In the beginning, there was the bell tower.

An iconic element of the 100-year-old building that houses First Christian Church of Glendora, the tower stands at Glendora and Bennett avenues and serves as a backdrop for many community gatherings.

This weekend, church members and other volunteers get a chance to leave their mark on a mural transforming the tower into public art.

The Rev. Karen Davis, pastor of First Christian Church of Glendora, said the project is an offshoot of the FCCG Art Academy, which members founded in 2000 on the belief that art feeds the soul.

“Francis Schaeffer wrote, ‘To create and applaud art is part of what it means to be human,’ and I agree with that idea,” Davis said. “I believe that all of us find joy, entertainment, enrichment, encouragement and hope in art. I believe that we connect with God, our Creator, by engaging in creativity.

“We are all artists to some extent. I believe that the Bible itself is artistic. The Bible has beautiful poetry and prose, and paints many beautiful pictures with descriptive words. There are also many references to art and creativity throughout Scripture.”

As a sign of the art happening inside the building, Davis said the church commissioned local artist Mary Blandino to create a mural outside of it. She teaches art and studio etiquette at the academy.

Her design is based on Genesis 9:14-15, “Whenever I bring clouds over the Earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you.”

The hope is that the rainbow-colored clouds serve as a reminder of God’s covenant of protection and hope for all people, Davis said.

“I am honored to use creativity as an avenue for conversation that connects us to each other,” Blandino said. “I believe in the power of art. Art is my sanctuary. I hope that this project will spark thought and encourage others to embrace all the colors. Express yourself vividly and unapologetically.”

Blandino, who was born and raised in Glendora, said the mural is a visual interpretation of the work the church does.

“We wanted to show the community that we’re here with open hearts, focused on cultivating a creative community where everyone feels welcome,” she said.

Mike Hillman, professor of art at Citrus College, is no stranger to public art. He is finishing up work on his installation for the Metro A Line station in Glendora. Titled “A Slice of Sunshine,” the artwork features stained-glass inspired oval columns decorated with colorful tiles honoring the city’s citrus-producing past.

Hillman, a longtime Glendora resident himself, leads a community presentation on public art at 10 a.m. Monday at the church, 300 N. Glendora Ave.

“I hope attendees to the discussion will come away with a better appreciation of the importance of public art to the community in which we live, an appreciation for various types of art, styles of art, and how artworks are sited,” he said.

“I hope the city of Glendora promotes and creates a robust public art program to enhance an already beautiful city. Mary is off to a robust and great start and it is “breath-taking.”

Davis and Blandino said the mural is inspiring positive conversation among residents.

“Most people are feeling joyful as they walk by and experience this project firsthand,” Blandino said. “I want my work to lift others up when they experience it so they feel inspired to pass that spirit on.”

The marriage of the divine with the creative at FCCG sends the message that love lives here, she added. The church celebrates its 138th anniversary this year.

“Making art has taught me that it’s OK to be me and at the same time it’s good that you are you,” Blandino said. “We’re supposed to be different but we are better together. Being creative provides a way to know and share ourselves. It’s a universal language that can transcend our limitations and connect us to each other.”

Artists of all skill levels and ages are welcome to contribute to the public masterpiece. Visit the church’s Facebook page, facebook.com/firstchristianglendora, for details. Take a photo of the mural and hashtag glendoracloudscape.

“Even I stand back and look at what came out of my brush and feel so amazed at how things always come together in such a way that’s better than I could have ever imagined,” Blandino said.

For more information, call 626-335-2240 or go to firstchristianglendora.org.