SOLO EXHIBITION BY MICHAEL LUPINO: APRIL 27- MAY 24

Where the Church Gathers

"Where" is an important word in the Bible— Matthew 18:20 points to the importance of gathering in Jesus's name, that is, for His glory and purposes— "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." Our Chapel family has been meditating on the birth of the church in Acts 2 where multiple venues are mentioned-"And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people..."

This amazing solo exhibition by Michael Lupino stimulates us to meditate on where God-experiences happen—certainly at a church building but also in lots of other places where we get together in His name. Here are some thoughts from the artist:

"This collection explores the many places where the church can exist beyond traditional walls. Through these works, I reflect on the idea that faith and connection are not confined to buildings but can emerge wherever people gather with Gospel purpose and care for one another. The pieces highlight how everyday spaces— public, natural, and personal— can become sacred through the presence of community. At its core, this work is about the importance of belonging, reminding us that the strength of the church has always come from Holy Spirit empowered people coming together to support one another in the spaces they inhabit. As Hebrews 10:24-25 says— 'And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching!’"

Note: If you are interested in talking with an artist about their work or about purchases or commissions, email the curator, Mike Lane haoyist@gmail.com for contact information.

“The Gathering”

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42ESV)

“Backroad Home”

“The First Church We Know”

The home is the first place of worship and discipleship, where faith is formed in everyday life. Within its walls, ordinary moments become the foundation of a life shaped toward God.

“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk to them of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:7 ESV

“The Common Cup”

A great cup of coffee and the ear of a good friend are the best kind of therapy. Coffee and friends are treasures that go together.

“A Quiet Assembly”

“We’ve forgotten that God showers his extraordinary gifts through ordinary means of grace, loves us through ordinary fellow image bearers, and sends us out into the world to love and serve others in ordinary callings.”

Michael S Horton, “Ordinary”

“Monk’s”

Consider the birthday and graduations, the hard-earned promotions, and the unhurried Saturdays spent rejoicing in the goodness of God at work among His people. The pub, long a place of gathering, can become more than a setting— it is a vessel for shared stories, for laughter, for remembrances. Here, joys are lifted together, and burdens are not carried alone. May we be people who celebrate freely, grieve honestly, and, above all, remain steadfastly together.

“Rhythm of Food”

The diner becomes a place of fellowship, echoing the shared life of believers in Acts. Over simple meals, Christians gather to encourage one another and live out their faith in everyday moments.

“Isolation is Terminal”

"Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment." Proverbs 18:1 ESV

"In real life it's the team that saves the day. It's the tribe - the band of brothers - that kill the bad guys and save the village. Whether on the frontier or the battlefield, when a man gets isolated from the group, he's easy prey.

Your daily life is no different. Enemies like depression, loneliness, and addiction want to get you isolated so they can attack when you're alone."

David "Goose" Mills, "Men's Alliance"

"Gathered Across the Land"

Church as a people is not confined to one place, but woven into every landscape-from quiet rural corners to the restless rhythm of the city. Wherever they are found, God's presence binds them together, forming one body marked by shared worship, community, and purpose.

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." Matthew 18:20 ESV