I have had so much fun the last few months as part of the Revelation Church Choir. A bunch of 25 people from 16 to 50something have been gathering to sing four part harmonies and have a laugh. There was such a range of backgrounds and experience from old time singers who've been Christians all their lives to first time choir members who've barely ever stepped into a church. As we belted out our carols and gospel songs there was such a sense of joy and hope. What a brilliant way to worship.
The choir had it's debut last Sunday as part of our Christmas Extravaganza. The Warehouse was packed with people coming to partake in the mulled wine and the seasonal celebration. Everything was done so beautifully: from the trees, to the readings, to the funny/important/poignant prayers of our young people. Dan didn't flinch from the reason for the season and invited two recent members of our Alpha course to come and share their testimonies... I shed a tear. In the last year both have been a part of the homeless population of Chichester and with the help of Big Love (a recent Revs initiative) and the Alpha course they're off the streets and building new lives for themselves. There was supposed to be a third guy giving his testimony but he couldn't be there because he'd just been invited by his family to come meet them for the first time in years. How beautiful is that! Jesus has brought such hope and reconciliation to their lives...
As a little taster of the praise and worship from the meeting the lovely Dan Armstrong commandeered my camera and took a little snap shot for us all to enjoy. Take a look at Steve's fabulous Christmas jumper! Download Holy Holy Holy, Revelation Choir, Christmas08