Notes from the Garden - Divine Spark | St. Paul's Episcopal Church

"Divine Spark”, the Meditation Garden sculpture, was created for St. Paul’s by sculptor John Burger, who has a BFA from East Carolina University. John is currently teaching workshop classes in New Bern using metal and wood and also serving as the Executive Director of the Craven Arts Council and Gallery.

In his own words John describes “Divine Spark”-

“This piece is inspired by Michealangelo’s God and Adam from the Sistine Chapel, depicting the moment God delivers the divine spark of light to the first human being. Due to realistic concerns of objects in 3D space, the two hands have been moved together and touching, illustrating the exact moment of transfer of the spark.”

“Divine Spark” is 8 feet tall and constructed of 5/8” and ½” rebar, giving the work strength and the unique texture of rebar. While rebar does rust, the solid nature of the material will ensure its longevity for decades to come.

Tags: Meditation Garden / News & Events

The Rev'd Andrew Cannan

Rector

Whoever you are, wherever you are on your spiritual journey, and whatever else it is that you seek in a Church community, it is our sincere hope that you find God’s gracious welcome with us at St. Paul’s. In so many ways, we do not all look alike, think alike, or even act alike here. But in one thing we are certain that we are all the same: God graciously welcomes us all.

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In the Episcopal Church we acknowledge that God is present in every occasion of our lives. Some of these we mark together with special celebrations of worship to highlight the ways in which God is always at work throughout the events of our lives. As Episcopalians, we believe that these observations reveal God's grace to us in new ways.

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We as Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. St. Paul's is part of the Episcopal Church, a church that is both rich with ancient tradition and relevant to life in the 21st century. We believe that God loves you - no exceptions.

We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the whole world.

Our parish's motto is this: "To Know Christ and to Make Him Known."

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"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work."

- 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

As Christians, we acknowledge that what God has generously offered us is nothing short of life through Jesus Christ. Participating in that life means learning to generously offer our lives. Each time we gather we are presented with the opportunity to support others in recognition of God’s offerings. This support takes shape in many forms with financial gifts being the backbone that builds our church community and generates opportunities to offer our lives in our parish. All are encouraged to participate in giving money for the ministries of our parish as a sign of our share in God’s work among us and through us.

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