beginning assembly

I'm beginning the assembly of the small chapels that will function as reliquaries of wood. My wife asked why I'm making them. One reason is for fun. The other reason is the story they tell... that our forests are sacred, deserving our knowledge and respect.

I was contacted by a man seeking help in developing a program for home schooled kids from his church. That raises for me the question as to why Sunday schools don't offer the same kind of learning opportunity Jesus found in his father's shop. Are church leaders oblivious to the moral values imparted through the creation of useful beauty? And are they oblivious to the history of the church? And most importantly, are they oblivious to the obvious interest in attending that woodworking would arouse in their young ones? 

I've been contacted over the years by many folks hoping to launch woodworking with kids programs. One of the major challenges they face is that of finding funding for their work. Woodworking Sunday Schools might provide an answer.  

The assembly shown is temporary, and just to provide positioning for the center display as it is glued in place. Real assembly will take place after all the parts are sanded, and after the top rail is given its final shape.

Make, fix and create...