT community which is why the flag inside is designed to incorporate the Bi Pride, Gay Pride and the Trans Pride flags. I then researched online articles and writings both by LGBT and Heterosexual people of many and no faith regarding this time of year to see what was already “out there” which is the influence for the words scattered around the box.
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
December 10th, 2011 - Saturday
Location: Midland Hotel, phone booth 3
Designer: Nikita Star, hair stylist, artist, writer
Location Notes: One of the iconic hotels of Manchester that over the course of 100+ years has hosted many a celebrity and royalty as well. Its Grade II* listed grand red-brick facade protects an opulent interior. It was built by the Midland Railway Company in 1903 to serve the Manchester Central railway station behind and started life with a covered walkway between the two (demolished after WWII). It was famously the meeting place of Mr Rolls and Mr Royce, leading to the formation of Rolls-Royce Ltd in 1906.
Shrine Notes: The shrine has words in red: love, hope, joy, grace, John 3:16, peace, truth, honour, purity, kindness, self-control, mercy, gentleness, generosity, patience, forgiveness, humility, loyalty. The shrine also has words in black: hate, lies, lust, drugs, porn, greed, pride, bitterness, adultery, selfishness, steeling, murder, anger, self-indulgence, jealousy, abusive, racism, bullying. Think about these and on the suggestion of how they may impact your life and those you know, visualised through the rose.
Designer Notes: Just a few days before I found out about the shrine project I got this image of the roses as someone prayed for me that God would start to use my creativity to bring His freedom. I want people to realise they have a choice in how they live their life. This isn't to bring judgement, but to bring freedom, as people realise there is a different way of living. The way you live brings consequences, good or bad. My hope is that people will be filled with Gods love so they can love themselves, each other and the world, resulting in a much more joyful, peaceful environment. What will you choose?
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
Designer: Nikita Star, hair stylist, artist, writer
Location Notes: One of the iconic hotels of Manchester that over the course of 100+ years has hosted many a celebrity and royalty as well. Its Grade II* listed grand red-brick facade protects an opulent interior. It was built by the Midland Railway Company in 1903 to serve the Manchester Central railway station behind and started life with a covered walkway between the two (demolished after WWII). It was famously the meeting place of Mr Rolls and Mr Royce, leading to the formation of Rolls-Royce Ltd in 1906.Shrine Notes: The shrine has words in red: love, hope, joy, grace, John 3:16, peace, truth, honour, purity, kindness, self-control, mercy, gentleness, generosity, patience, forgiveness, humility, loyalty. The shrine also has words in black: hate, lies, lust, drugs, porn, greed, pride, bitterness, adultery, selfishness, steeling, murder, anger, self-indulgence, jealousy, abusive, racism, bullying. Think about these and on the suggestion of how they may impact your life and those you know, visualised through the rose.
Designer Notes: Just a few days before I found out about the shrine project I got this image of the roses as someone prayed for me that God would start to use my creativity to bring His freedom. I want people to realise they have a choice in how they live their life. This isn't to bring judgement, but to bring freedom, as people realise there is a different way of living. The way you live brings consequences, good or bad. My hope is that people will be filled with Gods love so they can love themselves, each other and the world, resulting in a much more joyful, peaceful environment. What will you choose?
Feel free to write about your thoughts and experiences with this shrine, or how you've seen people using it, as a comment (see below) or tweet @sanctus1mcr.
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