First United Methodist Church of Redding (First UMC of Redding) is pleased to announce the start of a mural on the south-facing wall of its church building. Local artist Lura Wilhelm’s colorful creation of doves will become public art for our whole community to enjoy at the corner of South and East streets in Redding. First UMC of Redding, a Redding congregation since 1873, is known for sharing God’s love through tangible actions that express concern and compassion for the church’s neighbors, community, and the planet. “This artwork represents who the Redding Methodists are as a church family,” Pastor Charles White said. “It’s not enough to talk about ‘love.’ We believe our actions, driven by our faith, should and do speak louder than our words. We hope our visual message continually inspires both ourselves and our community to put love into action.” First UMC of Redding’s many enduring projects include helping provide low-income housing in Redding’s Garden Tract through the Wesley Neighborhood program, launching the Whole Earth Watershed Festival in Redding, reaching out to those with mental illness through its Inclusive Ministries program, partnering with Cypress School to help educate young students, and proudly creating a safe church space that accepts all people, whoever they are and wherever they are on their journeys of life and faith.  “Our church members believe love is an action word,” White said. “Our church’s love for others is active and flowing, whether that means serving our own congregation and local community or traveling across the globe to support those in need.”  After the mural’s completion, the public is invited to a Nov. 5 celebration, starting about 11:15 a.m. (when the 10 a.m. church service ends) outside the building at 1825 East St., Redding.

For more information, visit reddingumc.org or call the church office at (530) 243-2403.