There are so many interesting and inspired people at Montview. I was lucky enough to get to know one of them recently. Eric Muller-Girard is the artist that is designing our new paraments for the sanctuary. Eric has worked in art and design most of his professional life; everything from painting to fine jewelry to stained glass with a dash of engineering thrown in (because he’s that kinda guy.) The Paraments Committee (yes, there is a Paraments Committee. Honestly, there really is a committee for everyone’s passion. Find out more here.) The committee was in the throes of the thoughtful and generally lengthy process of replacing our ageing paraments when Eric came on board. (Fun fact: Paraments are ornamental, ecclesiastical hangings or vestments. At Montview that includes the lectern, pulpit, alter table and the pastor’s stoles.)

When asked to create a new design, Eric brought all of his talents to the project. Rather than just designing something pretty Eric wanted to design dynamic paraments. He created what I think are actually works of art. They don’t just sit passively by, but are an active part of the worship experience; helping to tell the story of each season. They invite interpretation. Not unlike our stained glass windows that illustrate our sacred stories. He told me that the committee worked hard to get the Pentecost paraments completed in time for Ian’s installation back in March and somehow managed to keep their momentum through The Great Pivot which allowed them to complete the Advent paraments in time for the Christmas season. To see the story they tell, you can look back at the recorded services starting November 29 (although the alter cloth is more easily spotted in the Word to the Children that week.) Our advent story starts in darkness, as do the paraments. By way of some clever engineering, each week more color and light are added until finally the star shines brightly on the right. As elements are added, they do not cover up the previous pieces so at the end you can see the entire journey.

Up until now I was only vaguely aware of the Paraments Committee and now I’m a huge fan. I hope you will join me in thanking them for their inspired efforts. The Paraments Committee continues their work and are now tackling the paraments for Ordinary Time. (And with Eric as the designer, I have no doubt they will be anything but ordinary.)

– Submitted by Linda Orosz.

Paraments Committee Members: Page Shaver, Jordan Stoddard, Martha Tracey, Mary Medley, Sharon Craft, John Farnam, Eric Muller-Girard, along with Pastors Ian, Clover & Sandy