As you know, our kids are a key focus for us at Park. On the block, for the block: Our kids! as we say. And we are developing more opportunities to engage children, youth, and their families.
One new opportunity in our youth ministry is called Project Iconic, a program designed to help youth identify and express their God-given artistic abilities and build confidence in who they are.
I’ve asked our youth minister, Darelle Williams, to share a little about it. If you’re interested in getting involved with our youth ministry and Project Iconic, email Darelle at Darellewilliams@parkavechurch.org.
Magic was made by a couple of icons by Darelle Williams Project Iconic provides a safe space for young creatives to collaborate and express themselves artistically. Young creatives are guided by industry professionals to discover the meaning of an icon and encouraged to find out what makes each of them “Iconic.” Two weekends ago, our students were given the opportunity to work with 2021 Gospel Music Award recipient Jeremy “Trybishop” Hicks at JCH Studios. We decided to make this year’s project a collaborative sound of all types of expression, singing, rapping, or spoken word, and in less than three hours, our students created the song “Iconic.” We prompted our students to write about who they are and how they feel. As an artist, I know this takes vulnerability and courage. Our young icons rose to the challenge and made magic happen. Our producer/engineer Trybishop explained to our students, “You’re magicians. You took nothing and created something beautiful. That’s magic. You are already iconic.” Trybishop, Peter Carlson (on bass), and our students created the sounds you’ll be hearing on the track. We all had a great time creating and sharing our musical talents in the studio together. Our young icons gave me so much positive feedback about how much they enjoyed the creative process and how it made them feel. Expression and art create endless possibilities for the young mind to explore and discover abilities they didn’t know they had. Project Iconic is still open for other young creatives interested in collaborating with us. Our students will be completing a 5-song collaborative album called “Project Iconic vol. 1." Young icons will also be learning to perform their work for the Iconic Showcase concert in June at Park Avenue United Methodist Church.
Looking forward to seeing you Sunday for worship, either in person or online. If you’re joining us online, go to the online worship page at 10 AM CST.
Breathe Love,
Pastor Gregg
