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

The fire of the love of Jesus

Roger Jones’ musical “Wildfire” comes to St George’s Hall, Bradford, at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13th November, and we are recommending you to come with us to see it. Tickets are Ł6 (children 12 & under Ł4) from the box office at 01274 752000.

“The idea of a work about St Stephen first came to me after a study of the story of Daniel,” says Roger Jones, who has now written more than a dozen musicals on Christian themes. “Daniel (in the Old Testament) was someone loyal to his God and who stood for truth and integrity whatever the consequences. Stephen seems to be the New Testament equivalent of this, but whilst Daniel was rescued from ‘the lions’ den’ (Dan 6), Stephen was called to lay down his life for his Lord (Acts 7:59-60).”

The musical has a number of lovely songs, including some delightful new tunes to well-known words (“I was glad”, “My song is love unknown”, and “Come, let us join our cheerful songs”). But it also has some disturbing items in which the arguments of the day are brought to life in conflict. “God doesn’t just live in a building” is all about whether the temple is sacred or whether it’s a distraction from God; “Things were so much better in the past” is a modern-sounding complaint from widows whose pensions are dwindling; and “I see heaven and the Son of Man” is the vision which Stephen saw as he was being stoned to death by a furious crowd, with St Paul standing there looking on and guarding the coats.

“The story of Stephen has no triumphalistic ending,” says Roger. “It is a challenge to the twenty-first century church, particularly in the Western world, to see the ‘bigger picture’. Stephen saw ‘the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God’, and we need this vision today in order to live effective lives.”

Why present this story as a musical, and why should you come and see it? Because music can reach the parts of our hearts which words alone cannot reach. Because we can be caught up in the story ourselves, and face the question which Stephen faces in his own life. Because the drama can help us see life more clearly.

Gracious Father, who gave the first martyr Stephen grace to pray for those who took up stones against him: grant that ... we may learn ... to seek forgiveness for those who desire our hurt, looking up the heaven to him who was crucified for us, Jesus Christ, our mediator and advocate. (Collect for St Stephen, Common Worship.)

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. November 2002, Page 2.
Home Page. Index of articles. Previous article about Wildfire. In this issue: (November 2002) Vicar's letter, Wildfire, Window, small services, bussing in USA, Iraq, Jelleys.	The fire of the love of Jesus Roger Jones’ musical “Wildfire” comes to St George’s Hall, Bradford, at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13th November, and we are recommending you to come with us to see it. Tickets are Ł6 (children 12 & under Ł4) from the box office at 01274 752000. “The idea of a work about St Stephen first came to me after a study of the story of Daniel,” says Roger Jones, who has now written more than a dozen musicals on Christian themes. “Daniel (in the Old Testament) was someone loyal to his God and who stood for truth and integrity whatever the consequences. Stephen seems to be the New Testament equivalent of this, but whilst Daniel was rescued from ‘the lions’ den’ (Dan 6), Stephen was called to lay down his life for his Lord (Acts 7:59-60).” The musical has a number of lovely songs, including some delightful new tunes to well-known words (“I was glad”, “My song is love unknown”, and “Come, let us join our cheerful songs”). But it also has some disturbing items in which the arguments of the day are brought to life in conflict. “God doesn’t just live in a building” is all about whether the temple is sacred or whether it’s a distraction from God; “Things were so much better in the past” is a modern-sounding complaint from widows whose pensions are dwindling; and “I see heaven and the Son of Man” is the vision which Stephen saw as he was being stoned to death by a furious crowd, with St Paul standing there looking on and guarding the coats. “The story of Stephen has no triumphalistic ending,” says Roger. “It is a challenge to the twenty-first century church, particularly in the Western world, to see the ‘bigger picture’. Stephen saw ‘the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God’, and we need this vision today in order to live effective lives.” Why present this story as a musical, and why should you come and see it? Because music can reach the parts of our hearts which words alone cannot reach. Because we can be caught up in the story ourselves, and face the question which Stephen faces in his own life. Because the drama can help us see life more clearly. Gracious Father, who gave the first martyr Stephen grace to pray for those who took up stones against him: grant that ... we may learn ... to seek forgiveness for those who desire our hurt, looking up the heaven to him who was crucified for us, Jesus Christ, our mediator and advocate. (Collect for St Stephen, Common Worship.) John Hartley
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