MEET ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE RON FELT THIS SUNDAY

Two months ago, former St. Barnabas member Tracey Gennrich called Pastor Wayne with an interesting suggestion. Tracey is on the staff of Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in northeast Minneapolis and they had engaged Dr. Ron Felt, a wood sculptor, to be their artist-in-residence for a couple of months. He was just finishing up a wall sculpture for them and was now looking for another congregation to host him. Knowing that St. Barnabas was beginning its 25th anniversary year, she thought St. Barnabas might be interested in commissioning a piece of art to mark the occasion.

Pastor Wayne met with Ron and they tossed around some ideas about references to Barnabas in the book of Acts. Ron was attracted to the story in Acts 10 about the important role Barnabas played in advocating for Saul (Paul) before the church in Jerusalem after Saul's conversion. Ron came up with a concept sketch of Barnabas speaking on Paul's behalf before the disciples. Pastor Wayne brought the proposal to the Church Council, which liked the idea, and in early January Ron moved his tools into the lower level and began his work.

Ron will speak at the Discovery & Growth forum on Sunday, February 5, at 10:30 a.m. He will give some background about himself and show examples of his art.

Discovery & Growth is an adult education opportunity that meets most Sunday mornings from 10:30-11:30 in the Gardenview Room.