Alternative worship returns to TV this summer with a new series. Tony Cummings reports.
More evidence that the alternative worship scene is now seemingly an unstoppable roller coaster comes to British televisions this summer with a six episode series God In The House. Following on from the Boxing Day one-off (which featured Planet Live, Bliss and the Late Late Service) the new series, which will kick off on Channel Four on Wednesday August 7th, will take in everything from sanctified dance to rock-based praise. Says the series producer Dave Hill of World Of Wonder, "For believers and non-believers alike this is a true reflection of Christian spirituality in '90's Britain. I hope viewers will check their preconceptions at the door as this series shows a new era in religious history."
The six events featured are:-
THE MIX (Bristol)
A magnificent old parish
church flashes with the disco lights and techno grooves of a new
generation of worshippers. A young crowd get down to dance bands and
DJs as they pioneer to spread the word of God. Nancy Goudie leads the
crowd through a meditation and guest speaker Greg Valerio discusses
the service's theme of
Justice.
THE REVELATION CHURCH (Chichester)
There is a
profoundly Celtic feel to this monthly service with traditional
instruments merging with guitars and keyboards for a funky vibe where
the audience contribute to the music with percussion instruments.
THE SANCTUARY (Huddersfield)
With an elemental
theme to this gathering wind, water and fire play active parts in a
truly visual display. Wind machines scatter hundreds of feathers,
images of sin are burnt, a font cascades water at the entrance of the
church as Gregorian chanting mixes with techno music.
INTERFACE (Epsom)
Situated in a sports hall off
the A3 motorway this service has an attentive crowd of up to 1000
strong. Mostly in their teens they worship amidst the old school rave
sounds of this multi media event. Top dance band Nu Colours provide
the sounds to a backdrop of video screens and club visuals.
GRACE (London)
Up to 60 people attend this
monthly late night service in Ealing. The atmosphere echoes Ibiza's
Cafe Del Mar with a chilled out after hours dance party where
thoughtful words and images blend with the house-based worship tracks.
CUTTING EDGE (London)
A beach provides the
setting for the country's most exciting youth church group. Resident
band Delirious? evoke a gutsy rock sound to an appreciative young
audience.