Jesus is welcomed as He enters Jerusalem – Risen! The Musical featuring the London Touring Cast – New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth

Do I Need To Worship? featuring the Mustard Seed Soul Band from the albums “Heart and Soul” and “His Story” recorded by Ross Gill

I continue to address the question of whether or not there is a conflict between Science and Christianity via extracts from the series “God Is” in “The Word for Today” written by Bob and Debbie Gass and published by United Christian Broadcasters (UCB.)

Here’s an amazing thing: without the moon it would be impossible for us to live on this planet. And if anyone ever succeeded in deflecting the moon from its orbit, all life would cease. It acts like a maid to clean up the oceans and shores. Without the tides created by the moon our harbours and shores would become one big stench pool of rubbish and it would be impossible to live anywhere near them. Because of the tides continuous waves break upon the shores of the ocean, aerating the waters of the planet and providing oxygen for plankton, the very foundation of our food chain. Without plankton there would be no oxygen and all life would end. God is a creative genius isn’t He? He made the moon the right size and placed it the right distance from the earth to create the exact atmosphere we need. We live within a great ocean of air- 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen. These elements are continuously mixed by the tidal effect of the moon on the atmosphere. This has the same effect it has upon the seas and always provides the same proportion of oxygen. Though we keep dumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere it’s absorbed into the ocean and we are able to continue to live. If the atmosphere wasn’t as thick as it is we’d be crushed by billions of pieces of cosmic debris and meteorites that fall continuously on our planet. Who takes good care of you – God and aren’t you glad He is on the job twenty four seven?

Instead of all this happening by chance, as I said last week surely it takes less faith to believe that our world was created for us by a loving and caring intelligent designer- God

 
I continue to address the question of whether or not there is a conflict between Science and Christianity via extracts from the series “God Is” in “The Word for Today” written by Bob and Debbie Gass and published by United Christian Broadcasters (UCB.)

Ever wonder why we have failed to find life on any other planet, yet ours is designed to sustain us and meet our most basic everyday needs? It makes you wonder doesn’t it? Do you think it’s just a coincidence? Not according to the Bible. In it God says “ I … made the earth and created mankind upon it.” Did you know that if the earth was 10% larger or 10% smaller, life as we know it would not be possible? Or that we’re just the right distance from the sun so we receive just the right amount of heat and light? If we were farther away we would freeze and if we were closer we would not be able to survive. Consider for a moment the amazing tilt of the axis of the earth. None of the other planets are tilted like ours at 23 degrees. This angle allows the sun’s rays to touch every part of the earth’s surface over the course of a year, as the earth circles the sun. If there was no tilt to the axis the poles would accumulate enormous masses of ice and the centre of the earth would become so hot that we couldn’t stand it. Like an excited parent designing a room for a newborn child, God made the earth specifically for us. That’s how much He cares for us.

Of course some might look at this from the other way round and say something along the lines of the universe and solar system and planet earth were formed by a cosmic accident and that life was created and developed according to the conditions prevalent on our planet. However to believe that would require a great deal of faith – as someone once said it would be like a hurricane hitting a scrap yard and all the flying pieces of junk ending up making a Boeing aeroplane. Surely it takes less faith to believe that our world was created for us by a loving and caring intelligent designer- God

“Give Us Your Heart Lord” – featuring The London Touring Cast – Risen! The Musical – New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth

“Don’t be ashamed of Jesus” – featuring the Mustard Seed Soul Band from the album ” His Story.”  Recorded by Ross Gill

I would like to continue to address the question of whether or not there is a conflict between Science and Christianity via the series “God Is” in “The Word for Today” written by Bob and Debbie Gass and published by United Christian Broadcasters (UCB.)

Contrary to what we have been led to believe science and Scripture aren’t necessarily opposed. The ranks of Bible believing scientists have grown rapidly since the discovery of quantum physics, which demonstrates the amazing symmetry and order that make up the universe. Did you realise that one of the most brilliant scientific books or our time was written by no less than sixty notable scientists including twenty four Nobel Prize winners? The book’s title is Cosmos, Bios, Theos which means Universe, Life and God. And one of the contributing authors, Yale physicist Professor Henry Margenau concludes . “There’s only one convincing answer for the intricate laws that exist in nature. And what does this brilliant man think it is? Evolution? Coincidence? Happenstance? No? Margenau believes that “creation is by an omnipotent God” So to believe in God is to believe in science and the infallible Word of God.”

