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A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC & WORSHIP ARTS …

Welcome to Church of the Master and the Worship Arts Ministry’s inaugural production of Godspell. Church of the Master has always had a great appreciation of the arts. One of the cornerstones of the church is its diverse music ministry. It was just recently that Church of the Master took that love of music outside of the traditional worship setting and opened its doors to local musicians as part of the Dr. Sylvia Vance Concert Series. We now cast out dreams beyond those bounds into the world of theatre. It is with a spirit of excitement and wonder that we present this production of Godspell.

For centuries the church has looked to the visual and performing arts as a way to share the good news of the gospel. It is music that artistically leads our congregations in artistic expression. We often forget the stories told in shimmering stained-glass windows and awe-inspiring frescos that for centuries have adorned churches and cathedrals. As early as the tenth century churches across Europe acted out dramatic renderings of the Christmas, Passion, and Easter stories. The arts, as much as the spoken word, have been the medium to share the faith across the ages.

Many shows could be “the first show,” but Godspell has always been my first show. Not only my personal nostalgia, but the joyful retelling of the gospels makes this show a perfect place to start this new venture in worship arts ministry. In a world plagued with hate and division, Godspell reminds us that we have the power to change the world for the better. If the only song in our hearts is love, we will have no choice but to build a beautiful city.

There are many folx to thank for making this production possible. Pastor Katya Brodbeck and Pastor Lucy Kelley for their inspiring leadership and media expertise. Jamie Boudinot, our Church Administrator, for her tireless work to help this production be a success. I must also thank the entire church staff for welcoming this new ministry venture. All my love and thanks to our cast for bringing this new venture in theatre to life. Many thanks to our choreographer Kelly Black, for giving our show its legs. We could not celebrate this show without the musicians who have offered their talents to this production, Thank You: Andy, Eric, and Tomasz. I want to personally thank Jacob Gooch; I don’t know where we would be without his talent and expertise. Thanks to Stephen Grinch, who proves good stage managers are the backbone of any production. A heartfelt word of thanks to Taylor Hardy, for her continued encouragement and assistance through this entire process. I must also thank our many devoted friends and colleagues who helped in ways too many to list. This inaugural production is possible because of an anonymous gift given to the Worship Arts Ministry, with the hopes of inspiring new ministry in the arts here at Church of the Master, Thank You. Twenty-five years of partnership has made directing with David Day one of the great joys of my life. This was our first show together in the fall of 2002 and here we are again twenty-two years later sharing our love through theatre. You inspire me to keep making music, even when its hard to sing. I cannot forget you, our patron, thank you for taking time to share in our exciting new adventure! We hope you will take the message of Godspell with you, as you leave, and GO SING ABOUT LOVE!

Musically Yours,

Christopher A. Bowling, Producer/Music Director
Director of Music & Worship Arts
Church of the Master United Methodist