Creative Bible Series – 4 Taster workshops
These are introductory sessions designed to give participants an experience of each method and spark interest for further exploration. They are ideal for anyone curious about creative approaches to the bible. All sessions are led by Birte Papenhausen* (Netherlands) and our Rachel Leigh-Wood (trainee teacher), and take place at St Saviour’s. They all 3 hours long and we suggest a donation of £10 per person but please pay only what you can afford. Your presence is more important than a fixed fee. You can book by contacting Rachel Leigh-Wood, details on back on this page.
Visio Divina - Encounter God Through Art - Tues 4 Nov, 6pm - 9pm
Visio Divina is a gentle, contemplative way of praying with images —letting God speak through art. This workshop offers a rich introduction to the practice and gives you the confidence to begin using it with small groups.
What You’ll Experience:
A guided Visio Divina session to encounter God through a painting
Insights into the method—its beauty, challenges, and spiritual depth
Practical tips on how to lead Visio Divina, including what kinds of questions to ask
Time to prepare and practise in small groups using images you bring or find on the day
Discussion on using realistic vs. abstract art in prayer
Optional opportunity to lead a Visio Divina for the whole group
What to Bring: - An image you love (printed or digital), or find one during the session - An open heart and a willingness to explore.
Participant limits: Minimum 6, Maximum 20
Dramatised Scripture Reading - Bringing the Word to Life - Friday 7 Nov, 10am - 1pm
How can we make the Bible readings truly memorable? Too often, scripture is read quickly and flatly — leaving listeners disengaged and forgetting what was said. This workshop offers a fresh, practical approach to reading scripture aloud that helps the Word speak more powerfully.
Dramatised Scripture Reading is always a shared experience - not acting, and never a solo performance. Multiple voices read together - inviting the congregation to see the scene, feel the moment, and remember the message.
In this 3-hour workshop, you’ll:
Learn how to read scripture in a way that engages the imagination
Explore techniques for reading narrative texts with clarity and emotion
Discover creative ways to present non-narrative texts like Psalms and Epistles
Try out group readings and experience the impact of shared voice
Reflect on the strengths and challenges of this method.
Begin crafting your own dramatised reading of a passage you care about.
Please bring a passage you'd like to work with - this will help you get the most out of the session.
Led by Birte Papenhausen, who will share inspiring examples and guide us through both narrative and non-narrative styles, this workshop is ideal for anyone involved in bible storytelling, teaching, or simply passionate about making scripture come alive.
Participant limits: Minimum 6, Maximum 12
Telling Bible Stories Through the Art of Henna - Sunday 9 Nov, 3pm - 6pm
Explore a beautiful and creative way to share Bible stories—through the ancient and now trendy art of henna. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to design and draw simple, meaningful henna patterns inspired by scripture.
We’ll introduce the inspiring resource HennaStories.org and guide you in exploring how story-based designs can communicate spiritual truths. You’ll get a taste of henna technique and have the opportunity to apply designs to your own or each other’s hands.
While we’ll encourage participants to begin thinking about their own designs, please note that creating a full, original henna design within the session may be ambitious—especially if you’re new to thinking in symbols or visual storytelling. The focus will be on inspiration, experimentation, and getting a feel for the process, rather than completing a polished design.
Come prepared by reflecting on Bible stories or verses that speak to your community or those you hope to reach. This workshop is ideal for those interested in creative evangelism, storytelling, or exploring new ways to express faith through art.
Participant limits: Minimum 6, Maximum 16
Images and Parallels: Listening to God Through Everyday Life - Mon 10 Nov, 6pm - 9pm
This workshop invites you to explore how God speaks — not only through scripture and people — but through the world around you and your daily life. This workshop is about developing a sensitivity to that language: noticing how God communicates through nature, images, objects, activities and experiences.
In this creative and reflective session, we’ll explore two key themes:
Images and Objects
Has God ever spoken to you through something you saw or held? We’ll look at how visual elements - natural or man-made - can give spiritual meaning. The tutor will share examples and guide participants in reflecting on their own experience, with time to think and share.
Parallels from Daily Life
Jesus often used everyday life in his parables. We’ll ask: What in my life - hobbies, routines or environment - might reflect spiritual truths? Participants will explore how familiar activities can become windows into deeper understanding, with examples, discussion and space to discover new insights.
This workshop is a taster session - designed to spark curiosity and help you begin seeing and speaking about God in fresh, everyday ways.
Participant limits: Minimum 6, Maximum 16