Though icons are a tradition of the Orthodox Church, Fenton has transplanted this genre into the context of Mennonite theology. The seven abstract paintings represent the Trinity, the dual nature of Christ, Scripture, Salvation, the Sacraments, Discipleship, and Nonviolence, respectively.

“We have been really blessed by Kathryn’s artwork,” says the church’s associate pastor, Jake Lee. “To have her portrayals adds another level of both attention to the divine and diversified expression of worship.”

One of Fenton’s goals is to continue finding new spaces in which to share her art. Beginning Aug. 30, the icons can be viewed in the sanctuary at (see below for more information).

Urges acceptance of art

Fenton specifically sought an enriching foundation of religious history and theology at the seminary. This foundation in turn informed her project: the exploration and creation of art and iconography, in the context of Mennonite history and theology. The use of art in Mennonite worship or religious activity has historically been negatively viewed, yet this view has shifted in the 20th century.

“Art, like music, dance, and the spoken word, is a form of expression and worship that embraces our embodied nature, glorifying God’s creation,” says Fenton. “The Mennonite church needs to recognize the benefits of bringing art back into the church, using the gift of creativity to profess the word of God, instead of fearing the gift of creativity.”

That fear has never prevented Fenton from making art, from her childhood love of her Lite Brite toy to enrolling in Messiah College, and then transferring to 91����Ƶ, to study fine art.

Advisor: ‘Art can give expression to Christian faith’

Through acrylic paint, a shattered mirror, symbolic color schemes, and intensive study of various Anabaptist confessions of faith, Fenton illustrates her interpretation of the “seven pillars of Mennonite theology.”

Each of these tenets focuses on the Christian’s interaction with God and active spirituality: scripture is authoritative directly to readers without clergy’s intermediation; salvation is a light universally available; discipleship is an active, collaborative effort to model the Messiah. Fenton’s theology, much like her views on worship, emphasizes hands-on participation.

“She sketched her intended study as building on the understanding of the incarnation as an important tenet of Christian faith,” says her advisor, professor of church history . “Kathryn works from the premise that art can give expression to Christian faith in ways that echo the meaning of the Word becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.”

Integrating legacies of art and expression

Wood panels serve as canvases, a symbolic nod to the Mennonite folk art of woodworking. Her aesthetic inspirations – Barnett Newman and Mark Rothko – are echoed in bold, expressionistic style.

“I chose abstract instead of the traditional style of icons to honor our tradition of prohibiting representational religious images based on Exodus 20:4,” says Fenton.

Color holds as much if not more significance than form in these paintings – gold representing holiness, white the transfigured Christ, red the body and blood of Christ, and blue heaven and cleansing water. Fenton explains that her “color choices are inspired by the tradition of symbolism in religious images throughout history.”

“Her exploration of icons from traditions associated with Eastern Orthodoxy was particularly poignant as it grounded her own artistic expression in a deep tradition rooted in centuries of development,” explains Yoder.

Artwork and education continues

When not working at the Dayton office of Park View Federal Credit Union, Fenton is in the midst of several new art projects.

She’d like “to continue working with local churches on bringing art and theology together,” and would like to see her icons continue to tour area Mennonite churches.

Fenton is still exploring how to best use her art to supplement the church’s repertoire of spiritual expression.

“My hope is to be able to serve the church as an artist by creating art and creating a space for art to be valued and to enrich the life of the church,” she says. “I believe it is my duty to serve the church with the gift God has given me.”

From Aug. 30-Nov. 22, the icons will be displayed in the sanctuary of Community Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Churches interested in exhibiting Fenton’s work can contact the artist at lkathrynfenton@gmail.com.

On Saturday, April 25, he made one final trip to campus for the seminary’s commencement ceremony to celebrate the earning of two degrees: a master of divinity and a .

In contrast, Seth Miller, also a new seminary graduate, simply walked up the hill from the Maplewood Residence Hall, where he is residence director for 91����Ƶ undergraduate students. Miller came to the seminary after several years as a teacher at Lancaster Mennonite School and in public educational settings in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

And then there’s Kathryn Fenton, of Harrisonburg, who created seven mixed media paintings based on the principles of Mennonite faith to partially fulfill thesis requirements for a . And Misty Wintsch, a Church of the Brethren pastor from Pennsylvania, whose ministry specialization project for her included studying about and performing funerals for the “unchurched.”

These are a fraction of the various stories that could be shared about this year’s graduating class of 33, the largest since 1988.

“There is sorrow in letting go of such a large and gifted class of graduates,” said , vice president and seminary dean. “Yet the very qualities that make it hard to see them go underscore the great gifts of ministry, leadership, and authentic relating they’re primed to share with the world.”

Twenty-five students received master of divinity degrees, with five of these also receiving dual master’s degrees in conflict transformation or . Four students received a master‘s degree in church leadership and four students received a master‘s degree in religion.

Additionally, nine students received .

Religious backgrounds and affiliations varied, including Mennonite, United Methodist, Church of the Brethren, Presbyterian, and non-denominational. The class includes students from India, Honduras, and Chile.

“It is challenging to do what you are going forth to do,” said L. Gregory Jones, PhD, professor of theology and Christian ministry at Duke Divinity School. His commencement address, “For Such a Time as This,” was based around the Biblical book of Esther and suggested that perhaps these graduates were prepared for just this moment in the church.

“God raises up people like you in order to do things you would never have done,” he said. Jones encouraged graduates to practice fasting and spiritual disciplines, hospitality and peacemaking – practices that will provide spiritual sustenance in challenging times.

“We have a responsibility to God who calls us to become what we are not yet,” said Lizzette Hernandez, class president, speaking to the ongoing journey that continues after commencement. “We respond to God so that we can minister, not to the church that is, but to the church that will be.”