Well its half term for many people so “Happy Holidays” from all at Mustard Seed Songs and Risen! The Musical

Max Panks of the London Touring Cast playing the part of Jesus in Risen! The Musical- New Theatre Royal Portsmouth

Be Set Free – from Risen! The Musical featuring The Original Cast – recorded and produced by Joffy Girling

Returning to the question of whether or not there is a conflict between Science and Christianity I recently read a series entitled “God Is” in “The Word for Today” written by Bob and Debbie Gass and published by United Christian Broadcasters (UCB.) In the next few weeks I would like to take some extracts .

“Many of the world’s greatest thinkers believe that God not only exists but that He created the universe and its inhabitants, So the next time someone tells you that only simple, uneducated people believe in God don’t buy it. Dr Robert Jastrow, founder and director of the Goddard Institute of Space Studies at NASA writes in his blockbuster book “God and the Astronomers”: “The astronomical evidence supports the biblical view of the origin of the world … the details differ, but the essential elements in the astronomical and biblical accounts of Genesis are the same…………… Science has proved that the universe exploded into being at a certain moment … What cause produced this effect? Who or what put the matter or energy into the universe? Science cannot answer these questions ….

Pierre – Simon Laplace another of the world’s great astronomers said that proof in favour of an intelligent God was infinitely more probable than that a set of writing implements thrown promiscuously against parchment would produce Homer’s “Iliad.” The evidence for God as opposed to the evidence against Him is infinity to one- it can’t even be measured.

Next week Yale physicist, Professor Henry Margenau makes the startling statement “To believe in God is to believe in science.

Rory Mcilroy and Patrick Reed – Ryder Cup 2016

“There’s More Than One Way Of Saying I Love You” featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album “Uplifted” recorded by Bob Ross

I love seeing examples of sportsmanship. Not long ago I talked about the incident with cricketers Andrew “Freddie Flintoff” and Brett Lee and I wonder how many of you saw what happened in the Ryder Cup singles golf competition between Rory McIlroy of Europe and Patrick Reed of USA? The partisan American crowd were going too far and after Rory holed a monster 50 foot birdie putt on the 8th hole he mocked the crowd (fairly playfully- saying he could not hear them – he also put his finger to his lips as if to shut up his opponent who had been “stirring the crowd up”) Patrick then sunk his own 20 foot putt for birdie. Instead of storming off Rory smiled and waited just off the green for Patrick. They then shared a “fist pump” and went off to the next hole arm in arm – a great sporting moment.

At long last after countless hours sat at my computer the application for Arts Council funding has been submitted.

The questions asked included:

Please give a concise description of the activity you are asking us to support: 600 characters

Please provide a brief summary of your (or your organisation’s) recent relevant artistic work, experience and achievements: 1500 characters

What is your proposed artistic activity, and what do you want to achieve by doing it: 3000 characters

Who will engage with this activity? Tell us about the target audiences or people taking part, and how they will engage with the activity: 1500 words

Please describe how you will reach your target audience or participants, in the short or long term, and give details of your proposed marketing activities where appropriate: 3000 characters

What will be the wider impact of the project? Please include reference to sector development, art form impact and legacy where appropriate: 1500 characters

Please describe your approach to raising as much money as you can from other sources. Identify which other sources of funding you have applied to, and the progress of any other applications you have made (including the date you will know the outcome): 1500 characters

Briefly tell us about your experience in managing budgets, and describe how you will manage the budget: 1500 characters

Please describe how any fees, rates and purchases have been calculated: 1500 characters

Please use this box to explain your support in kind in more detail, if necessary: 1500

characters

Please provide a brief summary of your and your partners’ recent experience in managing similar types of activity: 1500 characters.

We report to local and national government on where funded activity takes place. To help us to do this we ask you to give us information on where your activity will take place.

Please tell us what category your activity falls into, then click ‘Save and Next’ to tell us where it happens.

