| What I'm About! My name is Ann W. Farris and I am a lover of God and of the Arts. This is an outreach, a ministry, that brings to fruition a personal artistic and missional journey...bearing the fruit for others to share! I wish to offer others the opportunity to experience revelation, as well as empowerment, through the many forms of art that exist (ancient and new). Background and Vision Explained:I have been developing a personal arts ministry for the past 15 years or so, and have recently given name to it: An Arts Awakening. As I have explored a relationship with arts and the church and in the community, I've discovered that my personal music/theatrical activities have become a way for me to focus on social issues of the day. This is a "next stage" for me, as this ministry continues to form and reform. Past activities include music ministry to nursing homes/care facilities; short term travel to Haiti to build onto a Methodist school; developing special worship/event for Habitat for Humanity and raising over $2,000 in one night; participating in community productions of The Miracle Worker & Into the Woods (Virginia), Stone Soup and Playland (Washington, DC), among others. My work with the Foundry Players (Washington, DC) and its 2004 production of The Laramie Project (raising issue of hate crimes, especially against those who are homosexual), is one example of my ministry in its new form. Going to South Africa (www.meticuloustours.com) and learning how the arts (music, theatre, dance, visual art, etc..) bring focus and even action on social issues of the day is another. My participation in Foundry UMC’s (www.foundryumc.org) annual Concert for Life (2004) brought music and awareness of HIV/AIDS issues together. |
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The Philosophy Behind My Ministry Through my studies and life experiences, I have arrived at these two understandings that now feed my approach to this ministry: 1. All living things, in their respective capacities, strive to communicate something individual to the environment in which they find themselves. 2. Consequently, this communication becomes part of a collective parlay. This is a realization of communities, throughout time, attempting to define how individuals and groups relate to each other and pass on community memory and spirituality. I want "in" on this dialogue, this playing out of life on the stage of time! My Background I am a life-long Christian and United Methodist (www.umc.org). My education: Rustburg High School, Campbell County, VA 1986; B.A. from College of William and Mary (www.wm.edu), Williamsburg, VA (1990); M.A. from Wesley Theological Seminary (www.wesleysem.edu), Washington, D.C. (2002); Licensing School for Local Pastors, Drew University (www.drew.edu/theo/index.php), Madison, NJ (2003), received Outstanding evaluation for public worship and preaching. I have been a teacher, banker, church secretary, church intern, programs administrator, assistant director of a NPO, local pastor and contemporary worship leader andprograms coordinator for people who are 55+, and those living with brain injuries and other physical challenges, through Wesley Housing Development Corporation (www.wesleyhousing.org). Currently, I am part-time Director of Program Ministries at Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church in West Bend, WI. Music Background Vocalist - Mezzo Soprano (have studied with Nita van der Walt, Fredericksburg, VA; Carole Westcott, Baltimore, MD; Marilyn Cotlow, Falls Church, VA) Choir/Chorus member (Moraine Chorus, West Bend 2010; Fifth Ave. UMC Choir 2010; Centreville UMC Chancel Choir 2009; Foundry UMC Choir 2001-2002; Saturday Night Light Worship Band www.christsby.com 1999-2001; VA Choral Society www.vachoralsociety.org 1998-1999; William & Mary Chorus 1986-1988) Performances include numerous church services and functions on East Coast; weddings; funerals; White House, Christmas 1999; part of fund-raising CD for Wesley Theo. Seminary, 2003 The Laramie Project - Romaine Patterson - Foundry Players, DC Stone Soup - Sophia (shared role) - Seminary Chancel Drama, DC Miracle Worker - Annie Sullivan - VA Christmas Carol - Mrs. Cratchett - Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, VA Into the Woods - Li’l Red Riding Hood - Depot Dramatics, VA A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - Philia - Depot Dramatics Oklahoma! - Gertie Cummings - Depot Dramatics The Wizard of Oz - Ensemble member - Hurrah Players, Norfolk, VA BACKSTAGE Narnia - Assistant Director - Seminary Chancel Drama TRAINING MA Religion and the Arts, Wesley Theological Seminary, 2002; Acting class, Lynchburg College, 1994; Theatre classes (backstage and basic acting), College of William and Mary; Public Speaking class; Poetry Reading competitor (VA), 1990; 1986 Vocalist; Basic sound system operation; Stage managing (community theatre); amateur video production; Public speaking; Work with children/youth (tutor, mentor, group presentations)Volunteer with mature adults (care facilities), HIV/AIDS events (Concert for Life, Foundry Church, DC) and children/adults with physical/mental disabilities AFFILIATIONS
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