The Blessings of Community

By Rodney Allen Schwartz, Director, the Westminster Gallery and Archive

I was attracted to Westminster and became a member in the early 1980s because of the beautiful music and the inspirational sermons preached. For a number of years I was one of those churchgoers who walked in, sat through the service, and then disappeared quickly through the Nicollet doors. A few years later, I was invited to become a Deacon. Engaging with clergy and church members through that gathering of officers, and being assigned an aisle as an usher, changed my relationship with the church and its members for the better.

The construction of the Marquette wing and the subsequent creation of the Westminster Gallery in 2002 provided the opportunity to connect with the congregation and visitors in a profound way. I started as a volunteer along with Liz Heller as co-chairs of a task force to start the gallery. Nine years later I find myself on staff and seem to hold court in the gallery at every opportunity. Conversations before church and during the coffee hour afterwards, tours, and special events give me the chance to discuss art with anyone.

People find inspiration, are challenged to think, and learn in a variety of ways. Some prefer to read, others listen, maybe they are moved by music, and yet others respond to art. In this Westminster community of believers, and in the community of those drawn to art, I have found my place of usefulness.

The Westminster Gallery is sponsoring an open house and reception this coming Friday, October 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. This opportunity to visit with artists and other art lovers is part of the Twin Cities Fine Arts Organization annual Art on the Town. Please join us, enjoy the conversation, the art and the cake, as we count our blessings as a community.