Ted Lyddon Hatten talks about an evolving view of the world…in art

I had an opportunity on Tuesday to talk with Ted Lyddon Hatten, a member of the worship design team, about his evolving art at the rear of the plenary hall and in the rotunda.

“In the piece in the rotunda outside the hall I’m trying to offer a different view of the world each day…it’s intended to connect with the work of that we’re (the worship design team) doing in the design of the worship itself. There’s a progression that goes through the Gospel of Mark…many of the stories either on the shore or on the water…I’m offering different views of the world as a way to spark the conversation.”

“The visual arts has a unique ability to deepen our connection to each other and to the Gospel…we do that by interpreting art.”

“What I’m hoping that we’d be able to do as a body is to begin to talk about what a transformed world looks like.”


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
General Church
Bishop Tracy S. Malone surveys the results of a delegate vote in favor of a worldwide regionalization plan as she presides over a legislative session of the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C., on April 25, 2024. The Council of Bishops announced Nov. 5 that annual conference lay and clergy voters have ratified regionalization. File photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

New United Methodist Church structure ratified

United Methodist voters around the globe have ratified worldwide regionalization — a package of constitutional amendments aiming to put the denomination’s different geographical regions on equal footing.
General Church
West Ohio delegates raise their arms in praise during morning worship at the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. From right are the Revs. April Casperson and Dee Stickley-Miner and Tracy Chambers. On Nov. 5, the Council of Bishops announced annual conference voters ratified four ballots of constitutional amendments passed at General Conference. In addition to regionalization, the ratified amendments deal with inclusion in church membership, racial justice and educational requirements for clergy. Casperson helped lead the task force that championed the passage of the amendment on inclusiveness. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Church strengthens stands on inclusion, racism

In addition to regionalization, United Methodist voters ratified three other amendments to the denomination’s constitution including changes that make clear the church’s belief that God’s love is for all people.
Theology and Education
The Rev. Dr. Tércio B. Junker Photo courtesy of the Northern Illinois Conference.

Reclaiming faith beyond fear and ideology

The Gospel’s inclusive ethics call us to move toward a living faith rooted in compassion and courage.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved