Origami Dove Installation at Washington National Cathedral | Artist Michael Pendry

The Origami 

Dove

PROJECT

WILL YOU JOIN US THIS SUMMER?

As we make our way back to church, I'm excited about new opportunities to better serve, love, and welcome our Ascension family and guests as they walk through our doors. Thanks to many of you, generous donations to our three-year Shining the Light Capital Campaign allowed us to install the new Welcome Center in the Narthex this past fall. The Center is a beautiful and obvious space for guests to ask questions, meet parishioners and learn more about our worship and ministries.

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An idea to enhance our Welcome Center space was hatched after reading about the origami dove exhibit in Washington National Cathedral's grand nave. Named Les Colombes, German artist Michael Pendry created and hung 2,000 origami doves from the ceiling, symbolizing hope and the Holy Spirit. Read more about this awe-inspiring exhibit here.

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The dove has been an enduring symbol in Christian art and iconography since the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. "After Jesus came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit came from heaven and descended on him "like a dove" John 1:32. It represents the Holy Spirit and is a symbol of hope and peace.

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Inspired by Les Columbes, this summer we'll be working on our very own origami dove exhibit over the Welcome Center and in the Narthex with hopes to install it by Labor Day. We need your help! We'll host 4, 1.5 hour origami dove-making classes where all ages can fellowship, create these pieces of art together and cover them with prayers, messages of hope, and peace.  Dates/times are below.  We've purchased 500 pieces of 6" x 6" white paper but if you're inspired to start folding now, you can buy some to contribute through Amazon.  We encourage you to have a stash of origami paper so you can make these doves at home and we have enough to work with by August.

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Folding at home?  Here's a "how-to" video to help you get started.  

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We'll meet in the Parish Hall.

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Wednesday, June 23 at 1:00 pm immediately following noon study | 1.5 hours

Sunday, July 11th at 11:45 am immediately following church | 1.5 hours

Wednesday, July 14th at 1:00 pm immediately following noon study | 1.5 hours

Sunday, July 18th at 11:45 am immediately following church | 1.5 hours. 

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Questions, feel free to email me!  I look forward to watching this love offering unfold!  

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Blessings,

Catherine

Catherine Pryor Miller

Ministry Consultant and Episcopal Church of the Ascension Member

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