Hopewell Arts Council Spire

In December 2020, Engaging in Justice and Service (EJS) purchased an ArtSpire, part of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s community project, Out of the Ashes: Art Emerging from Fallen Trees. ArtSpires are created from ash trees that have been decimated by the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive species. The Earth’s ecosystems are a fragile thing, intricately designed by God to work in harmony. When there is a shift in this delicate balance all creatures of the Earth feel the effects. The ArtSpire project seeks to draw attention to this as well as other issues near to the hearts of the artists who made them.

The particular artspire that EJS purchased was created by Homefront's ArtSpace Artists' Group,  with proceeds used to support the work of Homefront. The artists noted “Our spire visually represents our core values that build the framework for family success: a safe and secure home, basic necessities, love, nurturing, education and life skill tools.” Hopewell Presbyterian has also supported Homefront through its Mission Giving budget, stewarded by the Deacons.

The feedback that we received from a recent HPC survey helped us discern where God is calling us to engage social issues, specifically it pointed us toward the work of creation care and aiding those experiencing poverty. The purchase of the Homefront ArtSpire allows us to answer that call. Keep an eye out for this ArtSpire to be displayed on the church property this spring. In the meantime take a look at the photos below. 

- Molly Peterson
Ruling Elder