Epworth Church Hosts a Community Holiday Art Installation

Berkeley, CA — Epworth United Methodist Church (UMC) is inviting people from around the world to share their hopes for the coming year as part of Star Sanctuary, a large-scale community art installation. The church’s sanctuary will be transformed for the 2025 Advent and Christmas season.

The installation will be on display from November 30 through January 6, spanning the entire season from the beginning of Advent to the Twelfth Day of Christmas. At the heart of Star Sanctuary is a simple but powerful invitation: individuals of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to share a written expression of hope for 2026. Each message received will be paired with a handmade star created either by the contributor or by artists working in Epworth’s studio.

“Imagine the power of hundreds of colorful images and messages of hope gathered under one roof,” says Clark Kellogg, Epworth’s Artist-in-Residence, who is leading the project. “Star Sanctuary is a collective expression of intention for the future, created by a community that stretches far beyond Berkeley.”

Participation is encouraged for individuals both near and far. Contributions may be emailed, mailed, or delivered in person to Epworth. Participants may also create their own star—digital or physical—to accompany their message. All submissions will be incorporated into the installation, becoming part of a global constellation of shared hope.

Epworth United Methodist Church welcomes all to take part in this unfolding artistic and spiritual collaboration. “Expressions of hope from around the world inspire us,” Pastor Debbie Weatherpoon adds. “We invite everyone to help create Star Sanctuary during this holiday season.”

Submission Information

• Send your hopes by email to: hopes@epworthberkeley.org

• Mail or drop off at Epworth: 1953 Hopkins Street, Berkeley, CA 94707

Installation Dates

November 30, 2025 – January 6, 2026Epworth United Methodist Church Sanctuary

Contact

Epworth United Methodist Church

Clark Kellogg

1953 Hopkins Street, Berkeley, CA 94707 More information: hopes@epworthberkeley.org