Sunday Nite Live
Life on our Frontlines
The first Sunday Nite Live service organised by the South Bedfordshire Circuit took place on Sunday 10th February at Beech Hill Methodist Church, Luton. The idea came about due to a number of churches in the circuit expressing a desire for something more modern, but they didn’t necessarily have the resources to do it themselves. Rev Phil Horner and Rev Andy Melvin took on the challenge, and came up with Sunday Nite Live.
Andrew Burchell (St John’s) and Steve Rogers (St Margaret’s) joined the team to organise the music – and they together recruited a group of 14 other musicians and singers to lead the musical worship parts of the service.
The service was very informal in its set up, with tables set around chairs, and refreshments available throughout the evening. The band and singers led three sets of hymns and worship songs, some that were known and some that were brand new – and the intention is to continue to introduce new hymns and worship songs at future Sunday Nite Live’s. The music included a new tune for And Can It Be, songs by Matt Redman and Stuart Townend, as well as well known hymns such as To God Be The Glory.
The theme for the service was Life On Our Frontlines, and two members from the circuit were interviewed. Roger Huxley (High Town) spoke about his work with the charity Headway, whilst Bob Harris (Trinity, Leighton Buzzard) spoke about his painting, and also a story about ducks! Phil Horner read the story of Zaccheus and related this to the present day. There was also a time of prayer.
Perhaps the most innovative part of the service was the ability of those attending to comment on the service via text – with the texts being read out during the evening.
It was a wonderful evening of worship and time with God, with over 80 people in attendance from around the circuit despite the heavy snow that was falling all evening. There was a really good positive response from everyone, who clearly felt uplifted by the message and the music from the evening.
Please see the Circuit Plan for the dates and venues of the next Sunday Nite Live. They takes place approximately five times a year and are held in the larger churches across the circuit.