South Norfolk church produces a musical in a day 

A South Norfolk church congregation learnt a Christian musical written by well-known musician Roger Jones in a single day recently.

On Saturday November 1, around 40 people met together at Carleton Rode Baptist Church to learn the musical Zac, the latest offering from Roger Jones of Christian Music Ministries. Roger has been writing Christian musicals since 1976 when he wrote Jerusalem Joy for his primary school pupils to perform.  Since then he has written a total of 25 musicals.
 
Each one deals with a different story or message from the Bible. These musicals present the gospel in a new and challenging way to both participants and audience alike.
 
Beryl Dawson from the church said: “Over the years here at Carleton Rode Baptist Church we have produced several of Roger’s musicals, and also included other songs in many different ways.
 
“This time we decided to try a ‘musical in a day’ approach. Our day was led by Annie Routley and Paul Edwards from the CMM team. Some of us had met together the week before to sing along to the CD, and our instrumentalists had received the music in advance, but we had no real idea of whether it could all come together on the day!
 
We met at 10am, with the plan to rehearse during the day with pauses for tea and coffee breaks and a lunch provided by our coffee shop staff. Our choir of 30 was accompanied by three guitars, three violins, piano, drums, flute and oboe. Annie (who wrote the musical arrangement for Zac) proceeded to teach us the songs, whilst Paul ensured we worked to time and encouraged us throughout the day,” said Beryl.
 
The choir and band came together from across South Norfolk, from different churches and communities. Linda and Jonathan are part of the CMM team based in Birmingham, but joined to play guitar and act as narrators and soloists.
 
“We spent the day working hard to learn the various songs, making sure we not only knew the notes but understood the story, and how everything would fit together in the final performance,” said Beryl. “It was also a lovely time to get to know each other, and enjoy each other’s company, sharing our individual stories. We were very grateful to all the team who kept us supplied with food and all our other helpers with sound, tech and site management.
 
“At 4.30pm we were joined by around 50 people to share in our performance. We were so pleased that the work of the day paid off, and we were able to share the songs and story of Zac with everyone. Zacchaeus, a short tax collector, had to climb a tree to see Jesus.   Jesus called him down from the tree, and went to his home. This is the story of one man’s journey to new life with Jesus. 
The message of this musical is the same for us today -  Jesus calls us to come down from whatever tree we are hiding in, to meet with him and walk alongside him day by day.

“The whole day was an amazing experience, enjoyed by participants and audience alike, and a reminder of Jesus’ love for everyone. Roger Jones made a surprise appearance at our performance and read one of the narrators’ parts, much to the delight of everyone there!
 
“If you get the chance to be part of one of Roger’s musicals, do give it a go,” said Beryl. “The music is singable - some completely new songs, some familiar words set to new tunes. There is comedy and pathos mixed, and you will be sure to come away with the words singing in your heart. But most of all, you will be challenged to consider anew the message Jesus has for you in your life today!”
 
Pictured above are the cast of Zac performing at Carleton Rode Baptist Church.