St Luke's Church Eccleshill - Articles from "The Link"

Wildfire ... coming to Bradford

Wednesday 13th November
St George's Hall

Wildfire is a musical about the life of Stephen, the first martyr, as told in the Acts of the Apostles in the bible. It begins on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit comes down like a rushing wind and in tongues of flame (the word ‘wildfire’ is used in Acts 2 in a new bible translation - ‘The Message’). As the disciples preach about Jesus, Stephen hears the news. It makes such an impact on him that he goes home and tells his family all about what has happened.

Stephen becomes part of the early church, and is involved with helping people in practical ways. So when they need someone to organise help for the widows, Stephen is one of those chosen for the task. He is soon telling people about Jesus, and he also tells some Jews, who drag him before the Jewish council. The council doesn’t like what he says - in fact, he gets put to death by stoning. But out of his death comes the spread of the gospel beyond Palestine, and a big change in the life of Paul who witnessed it. The musical ends with Paul looking back on Stephen’s life and seeing the good which came out of it.

The musical is by Roger Jones, who also wrote ‘Saints Alive’ (also based on Acts). The soloists and main parts are played by a cast which is touring the country, but local Christians are invited to join the choir who will be the chorus at each venue. They’d like about 200 people here at Bradford to join the chorus. Costumes are quite simple, and you don’t have to be able to read music to join in.

Local ministers were invited to a preview recently, and the musical seems exciting and moving - it makes an impact, and it is refreshing and encouraging. It will be a good event to go to as a church family. It will be also be a good occasion to invite friends, whether churchgoers or not. It doesn’t say “follow Jesus and everything will be rosy” - because for Stephen everything wasn’t rosy! “The blood of martyrs is the seed of new life”, as the early church used to say, and the musical challenges us on many levels about our own commitment.

As well as the words and music copies, there are CDs, tapes, instrumental parts and so on - so you can learn the contralto part in the comfort of your own bathroom if you wish! And there are bible-study notes for housegroups, and other linked material available, which we might use as a church.

Put the date in your diary now!

John Hartley

	*St Luke's Church, Eccleshill - The Link* magazine** The Link is published monthly at 40p (Senior Citizens 35p), and we deliver free within the parish and post copies (at the reader's expense) to those who request it. Please contact us if you would like a free copy for a trial period. July 2002, Page 4.
Home Page. Index of articles. In this issue: (July 2002) Vicar's Letter, On TV, Wildfire, Question.	Wildfire ... coming to Bradford Wednesday 13th November St George's Hall Wildfire is a musical about the life of Stephen, the first martyr, as told in the Acts of the Apostles in the bible. It begins on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit comes down like a rushing wind and in tongues of flame (the word ‘wildfire’ is used in Acts 2 in a new bible translation - ‘The Message’). As the disciples preach about Jesus, Stephen hears the news. It makes such an impact on him that he goes home and tells his family all about what has happened. Stephen becomes part of the early church, and is involved with helping people in practical ways. So when they need someone to organise help for the widows, Stephen is one of those chosen for the task. He is soon telling people about Jesus, and he also tells some Jews, who drag him before the Jewish council. The council doesn’t like what he says - in fact, he gets put to death by stoning. But out of his death comes the spread of the gospel beyond Palestine, and a big change in the life of Paul who witnessed it. The musical ends with Paul looking back on Stephen’s life and seeing the good which came out of it. The musical is by Roger Jones, who also wrote ‘Saints Alive’ (also based on Acts). The soloists and main parts are played by a cast which is touring the country, but local Christians are invited to join the choir who will be the chorus at each venue. They’d like about 200 people here at Bradford to join the chorus. Costumes are quite simple, and you don’t have to be able to read music to join in. Local ministers were invited to a preview recently, and the musical seems exciting and moving - it makes an impact, and it is refreshing and encouraging. It will be a good event to go to as a church family. It will be also be a good occasion to invite friends, whether churchgoers or not. It doesn’t say “follow Jesus and everything will be rosy” - because for Stephen everything wasn’t rosy! “The blood of martyrs is the seed of new life”, as the early church used to say, and the musical challenges us on many levels about our own commitment. As well as the words and music copies, there are CDs, tapes, instrumental parts and so on - so you can learn the contralto part in the comfort of your own bathroom if you wish! And there are bible-study notes for housegroups, and other linked material available, which we might use as a church. Put the date in your diary now! John Hartley
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