LCMS Worship Institute: S1Ep16. Sacred Art and the Sanctuary – Edward Riojas

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Sacred art is a distant cousin of sacred music, but why is it often neglected in church sanctuaries? There is a strong argument to be made for including artwork in the house of the Lord. In spite of resistance against its presence, artwork is often the first to confess upon entering a sanctuary, is sometimes the loudest when confessing and is occasionally as beautiful in its confession as the strains of our most beloved hymns. Attendees will be led through a selection of ancient and modern imagery that both edifies and confesses, and will be given a peek into the world of a confessional Lutheran artist who creates work for Lutheran collectors, sanctuaries and institutions.

Bio:

Edward Riojas received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Mich., graduating summa cum laude with a major in drawing and a minor in printmaking. He spent nearly 31 years in the newspaper industry. Riojas has since returned to his fine art roots and works as a full-time artist, creating sacred art for commissions and collaborations with various Lutheran entities. His work can be found in sanctuaries, institutions, private collections and markets throughout the U.S. and across the globe.

This session recording is from the 2024 LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music held July 9–12, 2024 in Seward, Neb. For more information on the Institute, please visit https://resources.lcms.org/worship-planning/2024-institute-on-liturgy-preaching-and-church-music-resources .

Morning Prayer Venite from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. Setting by Paul Soulek.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s (LCMS) Worship ministry aims to nurture a culture of confessional faithfulness, artistic excellence and integrity in the presentation, distribution and reception of God’s life-giving gifts in Word and Sacraments. This ministry seeks to develop and deepen an understanding and love for the Lutheran heritage in Christian worship, and promotes the Lutheran Service Book as the core worship resource for the LCMS while also identifying and encouraging the many musical treasures and gifts that the Holy Spirit continues to pour upon the church. For more information: lcms.org/worship/institutes; lcms.org/worship.

Learn more about LCMS National Mission lcms.org/nationalmission.