![]() There is a review of the painting posted on the artist’s website from National Geographic which says the following:įor twenty years Janet McKenzie's Jesus of the People has moved across the world serving as an image of inclusion, hope and love. There is another argument to be made here, which addresses another, more disturbing, possible reason for painting this. So again, for all the beauty and power of these paintings, if asked I would against using such an image as sacred art. This is because on the whole African Americans, in common with most other Americans, are aware of what people from the eastern mediterranean look like. As to the validity of its use as sacred art, I would I think, make the same argument as with the Japanese images: that even if the intended audience is predominantly African American (or any others of African descent) the best sort of image for communicating the gospel would not be an African American Christ but rather a more historically accurate depiction. It is the depiction of an African American Christ by the American artist Janet McKenzie. Here is something a bit different and which raises different questions. I have little doubt that the intentions of this artist were good. It is of course, ultimately, a matter for those who commissioned them to decide. Given that it always better to be accurate if you can, for all the charm of these images, I might have counselled against painting them, if I were asked today. Perhaps I am wrong on this, I am certainly no expert on Japanese culture, but I would imagine that Japanese people are well aware of what people from the eastern Mediterranean would have likely looked like 2,000 years ago and so an historically accurate representation, informed by Christian tradition, would not alienate any Japanese observers. In this regard, it occurs to me contemporary Japanese are not so parochial as to jusify such images. Deviating from historical accuracy will always require some compromise whereby it is felt that what is lost is more than made up by the gains in communicating the gospel. The question as to their appropriateness relates to who is going to see these images, on the whole and will the painting communicate to those people the theological truths that are connected with images of Our Lady and Our Lord. It is apparent to all that these are not historically accurate images. Is This An Image of Inclusion or Exclusion?.Visitors to Haven of Rest, or anyone who needs to sit a spell, are welcome to utilize a new bench that was placed near the entrance of the facility. A sign hangs over the bench in remembrance of Stephen Goda. In remembrance of Stephen, a video was recorded. Find the video at. Individuals interested in stopping by will find a placard street sign set up near the front entrance of the facility. For more information or to ask questions, call (607) 972-7625. Since COVID, Harris said that the number of daily visitors to Haven of Rest has increased, and so has the need. The ministry offers takeout food every Thursday, and distributes hygiene kits and clothing, among other initiatives. Haven of Rest receives assistance via donations, and most coming from several local churches and other non-profits. “Stephen touched a lot of people,” Harris said, adding, “He was very special,” and further explained that Goda’s one-of-a-kind personal style included sporting many quirky, yet distinctive hats. Goda was a regular at Haven of Rest since it first opened its doors, and is remembered as going above and beyond in efforts to give back to the community. Harris shared that Goda was a key volunteer at the Haven of Rest pantry where he stocked shelves and assisted in unloading trucks at Tioga County Rural Ministry, gave out bottles of water during Strawberry Festival, shoveled portions of sidewalks on North Avenue during winter months, and even wore a sandwich board to promote the local farmer’s market, just to name a few. A non-denominational Bible-based ministry, visitors can also pull up a chair and listen to hymns, or watch or read Christian movies and literature. The mural, Harris remarked, offers a symbol of hope for many, and has evolved into a gathering place for people to pull up chairs and pray under. ![]() Walk through the front door at Haven of Rest and the comfortable and inviting space welcomes people to share conversation and receive encouragement. Oftentimes, as Harris and some other regulars commented, people who come into the center feel looked down upon or unwanted by others in the community, but find Haven of Rest as a place where they are valued and feel special.Ī lovely wall mural greets visitors and is a focal point inside the facility. in Owego, N.Y. The street ministry welcomes people to share conversation in a comfortable and inviting space. For information, call (607) 972-7625. Pictured is Haven of Rest Ministries, located at 62-64 North Ave. ![]()
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