Ordinary Time, the season between the major liturgical events of the church calendar provides a unique opportunity for creativity and reflection in worship. Unlike the more celebrated seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, Ordinary Time is a period that encourages the exploration of diverse themes and symbols. Making visual connections in worship during this season can deepen the spiritual growth of the congregation. In this blog post, we’ll explore a few creative ways to incorporate visual elements into worship during Ordinary Time.

Stoles adorned with nature motifs, community symbols, or depictions of parables can visually convey the messages of the sermons and the overall themes of the worship service. Each stole becomes a canvas, telling a story and creating a visual connection between the clergy and the congregation..

Another idea is to create a “gratitude board” where people can pin notes of thankfulness. These interactive elements encourage active participation and create a visual testament to the congregation’s faith journey. (*image credit: St. Brigid’s Academy)

For example, images of nature, community events, or mission work can be displayed to complement the themes of the worship service. And don’t neglect the wealth of public domain, fine art options. These visual aids can help convey the message more vividly and make the worship experience more dynamic and engaging. (*public domain art suggestions are explored in this blog post.)

Installations can range from sculptures and paintings to textile art and photography. Art installations not only beautify the worship space but also provide a medium for contemplation and connection with the divine.

Ordinary Time offers a rich tapestry of opportunities to make visual connections in worship. By incorporating clergy stoles, seasonal banners, interactive displays, digital presentations, and art installations, we can create a visually engaging and spiritually enriching worship experience. These visual elements serve as powerful reminders of our faith journey and help us connect more deeply with the themes of growth, gratitude, and community. As we embrace these creative approaches, we invite the congregation to see and feel the presence of God in new and meaningful ways.