Altar Art created by artist Michelle Reid unveiled December 1, 2024

Artwork Unveiling at Martin Luther Church Toronto on December 1, 2024

Speech by Leanne Grammenz, Altar Art Comittee: On this first Sunday of Advent, as we begin our journey toward Christmas, we come together to celebrate not only the season of hope and preparation, but also to unveil something truly special—something that will be part of our worship and our shared life here at Martin Luther for many years to come.

In early 2018, a generous and thoughtful member of our congregation made a significant donation, with a special request: to create an altar picture—an artwork to be placed above, on, or behind our altar. This gesture was not just about enhancing our sanctuary; it was about providing us with a visual reflection of our faith and spirituality, a piece that would invite us into a deeper connection with God.

In March of 2022, our Altar Art Committee was formed to craft an “Expression of Interest” document that would guide this process — outlining our church’s history, spiritual inspiration, the unique architecture of our space, and even the beauty of the existing windows. This document helped us reach out to artists, to invite them into this meaningful project, and to ensure we would find the perfect artist for our vision.

We received many submissions from talented artists across Canada, and after much careful thought, discussion, and prayer, we selected Michelle Reid, a Canadian artist from Kingston, Ontario, to bring our vision to life. Michelle’s artwork resonates with peace, harmony, and a deep connection to nature. Her work has the ability to draw you in, making you feel as though you are standing in the forest, surrounded by its quiet beauty and tranquility.

What you will see today is a triptych, a three piece artwork created using acrylic paint on canvas that not only brings color and beauty into our worship space but also infuses our sanctuary with a sense of hope, connection, and peace. Michelle’s paintings are not just works of art; they are invitations to experience the sacred in new ways, to find moments of quiet reflection, and to deepen our relationship with the world around us. The artwork also reminds us of the lakeshore community surrounding our church. We are blessed with open space and access to the beauty of Lake Ontario, and water plays an important role in both nature and in our spiritual lives. Just as water nourishes and sustains creation, so too does it symbolize cleansing, renewal, and the life-giving presence of God.

We are incredibly grateful to the Altar Art Committee, to Michelle Reid for her creative vision, and to each of you for your support in making this project a reality. It is with great joy and reverence that we now unveil this beautiful altar art, a gift to our church, a gift to each of us as we continue our journey of faith.

May this artwork serve as a source of inspiration and reflection, guiding our hearts as we move through the Advent season and beyond.

-Altar Art Committee: Leanne Grammenz, Larissa Mattwich, Kristine Stuef and Sonja Schweiger