What’s the common thread? This was a question we had back in the early days when we were thinking about an opportunity that would bring creative and media folk together in Bristol. We knew we wanted people to come together and have the space to connect with each other. But with the breadth of possibilities between media and creative topics, we needed a link. Storytelling supplied the answer.
Here was the strand that weaves within both these worlds. It’s a powerful connection and a powerful tool to express the extraordinary in the ordinary through: songs, words, audio, dance, film, illustrations and so much more. As with every story, each narrative is composed of many layers. What we didn’t realise at the time when
Christians in Media began our discussions with
Together4Bristol and
Kingdom Creatives, was how the Lord was forming relationships. Bringing together a team of people with their unique giftings. Speaking to us about how we could devise a half-day joint event that would encourage, inspire and provoke fresh thinking about the subject.
Over the months,
Roger Allen, Spheres Facilitator,
Together4Bristol, Rev Erica Bebb,
Kingdom Creatives,
Adam Biddlestone, Communication and Engagement Officer for the
Methodist Churches in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, and
Jocelyn-Anne Harvey, Head of Operations, Christians in Media came together to sift and sort, pause and pray. Through this, Theology: The Art of Storytelling was formed.
Storytelling as a theme, especially for a half-day event was quite a subject. We wanted interaction, time to reflect, insightful content and space to connect! The agenda began to take shape.
When it came to delivering the event on Saturday 20th May the team had expanded, that thread pulling together a packed room full of people passionate about storytelling. Connecting a team of fantastic speakers and performers. Besides wanting to learn from the greatest narrator: Jesus the Logos (John 1:1); we wanted to fix our eyes on Him. Our joint event started with a time of worship led by
Colin Smith, a professional pianist, and Rev Erica Bebb.
We began the first session with a talk from
Rev Mandy Briggs, Education Officer at John Wesley’s New Room who prompted us to think about what we could apply from how John Wesley conveyed messages. And how he embraced the power of mass communications and reached people through his tenacity and character.
Next,
Sy Naet Nin, a Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance graduate and Cambodian dancer, expressed a Biblical story through the medium of dance. As she performed within the space of a church hall, Sy Naet’s talent powerfully demonstrated how we can tell stories without words.
Then
Rachel Sinclair, a freelance Dance Artist and Educator, helped us consider Bible stories which gave space for people to interact and a fascinating challenge for those groups to then express their thoughts non-verbally.
The media perspective came through
Steve Cox, our Chair of Trustees who spoke with
Julia Bicknell, Consultant, Coach and Writer. Julia, with her significant experience as a news presenter, reporter and producer shared her thoughts about what makes a good story. And how we can do what Jesus did but 21st century style!
Geoff Hall, Filmmaker, Writer and Author reminded us how stories fire us up, of the subtext and context within Bible stories, about how Jesus communicated through parables. And through Geoff’s lens of writing, producing and directing films such as,
My Name is Sorrow, he spoke into, and inspired us, about storytelling. About how we need to create stories where we are immersed in people’s worlds.
The time whizzed and before we knew it, our event ended with reflections and a closing prayer. It felt like we need part 2, 3 and beyond. Afterwards, it was great to speak with fellow church family. And uplifting for the team to hear so many say the event spoke to them, that they were encouraged and it was an outstanding time together. Since then, we’ve received feedback saying, ‘it was a great event’ and ‘lots of variety of how stories [were] told (writing, dance, film, media, etc)’.
This joint event’s chapter may have ended. But the story hasn’t. We hope it’s sparked the formation of more opportunities to bring people together in the Bristol area. Watch this space!