Thursday nights at 7 p.m. is our Artists’ Workshop led by Dennis Hill (IMDB), meeting in the Community Chapel. This is a comfortable place for artists of all kinds to practice and voice their ideas and creativity. There are no walls or boundaries here. It will be a fun way to learn and do the things we love. At the end of each month we will be filming at short of what WE came up with. Everyone is invited! But you must be serious about learning and working with others. Hope to see you all there.

For more information please contact Dennis at denniswhill@yahoo.com.

This Summer begins Ordinary Time at Hollywood Adventist Church. The first worship series in Ordinary Time will be our annual Apocalypse.

Apocalypse comes from a Greek word that means “revealing.” For seven weeks we’ll seek out a revealing of God in the culture around us: in literature, song, film, and television. Keep your eyes open for screenings and discussions of the material as we get closer.

June 13, Ryan Bell, The Soloist
June 20, Melody George, “Happy is a Yuppy Word”
June 27, Cecilia Luck, Bruce Almighty
July 4, Scott Arany, the album Viva La Vida by Coldplay
July 11, Emily McArthur, Toni Morrison’s The Song of Solomon
July 18, Rajeev Sigamoney, The Office (UK)
July 25, Ryan Bell, Wall-E

The Perfect Day is a result of a 48-hour filmathon by the crew of Cinema Divina. The entire film was written, shot, edited, and had music scored for it within the 48 hour period.

The film, a comedy, follows one month in the life of Dennis, our hapless hero, as he attempts to live just one day perfectly.

Many thanks to all of our donors who pledged their support to this production. Cinema Divina (website) is the new production company at the Hollywood Adventist Church. The 48-Hour Film-A-Thon was a fund-raising event to both financially empower Cinema Divina and to refine our filmmaking chops. Visit the Cinema Divina website to watch the film, check out the cast and crew, and to donate.

What do you think? Feel free to leave comments below.

Here’s the film:

The Perfect Day from Cinema Divina on Vimeo.

March 28–30 the Purple Church will be writing, shooting and editing a short movie in a 48-hour period. Sound exciting? Sound interesting? Sound like something you’d love to get behind? Great! Because that’s what we’re looking for. The point of this project is to raise money for the films that we are hoping to start creating with all the wonderful folks within this community in a missional way. In order to raise money we need your help. We need you to go out and collect pledges for the film. If you can’t participate you can still collect pledges in the name of someone who is. Another way to help is to come out the days of and pitch in. You do not need to have any film training to help out. We need everything from runners to people to bring us food. Keep the date in mind and we look forward to seeing you all… Please contact Julia Alty via email at jkalty(at)gmail(dot)com.

Check out the website! www.cinema-divina.com!

The Pacific Union Recorder, which is the official news and information magazine of the Pacific Union, has covered our CREDO art show in its most recent issue.

Thanks to Betty Cooney for the gracious write-up.

You can read the article online, or in the most recent issue of the Recorder.

On Saturday night, November 15, between 100 and 150 people visited the CREDO Art Show, held at the Hollywood Seventh-day Adventist Church. The CREDO Art show was an artistic exploration of The Apostles’ Creed and the culmination of nearly a year of thinking and planning and nearly three months of worship services and sermons.

The evening began at 7:00 pm when the doors to the church opened. Behind the scenes, a team of about a dozen people were scurrying to put the finishing touches on the main gallery. By 7:30 pm there were 70–80 people in the foyer of the church, eating refreshments that were also artfully created by another team of church members and friends. At 7:30 we gave a very brief introduction and opened the door to the main gallery. For the next two and a half hours people came and went, enjoying some incredible art and having conversation.

For years I have wanted to do a sermon series on The Apostles’ Creed, exploring the ancient statement of faith phrase by phrase. While many Christians repeat the creed weekly in worship it is quite foreign to most Seventh-day Adventists, so I felt it would be an ironically fresh and almost edgy way to approach the subject of “belief” and “beliefs.” Our congregation is also pretty action oriented. It’s unusual for us to spend several months talking about our beliefs, so I felt it would be a good change of pace.

But I wanted more than just a one-way conversation about the Apostles’ Creed, where I stood up front week by week and intoned about orthodoxy. I wanted a real conversation. Most worship services are not set up for this, including our own, but we devised some ways to increase the interactivity.

