THE first Art Exhibition in the remodelled North Aisle at Newton St Cyres Parish Church will take place from Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 18.

The exhibition, images of “Jesus Laughing and Loving!", will feature contemporary art from around the world to inspire, challenge and explore.

Rev Tim Collins, Rector, Netherexe Mission Community, said: “Here in the Netherexe Mission Community, we are blessed with nine amazing, incredible churches. Each with their own individual style and striking beauty.

“They reflect not only the worshipping communities, holding the prayers and presence of countless generations; but also, the villages and the environment in which they have sat for hundreds and hundreds of years. A real presence, and the spiritual heart of our communities.

“Our congregations are forever exploring ways to encourage greater participation and engagement with the churches. To this end, Newton St Cyres Parish Church is hosting an exciting and challenging art exhibition.

“We are reproducing – as closely as possible - images of Christ created by a host of international artist, images of Jesus Laughing and Loving!

“I offer thanks to Major Issues and Theology Foundation Ltd, Australia, for their kind permission to allow us to reproduce the art you will see; and to the Posbury St Francis Trust who gave us a grant towards the cost of the displays.

“While we have not been able to loan the original paintings – and so you are not able to fully appreciate the range of media used in their representation of Jesus - we have attempted to reproduce the exact size of the originals, from which you may be able to glimpse something of the originals.

“I hope that our exhibition opens your heart and mind to a different understanding of Jesus Christ.”

Refreshments will be available and the exhibition is open each day from 11am to 4pm.