At Bethany, worship is experienced not only through word and song, but also through sacred visual expression. Our Visual Liturgy Ministry exists to help proclaim God’s message through art, color, texture, and thoughtfully designed sanctuary space, connecting what we see with what we hear and pray each week.
A Brief History
Visual Liturgy at Bethany began in 2003 under the direction of Rev. Robert Lindstrom as the Gloria Christi Art Ministry. The ministry was formed to bring the liturgy and God’s Word into the visual life of the sanctuary and surrounding church spaces.
Founding chairperson Judy Hollister, newly graduated with a degree in art at the time, helped lead the effort with creativity and vision. The team created banners and altar displays for nearly a decade and developed what became known as the Art Wall, a curated display area featuring works that reflect the glory of God through many artistic mediums.
Members of Bethany were invited to contribute pieces, and guest artists from outside the congregation also shared their work. At one point, the ministry even arranged for sacred artworks to be loaned from the ELCA headquarters collection in Chicago. Art shows and special exhibits helped build bridges between artists and the congregation, creating both outreach and fellowship through creative expression.
Under the direction of Pastor Carrie Ballenger, Gloria Christi evolved into what is now known as Visual Liturgy, reflecting a continued and deepened focus on connecting the sanctuary environment with the readings and message of each church season. Leadership later transitioned from Judy Hollister to Bethany Gola, who continues to serve on the team today.
What Visual Liturgy Does
Visual Liturgy is responsible for preparing the sanctuary for worship in ways that are both theologically grounded and visually meaningful. The team thoughtfully considers:
- The church season and liturgical calendar
- Weekly themes provided by the pastor
- Lutheran theology and worship practices
- The congregation’s viewpoint and sightlines
- Camera angles for livestream worship
- Careful placement of the font, pulpit, altar, and worship furnishings
Special attention is given to the reredos, the area behind the altar, as a primary space for visually affirming the message and theme of the service.
The team encourages worshippers to reflect:
How do you see the theme reflected in the visual liturgy this week?
The Art Wall
The Art Wall continues to serve as an extension of the sanctuary, featuring artwork connected to the life of the church and the wider community. Displays may highlight seasonal themes, spiritual reflection, or creative expressions of faith. It remains one of the most visible and engaging expressions of this ministry.
Interactive Lenten Prayer Wall
During the Lenten season, the Art Wall becomes an interactive prayer space. Worshippers are invited to participate in a Prayer Wall focused on release and renewal.
You are invited to reflect on:
- What binds your heart or spirit
- What you are ready to release to God
Paper will be provided so you can write these prayers and place them on the wall as an offering of trust and hope.
Current Active Visual Liturgy Team
Bethany is grateful for the faithful creativity of our current active Visual Liturgy team members:
- Bethany Gola
- Mike Bagby
- Sherry Bagby
- Susan Gavle
- Brian Garrison
- Jill Peterson
- Susan Thome
Through their gifts and service, our worship space continues to speak, quietly and powerfully, of God’s presence, promise, and grace.
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