Each week there were blank sheets of paper in the bulletin with the subject of that week’s sermon, the creedal phrase we were exploring and the question, “What do you believe?” We invited people to write their expressions of faith and conviction or to draw sketches of their beliefs, during the sermon. We collected close to 100 of these pages during the course of our 12-week series. These results were beautiful and thoughtful. You can see a sample of these here, here, and here. A more comprehensive feature will be coming soon.

The CREDO Art Show concept was hatched nearly a year ago in conversation with our leadership. Scott Arany, who is pursuing his M.A. in Worship, Theology and the Arts at Fuller Theological Seminary, and one of our church elders, wrote to me on December 4, 2007:

Something in my studies tonight prompted this idea that could go along with your idea for a sermon series on the Apostles Creed. Here are my rough thoughts. Let me know what you think.

Credo, “I Believe.” An artistic and musical representation of our faith…. Present as an art gallery with a concert. Music could be composed in advance…. I’ve long wondered what a visual statement of belief would look like, instead of only a printed sheet of bullet-points.

To see this dream fulfilled was inspiring. The goal was conversation; and a broader conversation than just words and the traditional vernacular of modern theological discourse. For centuries, music and the arts have been a central part of theological conversation. We wanted to revive this in our congregation. Our gallery—indeed, all art galleries or concerts—are about listening. One guest said to me, as we were looking a mixed-media piece in the gallery, “I like the fact that you guys are listening.” The comment took me by surprise. Not everyone would ‘get’ what we were doing so quickly, but he had discerned our intentions perfectly.

Among the paintings, photographs, poetry, an architectural model, a listening station, a sculpture and other mixed-media pieces, people’s faith was on display, and not just the faith of our church’s members. There were contributions from a local public high school, from friends of our members, and from friends of friends. Dozens of people visited the gallery that night that I had never seen before. We knew we didn’t want to spend a lot of money and time putting on an art show for our members alone. It just didn’t seem worth it. But the prospect of widening the conversation about faith through art to include our community outside the church was something that really excited us.

Our congregation is blessed with some incredible artists. If I tried to name them all I would certainly miss several, but one example will do. Sean Amlaner is a graduate of Southern Adventist University. He has been in Los Angeles for the past two years working in Hollywood as a special-effects artist on major motion pictures like The Incredible Hulk. Sean was the mastermind behind the transformation our very ordinary Chapel into an art gallery. He marshaled the energies of more than a dozen volunteers who worked tirelessly until the moment the doors opened.

It was a group effort that involved dozens of our members, friends in other churches and in our community, over almost a year.

If you attended the show, we would love to know what you thought. Please leave a comment below about your experience.

By Ryan Bell

For the past 10 weeks our community has been examining the Apostles’ Creed in worship, word and art. The capstone to this series is a public art show featuring original artwork. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. on November 15th.

Invite your friends.

Join us for an evening of

art,

conversation,

food

and friendship.

“What do you believe about Jesus’ Nature?” We were invited to respond with our words or with our art. Here are the responses. Remember, these are not dogma. These responses are posted so that we can discuss together as a congregation, safely and free from judgement, what it is that we each believe.

Let’s get a conversation going by posting comments about the these responses. Of course, please remember to be kind and courteous about your comments. Remember, it’s a conversation!

Here are the artistic responses. You click each image to view them larger at Flickr.com. (There are a couple that were not scanned because of technical difficulties. But you can still see them at church this Sabbath!)

Here are the text responses:

Norma

A wonderful saviour to me. When I call me when I’m down, he provides my call. His blood covers me at all times. Angels assist me. He delivered me from wicked and evil people at all times. I walk with him till he comes in the second coming.

Kirsten

God Incarnate (whatever the mixture): Jesus illustrates who what I believe intellectually about God translates into how I live my life cradled in that understanding. Believing in God is relational. How I treat people in relationship with them says something about what I understand about God.

Anonymous

I’ve always believed that Jesus was both God and Man. However, I haven’t understood it so deeply as I do now. I have never heard it put so real. I believe that because Jesus is being both God and human, I can be confident that He is near me always and that I can overcome all temptations through Him. Because of His “200%” nature I am inspired to be to others, a light and a help in their lives.

Amanda Newton

I believe that when Jesus was on this earth He treated everyone with respect, no matter what their background. He saw everyone as His best friend. Since Jesus is both and human, He understands what I am going through, but also knows what is best for me. Jesus is everything that is good in this world. He is the purest form of love. 

Robert Monroe Turner

Jesus’ nature is love. He forgives us because he loves us. He blesses us because he loves us. His love is so great he went to the cross for me. Jesus is LOVE.

