Issue 65: After The Display
After The Display
It has been an eventful weekend. I’ve been busy visiting a parish with The Lego Church Project. Right now it is after the last Mass and I’m sitting waiting for my ride. A few moments to reflect on what has happened and what might happen down the road.
These displays are always intense. Even for the shorter visits. As an introvert at heart, and one with major sensory issues. It can be overwhelming to interact with all of the people. At times The Project is crowded by young and old. The endless questions and excitement that is reflected in their eyes and in their voices. During this time people come up and are completely amazed by what they see. They become even more amazed when they learn about how long it took to build one of my Projects. Or how it compares to previous builds.
I do a lot of talking and a lot of sharing at these displays. Sometimes I’m even allowed to offer a presentation. Standing in front of the congregation and sharing my mission. I have this usual speech I give which includes my mission statement. “I’m showing no matter what challenge or disability you face, God can still use your talents, often in amazing and creative ways.” Many times I will add something new to the mix. “It is my hope (and prayer) that when you see what God is doing in my life. That you may be inspired to explore how you can use your talents to help build the Kingdom!”
Each parish and location I visit. The reaction is almost always the same. A time of pure joy and amazement to see this giant church built with LEGO. Surprise at the story of the builder who is just trying to do the Lord’s work. Everyone see something inside that is a reflection of their own lives. They see those with disabilities. The little Easter Eggs that I include. Such as R2D2 or the fact that I have members of the choir from Christ The Good Shepherd included.
All of this with the displays never gets old. Even when I’m sharing the same information over again. Answering the same questions. Or talking about the same topics. During the display I also point out elements of the build. Showing people what goes into putting this all together. I love seeing the joy reflected in the people I interact with. Responding to what the Lord is doing in my life.
With the events of the day finished. I am by myself for those few moments. I will be dealing with a high level of fatigue that will last for a few days. Taking some time to fully recover. I don’t mind it. Humans have limitations and this happens to be mine. The rewards I gain from sharing the Lord’s work with those I encounter are far more important than how I feel after. When the chance opens up. I get to share something that have a passion for. A mission that I’ve been doing for a very long time. It is a small price to pay for this chance to go out and share the talents God has given me. -
A Fun Time
I’ve had a lot of fun doing the displays the last few weekends. Getting to meet new people and saying hello to those who have been following my ministry for some time. Everything went by very well. My thanks to Fr. Pete (Holy Spirit) Fr. Jose (All Saints) and Fr. Nate (Our Lady of Peace) for allowing me to share the talents the God has given me.
Where to next?
That remains to be seen. Of course I have the displays lined up in Nov and Dec (Assumption Parish in Midland and the annual Christmas display at Christ The Good Shepherd (CTGS). I still have a lot of weekends free that I could do a display. Even on short notice. If you know of a parish that might be a good fit. As well as providing the transportation from Saginaw Township, MI. Have them contact me.
If I book any displays before the next newsletter I will post them to SubStack Notes, FB, and Twitter.
Looking to be a guest!
One of the other things I enjoy doing is being a guest on radio programs and podcasts. Something that I’ve done a lot of over the years. (Just ask Matt Swaim and William Hemsworth). If you know of a program looking for a guest? Send them my way. I’m always up for a conversation.
Closing Thoughts
I love doing displays. I get to visit some amazing parish communities though out the year. I see how each parish is unique. With the love of the Mass showing in all that they do. It makes me appreciate what my home parish is doing.
Important Info:
The Lego Church Project (FB Page)
Twitter: @kc8wzm
EMAIL: kc8wzm@gmail.com
Your work is so inspiring! Your ministry is your art and your art is your ministry! You also inspire me personally because I am also a non-driver. I can really relate to your quiet moments waiting for your ride. I've had hundreds of those moments in my life, as I'm nearing 60 years old, and I've come to believe that not driving can be a blessing, giving me those quiet, thoughtful times of waiting and also chances to meet and converse with people that I didn't really know before. You and I are never alone in a moving car. 🙂