Some members of the First United Methodist Church hope to gain a deeper understanding of God through the lenses of their cameras.

"There is a picture in everything, and God gave us the pictures through creation," said Cindy Ford, the church's graphic designer who founded a photo ministry at the church. "It's just a matter of catching the picture and sharing that."

As part of the ministry, a group of photographers meets to learn more about their craft while taking a closer look at the world around them.

The idea for a photo ministry is based on Ford's own fascination with photography.

"It was just something I came up with here," she said. "I try to have a camera with me at all times, everywhere I go."

Ford hopes the power of the images will help re-enforce the church's teachings, with an emphasis on the current sermon series.

"I just thought, 'What a great way to share what God has given us and to illustrate the message the pastor has for the week by capturing what is around us,'" Ford said.

Ford said she wants to come up with an interesting creative challenge for the photographers each week. The latest assignment is to photograph flowers and relate each image to one of the seven deadly sins.

The group will choose the best photographs to display and to reproduce in publications like the church bulletin.

"There are spaces that could use some contemplative art," Ford said. "That's what these photographs are really about."

The photo ministry's next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. July 7. Ford said she anticipates a growing membership for the fledgling group, which has met just once before.

"Once we start moving and show people what we're doing, it will pick up," she said, adding that about 13 members have participated so far.

The photo ministry is not Ford's first foray into photography. She published a book of landscape photographs in 2008, titled "Glimpses," with an objective similar to that of the ministry.

"Its purpose was to show the reader where the glory came from and show what God has given us," she explained.

Photographers of all skill levels are welcome to participate, Ford said.

"Just because someone isn't a professional, it doesn't mean that they don't have a good eye for something," said Monica Perry, group member and office team leader at the church. "Everyone has a different way of viewing things."

The photo ministry has been beneficial for the church and its members, Perry said.

"It's a good Christian activity for people, and it brings together a variety of groups — young and old, men and women. It helps to open everyone's minds."

The group is inviting other local photographers to participate July 18 in an international contest called the Worldwide Photo Walk. As part of the event, the group will take photos along a predetermined route in Butler. The photos will be judged, and the winning image will be submitted on behalf of the city to the international contest.

The international event is masterminded by Scott Kelby, an author and publisher of software periodicals.

Ford came across his Web site and decided to register Butler and showcase the city's unique perspective.

"I wasn't interested in traveling to another city," Ford said of participating in the walk. "I'd rather spend time with local people and appreciate what we have here."

Photographers can register to participate in the Butler photo walk at www.worldwidephotowalk.com/butler-pa-usa.

Perry said she is looking forward to the photo walk and seeing the photographers' personal views of the city.

"What a great opportunity for Butler to be part of the world," she said.

For more information on the photo ministry or the photo walk, contact Ford at 724-283-6160.

<B>WHAT: </B>Second annual Worldwide Photo Walk for amateur and professional photographers, who will gather to take photos along a designated route. Images will be judged, and the chosen photograph will be submitted on behalf of Butler to the international contest.<B>WHEN:</B> 9 a.m. to noon July 18<B>WHERE: </B>The walk will begin at First United Methodist Church, 200 E. North St.I<B>NFO: </B>To register, go to http://worldwidephotowalk.com/butler-pa-usa/. For information, contact local coordinator Cindy Ford at 724-283-6160.