From natural rock, moving water and microbes decomposing, clay is formed.
A Spirit of Clay retreat was held recently at the pottery studio of Ray and Bev Niebergall, Mustard Seed Pottery, in Roberts Creek, in collaboration with St. Hilda's Anglican Church. They facilitated, through a clay project, an opportunity to explore our creative side, to experience the life-giving, healing spirit of clay.
Through the metaphorical images of centering as dialogue and as transformation, the participants explored the spiritual shape of what it means to be human.
During the two-weekend retreat, participants experienced a dialogue with clay through hand building, meditation, good food, glazing, time with the crucible of transformation, the fire itself and the surprise of the new creations as the kiln door rolled open.
The retreat concluded with a special Spirit of Clay Sunday at the church.
The pews were arranged in a circle with the altar in the centre. A potter's wheel was on one side of the altar and on the other was a table holding five clay bridges made by participants during the retreat, representing bridges of compassion and hope.
The service began with everyone being given small balls of clay to touch, feel and play with. There were several moments of quiet while a crystal bowl filled the church with its magical sound. Rev. Ray preached about centring while his son Tim demonstrated his sermon points by throwing a beautiful pot on the wheel. Rev. Clarence Li, rector of St. Hilda's, sang and danced his way through the Eucharistic Prayer.
This fall, there will be another Spirit of Clay retreat. For information, email: [email protected], 604-885-3174 or come to their studio located at 3394 Kraus Rd. in Roberts Creek. Ray Niebergall is chaplain at Christenson Village in Gibsons. See more at www.sthilda.ca.
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