InterArts
Fellowship
January: Body
Life

By: Kenyon Adams

In our 2011-12 ministry year InterArts Fellowship (IAF) will explore four perspectives on LIFE: the reality of Christ’s Abundant life; the imminence and import of life in the Body; the mystery of life in the Spirit; and the hope of Eternal life. We are processing these themes through the lens of the arts by inviting artists and thinkers to contribute through thoughtful lectures and inspiring performances.

At the next quarterly gathering on January 16th we will discuss BODY LIFE and consider how the gospel reconciles us to God and how this reconciliation culminates in life together within Christian community.

We are pleased to include in our conversation New York City Ballet principal dancer, Jenifer Ringer, acclaimed conductor Ken-David Masur, Gregory Hines-trained tap dancer Andrew Nemr and Reach Records hip hop artist Andy Mineo. The Rev. Abraham Cho will close the evening with a keynote address illuminating the reconciling power of the gospel for our lives as newly created people called to a new community.

• Reconciled Within Our Individual Bodies

One of the most respected principal dancers of New York City Ballet, Jenifer Ringer Fayette has been a part of the Redeemer Community for five years and has been part of discussions at the Redeemer’s Dance Vocational Group.

In 2011, Jenifer responded with extraordinary courage and grace when a notable dance critic attacked her body image in a NY Times’ review. The incident, concurrent with the release of the film Black Swan, captured the interest of many who are concerned with body image including Oprah Winfrey and The Today Show. Jenifer will discuss how she has learned to live in reconciliation with the body’s brokenness with the hope of the gospel.

• Creating a Body Through Leadership

Ken-David Masur has become a leader in the realm of classical music as conductor of the Dresden Philharmonic, Israeli Philharmonic and the symphonies of Munich, San Antonio, San Diego and others. Ken and his wife, Melinda Lee Masur, also serve as the artistic directors of the Chelsea Music Festival. Ken will discuss the concept of “conductor as shepherd: building a body of people to create a lasting thing” in the world.

• Embodied Expression

Andrew Nemr is a gifted tap artist in New York City. A protégé of the late, great Gregory Hines, he has shared the stage with Savion Glover and is the founder of his own acclaimed tap dance company Cats Payin’ Dues. At IAF, Andrew will collaborate with Actors’ Group leader Warren Jackson to perform a special tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Exhorting the Body

A regular attendee of Redeemer, Andy Mineo is a protégé of Reach Records and the Grammy-nominated rap artist Lecrae, making his record debut with Formerly Known in 2011. Andy’s music, which will close the evening, challenges listeners to infuse the details of bodily and material life with God’s truth.

• Reconciled One to Another

The Rev. Abe Cho has been a key leader of Grace and Race, a Redeemer ministry that encourages racial reconciliation. We are honored to welcome Abe as our keynote speaker addressing through the power of the gospel.

• Join Us in January

InterArts Fellowship (IAF) is a ministry of Redeemer’s Center for Faith and Work that gathers artists of all disciplines, as well as arts appreciators, on a quarterly basis to share our work and think through topics of theological and spiritual import. IAF is partnering once again with Calvary/St. George’s to gather artists in a sacred space. Join us as we begin the New Year in fellowship. To register visit www.faithandwork.org/iaf or contact kenyon@redeemer.com with questions.