Sean Amlaner

If we could do DNA tests on Jesus (use medical technology from now only 2000 years ago), what kind of DNA strain would it be? Would it be 100% from Mary or 50% from Mary and 50% from an unknown source? Would the string be perfect, with no abnormalities or mutations whatsoever?

Muhindo

The reasons I believe in Jesus, the Lord and son of God, often are at the every edge of human verb or language. However I can say that I am drawn to Him, because there is no other teaching anywhere where God substitutes Himself for his own creation in order to save that creation. Howbeit, in historical context, all gods have asked for sacrifices, our God became the sacrifice. He died so that I can live.

“What do you believe about Jesus?” We were invited to respond with our words or with our art. Here are the responses. Remember, these are not dogma. These responses are posted so that we can discuss together as a congregation, safely and free from judgement, what it is that we each believe.

Let’s get a conversation going by posting comments about the these responses. Of course, please remember to be kind and courteous about your comments. Remember, it’s a conversation!

Here are the artistic responses. You click each image to view them larger at Flickr.com. (There are a couple that were not scanned because of technical difficulties. But you can still see them at church this Sabbath!)

Here are the text responses.

Leslie Foster

God is so much more infinite and beautiful and terrifying than I can imagine. He has facets my mind can’t even begin to grasp. Jesus is the facet I can understand, if only just barely. 

Amanda Newton

Jesus is the One in the Trinity who I can truly relate to. He has gone through every pain I have and understands. He should be my very best Friend, and I am trying to make Him so. Jesus is God and also my Friend.

Anonymous

It’s still been difficult for me to believe that I am loved simply because I was created. I find myself constantly feeling I have to earn the love of God that if I just tried harder I would be good enough. I contemplated coming to church today and kept thinking I have to go because then God will love and then there was this quiet voice that spoke, “Come to me because you want to, not out of obligation.” I came today and saw friends that I didn’t even know came to this church. That has to be God. I get reminded that I can believe, that I’m not alone. Even in all my confusion and questioning I still find myself coming back. When I think of what Jesus did, I am blown away. I don’t think I can fully comprehend it. I wish I could have met Him, touched His hand, heard Him say, “I love you!”

Brian Lauritzen

1.) Jesus. 

2.) The rest.

Anonymous

Jesus is everything God wants to say to us, said in the powerful language of human experience.

Dan Nichols

God spoke and there was light. God spoke and the worlds came into being. When God “opened His mouth” to speak, the Word, which had always been within Him, came forth begotten, His Son, and through Him all things were thus made, for God’s Word accomplished all He willed as He spoke. God being LIFE itself, His spoken word was His will and essence perfectly expressed, and once became flesh, inherently possessed all the creating, life-giving, light and power of His Father, from whom He came, for those to whom He was sent.

Melody George

I am strong. I am rich.

Liezl Lao

Jesus is wonderful love who never lets us down, even when he sometimes hides his presence from us.

Lennox

I belong to Jesus. My beliefs are irrelevant. 

Alburn Binkley

I believe Jesus is Lord. He is God, the only God, the way to Salvation. He tought us how to love by being love. His example should be the template for how we live. His sacrifice covers us when we fail. He is both personal and universal. Because of His universal Love for humankind, we are called to be Love and show Love to our fellow Men and Women.

Anonymous

In many ways, I feel I am going to write the same thing I wrote last week. God and Jesus are closely connected in my heart. Jesus is my way to the Father. He died for me and is the reason I get up in the morning. I long daily to live a life that is pleasing to Him. I often feel He is right next to me through all the troubles of life, waiting to see my response. Because I feel His presence I can turn to Him in confidence and faith. He guides my heart, thoughts, and feet. I believe that without Him I would be broken and dying from sin. I am thankful that He can wash my sins from me and give me a new heart daily. Through Him I can live in peace and contentment.

Last Sabbath we asked the question, “What do you believe about God?” We were invited to respond with our words or with our art. Here are the responses. Remember, these are not dogma. These responses are posted so that we can discuss together as a congregation, safely and free from judgement, what it is that we each believe.

Let’s get a conversation going by posting comments about the these responses. Of course, please remember to be kind and courteous about your comments. Remember, it’s a conversation!

Here are the artistic responses. You click each image to view them larger at Flickr.com. (There are a couple that were not scanned because of technical difficulties. But you can still see them at church this Sabbath!)

Here are the text responses.

Leslie Foster:

“I believe that in the Beginning, the Storyteller wove a Story of unimaginable beauty. Within the threads of the Story, she placed the heavens and the earth. 

