The Tapestry Ministry Project

 

Seattle Unity honors and affirms the truth of all sincere spiritual paths. As a living symbol of this belief, we are adorning our Sanctuary with world religious symbols, depicted in tapestries and accompanying altars celebrating these diverse spiritual paths. The project of designing and creating the tapestries is ongoing; we are currently beginning the tenth of twelve tapestries.

A vision realized

In 2000, Rev. Steve Towles, formerly a senior minister at Seattle Unity Church, envisioned the  major world religions’ peace prayers of James Twyman illustrated with banners depicting the symbols of these religions displayed in our Sanctuary.  Emissary of Light

Annie Christensen, a Seattle Unity congregant, deeply inspired by his vision, started the Tapestry Ministry to carry this vision into our Sanctuary. She visualized wall hangings of much more depth than simple banners: tapestries depicting the essential spiritual essence of these spiritual paths. Out of these inspirations, the Tapestry Ministrywas created and continues today.

The dozen religions or spiritual paths (the largest by numbers of members) were selected.

Taking months to complete each project, the tapestries displayed so far are:

• Islam 2001 – Dedicated to the Children of Afghanistan
• Hindu 2002 – In memory of Elaine Wick
• Native American 2003 – In loving memory of Bette Anne Brewer DeAvalos
• Jewish 2004 – In loving memory of Sally Haimo
• Buddhist 2005
• Wiccan/Gaian 2006
• Christian 2007
• Shinto 2009
• Sikh 2010

Many devoted volunteers lovingly create the art that will hang in our Sanctuary.  Gathering to research,  design, and create on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from 1:15 – 2:30 pm, they move prayerfully through the steps involved in the creation of each tapestry. You are invited to join them. Sewing and/or previous artistic experience is not required.

To view a Word Document with pictures of the completed tapestry and the World Peace Prayers click here.