Please briefly identify the main stages of any planning and preparation activity completed to date. Please note this work should not be included in your budget, as we cannot fund any part of an activity that has already taken place:
1500 characters

Please briefly describe your plans to evaluate this activity: 1500 characters

Also required was an audience development plan a detailed budget plan and a cash flow projection

Well we are asking for over £83,000 !!

“How Great Are His Signs” Featuring the London Touring Cast at the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth April 2016

“I Will Tell” featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album ” I Look Up To The Heavens” recorded and produced by John Hodgkinson

I am at last getting close to finishing an application for Arts Council funding for a UK tour of Risen! The Musical. Last blog I shared the section in which I had 3000 characters to answer “What is your proposed artistic activity and what do you want to achieve by doing it?”

This week I will share another section this time having 1500 characters to answer “Who will engage with this activity? Tell us about the target audiences or people taking part, and how they will engage with the activity.

Centring on the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth a UK tour of Risen! The Musical will be particularly attractive to His followers, especially at a time of the Easter celebrations. However evaluation of previous performances has shown that Risen! The Musical engages enthusiasts of musical theatre irrespective of their personal beliefs and philosophies, age and economic circumstance. Our target audience will, therefore be wide ranging and inclusive.

Risen! The Musical is an historical account but one underpinned by a desire to explore arguably the most fundamental question most will ask, namely “If someone dies will they live again?” Audiences of Risen! The Musical will, therefore be informed and challenged as well as entertained. They will witness love, betrayal, sacrifice, anguish, disbelief, hope, joy and anticipation. For some it is possible that Risen! The Musical will be life changing.

Members of the Risen! cast visiting 20 schools to perform in assemblies and to deliver musical theatre workshops is a wonderful mechanism for audience development. It will promote Risen! The Musical and also strive to generate further interest and enthusiasm for musical theatre. Schools will be encouraged to organise school trips to see a Risen! production and in addition over 15000 pupils will be audience members of the school assembly performances. (average school assembly audience of 750 x 20 schools) The musical theatre workshops will also involve over 4000 pupils as participants.(e.g. 200 pupils per school x 20 schools ) Our vision is for some schools to continue to be engaged producing Risen! The Musical themselves.

DVDs and CDs of Risen! The Musical will be available, thus allowing more opportunities for public engagement.

One Day A Crown – featuring the London Touring Cast at the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth

Against Jesus Pilate Can Find No Charge To Stand – One Day A Crown- featuring The Original Cast from the album “Risen! The Musical recorded and produced by Joffy Girling

Last blog I explained I have been working on a submission to the Arts Council to help fund a short tour of Risen! The Musical. The Arts Council wanted a 600 character outline of the project which I shared with you last week. They also want a more detailed explanation including what we want to achieve- all in 3000 characters which is below:

What is your proposed artistic activity, and what do you want to achieve by doing it

In order to engage a larger and more eclectic audience our proposed artistic activity is a UK Tour of Risen! The Musical. The following venues are provisionally booked: The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, The Point Theatre, Eastleigh, The Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, The Corn Exchange Theatre, Cambridge, the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth and The Redgrave Theatre, Bristol,

Marketing and audience development will be in association with partner charities and agencies local to the various venues. Examples are Wellspring Counselling Ltd of Nailsea, Bristol, Faith and Football of Portsmouth and Churches Together in Eastleigh.

An integral part of the project will be for members of the cast and technical team to visit three partner secondary schools local to the venues with one from a disadvantaged community. They will perform extracts from Risen! The Musical in assemblies and deliver musical theatre workshops. Our aim will be to promote Risen! The Musical and to stimulate interest in musical theatre amongst young people; some of whom will perhaps be engaged for the first time. Partner schools will be encouraged to organise trips for pupils and families to see a performance of Risen! The Musical and also produce the show themselves at some point in the future. We already have a written reduced piano score for this purpose. We are in the process of contacting appropriate schools identified by our partner agencies and the enthusiasm and commitment of the Portsmouth schools of Portsmouth Grammar, Portsmouth 6th Form College, Crofton School and Brune Park School is indicative of the support we expect to receive.

Theatrical productions normally focus on the Passion of Christ concluding with His crucifixion. Risen! The Musical however does not stop there but continues with a faithful synopsis of the Gospel accounts portraying Christ’s resurrection appearances and the impact on His followers. From this perspective Risen! The Musical addresses the question pondered by humankind since life began “If someone dies will they live again?”