I believe that He, in the form of Christ, came to earth to repair the broken strands of the Story. 

I believe She remains on earth, in the form of the Spirit, our Comforter and Teacher.

I believe She is far more complex and infinite than we can possibly imagine. 

I believe He dwells in the gray areas.

I believe the Storyteller will return one day to begin a new Story, more beautiful than the first, to weave us fully into the Story.”

Anonymous:

“I believe God is nature. God is a tree, the air. God is all the stars and planets and galaxies in the universe. God is all the different societies and cultures in our world. God is the touch of my wife’s hand. I don’t know if God created all of this, of if God simply is all of this. Maybe both. I believe that nobody knows. I struggle with the idea of God as a particular human incarnation. God is every human.”

Amanda:

“God gives me obvious signs when I’m too dense for subtlety. He works with me wherever I am in my life, which is the sign of a true Friend.”

Jessy Easton:

“My reason for living, growing, learning, everything. I feel, I love, I smile, I cry, I hope, I know because of Him. Without Him I would be scared, broken, and dying. He brings light into every part of my life, every insecurity, every feeling of discontentment, every fear-He shines light upon it and shows me the Good that will or can come out of it. Without Him, I would be lost in every step of life. I believe God is my reason for living. Why else would we be here? Why love? Why smile? Why hope?”

Björn Karlman:

“Enabler of all my various selves. Source of frustrated persistence.”

Anonymous:

“God is everywhere no matter what goes on in our lives. We have to trust in him that God will take care of all our sorrows or our happy moments and He will be with us always. Let’s have faith.”

Lourdes Adlersberg:

“I believe He is my creator and the creator of everything that exists in heaven and earth. Because without him nothing exists. I know He loves his creations because He is always there to take care of them, and I live because He lives.”

Anonymous:

“That God is love, our Lord and Savior, the Greatest Physician.”

Anonymous:

“God Almighty! Creator of all that is seen and unseen. (Triune). Redeeming love.”

Anonymous:

“My comforter and my strength.”

Taron:

“God is a comedian.”

Roger Bak:

“That God is in everyone, and is everywhere. That God is not necessarily a man, or woman, but rather a being that we pray to and have faith in . This faith gives us power and confidence in whatever situation one might be in. Also, it allows us to accept others and treat them with respect.”

Anonymous:

“God is a blanket and the rest I need. God is my heart and the love that both fills me and surrounds me. God is out there, but He’s here. God is alive in my mother, and in my father, and in me. God is the confidence in me. God is peace. God is music.”

Jessica Rine:

“God is everything. He is my creator, guiding me every step of the way. He is merciful and gracious, and I don’t know why He loves us so much. He is in my tears and in my laughter. He is my family. He is in my songs, and there in every move when I dance. He is someone I will never understand but I will never stop surrendering.”

Emily McArthur:

“I believe that God knows everything yet is not cynical.”

H. L. “Rico” Nicholson:

The great creator. Somewhat racist (Jewish people). Restrictive (don’t eat this). Selfish (needs to prove a point) (I am right, while humans continue to suffer). Contradictive (you don’t need to know me but then again you do). All knowing but will change things soon. Yet He does change. Expected to be understood but remains a mystery. Come Lord God and change the world and show us who you are!”

Anonymous:

God is everything good, such as Truth, Love, Forgiveness and Justice.

Kathryn Badgett:

God is forgiving, loving, gracious, gentle, all-powerful, provider of all things, patient, kind, humble, answers our prayer in the best way possible for our own good always. He reminds us he is there when we might forget for a fleeting moment in our doubts. He talks through nature, squirrels, birds. He can make us life or we can cry when we deserve to understand (and He helps us to understand all things to comfort us even when we did not understand something). He heals us as we go along in life’s new situations. He helps us grow freedom of speech. 

Mireya Peña

God is like a puzzle and we each have a piece of Him… it is our job to show our piece of God, our puzzle pieces.

God is an ever-existing being with unfathomable power, knowledge, love. He had an idea to create beings that some of His characteristics, a small piece of Him. That’s us. He like a Father, we are like His children. He intended for us to co-exist with Him. Separation happened. He sprung into action. We forgot we belonged to Him. His job is to remind us and at times convince us that we belong to Him. At this point, it is a choice for us to accept that we belong to Him. The way we accept is through His son, Jesus, and His Spirit which reminds us. Through the Son, Jesus, we accept His reminder and follow Jesus back to God.

Interactive * Multi-dimensional * Relational