PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NINA KECK
Photo 1:
The Rev. Megan Farr, right, readies the music selections for the group to listen to as they color. Sandy Blankenship, left, gets her materials ready to color.

MELBOURNE – What started as a devotional session and healing prayers for the residents of Trinity Towers South has blossomed into two totally different ministries for different audiences – thanks to a Psalms coloring book and more.

“At Trinity Towers South, I wasn’t getting anyone (to come) to the devotionals I was leading once a month,” said the Rev. Meghan Farr, assistant rector for pastoral care at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Melbourne, “so, I asked the social worker what she did that got people coming out regularly. She said coloring, and arts and crafts, and anything to do with music.”

When she returned the next month, Farr brought a Psalms coloring book with her. “That’s how I came up with “Coloring the Psalms” program. I would choose one each time we met. We read the Psalm first and talked about it as we colored and listened to hymns. The hymns were all karaoke versions, so we could sing along. We closed with prayer requests. ”

People in the parish heard what Farr was doing at Trinity Towers and fell in love with it. Some asked if the church would host a coloring session for the congregation. “We were also looking for something to do that might attract more folks to the church from the neighborhood,” she said.

By that time, she had already amassed quite a collection of coloring materials; not just The Psalms. “I decided to call it ‘Coloring the Scriptures,’” Farr said. “Each session begins with a devotional that reflects whatever verse is on the coloring sheet. Then, we color and chat and listen to hymns and other Christian music. We close with prayer requests.”

Coloring can be so much more than just a way to relax when you combine it with Scripture because the word of God is alive and powerful. “More than anything, I think it is an hour where people can pray and connect in fellowship and enjoy a peaceful and de-stressing activity. More and more studies are being done on how coloring, much like prayer and meditation, can help people relax . It is being used as a tool for people with Alzheimer’s and those who suffer from PTSD.”

Marion Sargent, foreground, and Deacon Victoria Collins enjoy the day’s coloring sheet.

One of the great things about coloring Christian coloring pages for adults is that it does not require any artistic talent. And there is no right or wrong way to color — just do it however you like. “I’ve really enjoyed this group and activity. We are up to about to about nine of us that attend regularly,” Farr said.