Roger's November 2019 eNews

Hi Folks,

My November news is slightly early but you’ll just how much the Lord still has for us to do!

Last month began with Annie leading a special JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER in a day event in Weston-super-Mare, while Mary, Helen, Devon and myself attended the wedding of one of our trustees, Mick Green.  Congratulations to Mick and Lorraine, and may God bless you both richly!

Then on Saturday 12 October we launched the new TORN CURTAIN musical at the Coton Centre in Tamworth with an orchestra of 40 and a choir of over 150.  Huge thanks to my colleagues Helen, Annie, Tim and Amy for all their hard work leading and organising on the day and all of those who assisted in so many ways.  A special mention must go to Annie, who has worked long hours trying to orchestrate the musical, and Saturday was a testimony to her diligence and immense skill.  This date was also a gift day for the CMM Trust, and we are so blessed by the response.  Thank you letters and emails will shortly be sent, but for those who gave anonymously or in cash on the day, please know that we really appreciate your love and support.

Since the launch we held a wonderful ROCK event in Trowbridge with the team travelling to Abu Dhabi next month (see below for more info!) and then have had a wonderful Spirit-filled WILDFIRE music week at Brunel Manor in South Devon.  Helen has also taken TORN CURTAIN on the road to a Methodist Women in Britain event in Lincolnshire and all were delighted with how well the musical worked as a short day event.

The sad news here at CMM is that we have to report the death of the chair of the CMM Trust, Geoff Rudge after an illness lasting approximately a year.  Geoff has been one of my closest friends since 6th Form, and we are devastated by his loss, but know he is with the Lord in glory.  Do read the tribute on our blog post here.  Our prayers are with his wife Mary, and all of the family.  Geoff’s funeral, on Tue 29 Oct was a sad yet joyous occasion.  It was a privilege to lead the music at church and crematorium, and both events were filled with praise, testimony and God’s word – just as Geoff would have loved it!

We fly to Abu Dhabi on 12 November for an incredible, yet very busy tour, mostly with ROCK,  the story of Simon Peter.  Nine of us are going, including soloists Ann Steer, Yvette Roberts, Devon Brown, Bill Carpenter and Paul Edwards, plus Mary and myself, together with Mick and Lorraine.  Over in the UAE we will be supported by Sarah Sorrell (soloist) and local choirs in various towns and cities.  The itinerary (12-25 Nov) will include:

• Several productions of ROCK, including in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain
• At least two SPIRIT WORKS seminars
• Preaching/leading services in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi

We are excited and somewhat nervous about this wonderful but challenging opportunity.  To say we welcome your prayers is an under-statement!

The CMM Choir have the first few dates for their SIMEON productions:

• 17 Nov - Harborne Baptist 1830 
• 24 Nov - St Thomas’ Aldridge 1830
• 30 Nov - St John’s Walsall Wood 1900
• 08 Dec - Holy Trinity Lickey 1800

We are excited about our all-age, all-abilities TORN CURTAIN music weeks next year:

• 23-30 MAY Sat-Sat           - Rydal Hall, Cumbria
• 02-08 AUG Sun-Sat         - Willersley Castle, Derbys
• 15-22 AUG Sat-Sat           - Scargill House, N Yorks                                
• 25-31 OCT Sun- Sat          - Sidholme, Sidmouth

Do come if you can.  You book directly with the centres themselves.

Finally, next year Mary and I are leading a party to OBERAMMERGAU & SALZBURG (13-19 Sep), including the Passion Play, some touring and a special Mozart concert!  We’ve heard that there are just two twin/double rooms left.  Click here for a booking form.

God bless,

Roger