Spirit Song celebrates the creative talents of all God's people and invites artists to share their work through this gallery. You do not need to be a member to contribute and we invite artists from around the world to share your faith through your art.
Send us pictures of your paintings, ceramics & sculptures, MP3 recordings of your original music or short videos. All works must be submitted in digital format and can be sent to webmaster(at)spiritsongumc.org.
We've included several of Pastor Steve's paintings as examples -- please send us some of yours! Enjoy the artwork in the Spirit Song Art Gallery...
The Nativity
Title: "The Nativity" (Oil painting by Steve Marshall)
This painting by Steve Marshall was inspired by the climactic scene in the movie "The Nativity Story." He states that there is nothing so moving as the realization that God himself came to share in our human existence. This painting depicts those first moments following Jesus' birth when Joseph and Mary were lost in wonder and joy.
John 1:5
Title: "John 1:5 -- The Light shines in the darkness..." (Oil painting by Steve Marshall)
This is a painting of the Portland Head Light, Portland, Maine, on a foggy morning. For ships at sea the light from this lighthouse pointed the way to safety, helping them to steer clear of the dangerous rocks. Jesus is the Light that shines in our darkness, pointing the way to safety and helping us avoid those things that can harm us.
IHS
Title: "IHS - Jesus, Son of God, Savior" (16x20 oil painting by Steve Marshall)
Growing up in the church I saw "IHS" on the altar, pulpit and other places but didn't know what it stood for (I thought it was an abbreviation for "In His Service"). The "I" is the first letter of the Greek for "Jesus," "H" is the first letter of the Greek word for "Son" and "S" is the first letter of the Greek word for Savior." This painting depicts Christ's passion as he is led to the cross.
His Destiny
Title: "His Destiny" (16x20 oil painting by Steve Marshall)
I believe Jesus knew full well what lay before him as he began his ministry. The cross was not something done to him but something he willingly took upon himself. Jesus says in John 10:17-18: "The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord." This was His destiny.
"The Ultimate Sacrifice"
Title: "The Ultimate Sacrifice" (18x24 oil painting by Steve Marshall)
This painting honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to God and country. I first created this painting a month after 9/11 as a pastel art sermon. I now have created it in oil as a lasting tribute to all who have served. Christ, who himself modeled selfless sacrifice in dying for the entire world, holds the flag over a row of crosses -- memories of my own solemn trip to Normandy, France.
Words that Heal
"Words that Heal" -- Pastel painting by Steve Marshall. Commissioned by the Desert Southwest Annual Conference Committee on Church and Society as an annual award.
The ripples in the water represents that one act of kindness, one gesture of love which then ripples out to touch other lives in ways we may never know. The hands show the compassion of one reaching out to another to offer comfort and support. The cross of Christ is at the heart of all we do as Christians and empowers our ministries of care. All of this together brings healing in the name of Jesus Christ, whom we love and serve.