C.S Lewis makes the point that if Christianity, founded on belief in Christ’s resurrection, is false then it is of no importance and if true is of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is of moderate importance. Taking this view the Risen! storyline cannot be of moderate importance and is, therefore worthy of considered thought and exploration. Through a compelling script, top quality songs, acting and dance Risen! The Musical entertains, informs, challenges, moves and inspires those of all ages, personal beliefs and philosophies. This view is supported by such comments from audiences such as “You brought so much joy to everyone” “A wonderful show which brought many of us to tears” “A couple from a background of alcohol abuse and violence were greatly impacted”

Our intention is to achieve a live theatre audience of over 4400 with a further 15,000 reached through the school visits. We expect in excess of 1000 also benefiting from hearing and viewing the Risen! DVDs and CDs.

Another important aim is to help the cast and technical team develop their careers. Most cast members have not long graduated and so the experience of this project will be invaluable.

Although the acclaim for Risen! The Musical has been a great encouragement we realise that it is still a work in progress. We sincerely believe that preparing and delivering a UK tour will enable Risen! to develop into an artistic production worthy of widespread exposure leading to further and more ambitious productions

Risen! featuring The Original Cast from the album Risen! The Musical – recorded and produced by Joffy Girling

So for the last month or so I have been working on a submission to the Arts Council to help fund a short tour of Risen! The Musical in seven towns in England within two hours of London which is the headquarters of the 19 strong London Touring Cast who star in the show. The application is massive but that is understandable as we are asking for in the region of £70K.

I will tell you more of the tour in the next couple of blogs but in the meantime here is the opening statement of our application.

Please give a concise description of the activity you are asking us to support.

600 characters

We are asking for support for a UK tour of Risen! The Musical, an original 2 hour stage production written by our charity’s Director Ken Shearsmith and featuring a cast of 20 alumni from the London College of Music and The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Risen! The Musical explores the Gospel accounts of Christ’s death and resurrection to address the age old question “If someone dies will they live again?”
14 performances in 7 theatres are scheduled for weekends April 29^th – June 4th 2017. Integral to the project are visits by cast members to 3 schools local to each venue performing in assemblies and delivering musical theatre workshops. One of the 3 schools will be from a disadvantaged community.

Stephen Fry rant

This is not heaven featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard -from the album Uplifted – recorded by Bob Ross

A friend posted this clip of Stephen Fry being interviewed on Facebook and asked for my comments, which I share below.

The God that Stephen Fry describes is not the God that I know. The God that I know is full of compassion, care, grace, forgiveness and love. Mr Fry blames God for numerous bad things that occur in this imperfect world and I am sure he could have named a lot more. However by blaming God, at least he would appear to acknowledge God’s existence or as least accept the possibility that God exists. If God is to blame for all the bad stuff in the world then who is to be thanked for all the good stuff? Logic would suggest someone or something in direct opposition to God…….. the devil? ?!! So is Mr Fry suggesting that the Devil is in charge of good stuff and God in charge of bad? Or is Mr Fry just getting his deity roles mixed up? Still he was very good (or was it bad) in Blackadder.

So that was my comment, but may I continue?

Jesus never said “Follow me and your life will be problem free thereafter.” What He did say was “I will never leave or forsake you.” If He was to take all the problems and suffering out of this world He would have to destroy it and create a heaven like place – well He has already created heaven and this world is certainly not it. Heaven is where God resides and where His will is done – a place of joy with no suffering and no evil.

Jesus’ promise for His followers here on earth is to give us His peace- He promises to draw close to us in our times of trouble – to be our comfort and our strength. God the Father did not exclude Jesus from pain and suffering when He was on earth – problems come to mankind as surely as sparks fly upwards- however because Jesus suffered just about everything – betrayal ,rejection, bereavement, excruciating pain and much worse complete separation from the Father- because Jesus suffered all these things He knows how we feel when we suffer – that is why He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother – that is why His Holy Spirit is our wonderful counsellor, advocate and helper. That is why in the final verses of St Matthew’s Gospel s Jesus says “I will be with you always even to the end of the age.”

By the way the words of Jesus in John’s Gospel chapter 3 verse 16 show the way in which one day we can enjoy heaven “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”