tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=1
Latest News
2024-02-08T11:38:32+01:00
© Noel Richards
Noel has been a worship leader/songwriter for many years. In these ’confessions’ podcasts, he talks about his own spiritual journey and his perspective on the Christian culture. With honesty and humour he shares his beliefs, and kills some sacred cows.
Noel has been a worship leader and songwriter for many years. In these ’confessions’ podcasts, he talks about his own spiritual journey and his perspective on the Christian culture. Through h
Noel Richards
false
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7347854
2024-02-08T11:38:32+01:00
2024-02-08T18:16:53+01:00
Spotify Playlist
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/8681623a07159ae9ac57de933e6c933d7ed4758d/original/www-for-spotify.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><p>I have compiled a Spotify Playlist containing songs that I have featured in my online Worship & Wine on Wednesday events.</p><p>I will be adding to this each week.<br><br>Click <a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6xKrtxoDsnUxJecvqkLAQt?si=2123d2ed1b9f482f" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>HERE</strong></a> to play.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7343968
2024-02-01T10:24:32+01:00
2024-02-08T11:36:26+01:00
Worship & Wine on Wednesday - New Series
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="/worship-wine" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Worship & Wine"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/9ef53d37b9a62c12cf25ddb85fa632ca9e9a2477/original/www-st-3rd-wed.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p>I am hosting a new series of online worship events on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm (UK time).</p><p>Each event will feature live music, conversation and of course, some wine tasting. Join me live on Facebook, YouTube or here on the website.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Click on the image to see the latest episode.</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7323478
2023-12-23T13:29:21+01:00
2024-02-01T10:21:21+01:00
Christmas Podcast
<p><span style="color:#ffffff;">The Christmas podcast 2023 is now available.</span><br><br><span style="color:#ffffff;">Myself and Martin Scott have recorded a special festive podcast for you to enjoy over this Christmas weekend. Hosted and produced by Martin Purnell of </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.accessradio.biz/series/ogc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Off Grid Christianity.</strong></span></a><br><br><span style="color:#ffffff;">With yet another quiz before we tackle some questions that might tax your brain cells!</span><br><br><span style="color:#ffffff;">So please sit back, enjoy and listen to some laughter along with some silly facts plus serious statements in which to ponder. If you’re feeling lonely over this Christmas period, you are not forgotten and we trust that this episode will make you feel part of the conversation.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com/e/off-grid-christianity-christmas-podcast/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO LISTEN</strong></span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/b188be2a831d3648192b10bf512e1eac7f639525/original/noel-richards-christmas-23-podcast.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7306197
2023-11-20T17:38:33+01:00
2023-12-23T13:27:24+01:00
Lifetime Achievement Award
<div class="video-container size_l justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="AYjCQOzuHBg" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AYjCQOzuHBg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>I was thrilled and delighted to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 3rd Annual StepFWD awards event held in London. My good friends Dave Bilbrough and Les Moir announced and accepted the award on my behalf, as I am currently travelling in the USA.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7277594
2023-09-23T11:45:16+02:00
2023-10-16T16:49:37+02:00
Noel Live at Pula Arena - Videos
<div class="video-container size_l justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="6pDJJ0Hs4fc" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6pDJJ0Hs4fc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><span style="color:#ffffff;">On Saturday 3rd June, 'This Is The Day! Adria' took place at the beautiful Pula Arena in Croatia.</span><br><br><span style="color:#ffffff;">I was one of the artists who played there, along with Hillsong United, Matt Maher and a number of artists from Croatia, Slovenia and Italy.</span><br><br><span style="color:#ffffff;">Two videos have just been released of me singing "We Want To See Jesus Lifted High' and 'All Heaven Declares' in English and Croatian!</span><br><span style="color:#ffffff;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:#ffffff;">I thought you would like to see them. They are both on my YouTube Channell</span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7255000
2023-08-10T13:33:51+02:00
2023-09-01T13:17:48+02:00
New Podcast - Not My Enemy
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com/e/not-my-enemy/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/16dfa00c455f900f24abc6176ab7aa320a659e7d/original/1.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p><p><span style="color:#ffffff;">It is so easy to regard other Christian denominations as inferior to our own. To think we are closer to the truth than others. We can also have an 'us and them' attitude to people of other faiths. In this podcast I talk about how life experiences have taught me to see those who are different as friends, rather than enemies. This podcast concludes with our song 'We Need To Love'.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>To Listen/Download this podcast, click on the image.</strong></span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7250980
2023-08-02T19:32:08+02:00
2023-08-02T19:33:03+02:00
My latest podcast - Jesus Takes Hollywood
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com/e/jesus-takes-hollywood/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/16dfa00c455f900f24abc6176ab7aa320a659e7d/original/1.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p><p><span style="color:#ffffff;">It seems that there is an increase in faith-based TV shows and movies, coming out of Hollywood. In this podcast, I reflect on the trend and suggest a sequel idea for the Jesus Revolution movie. All I need now is a screenwriter.....</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>To listen/download this episode, click the image</strong></span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7239276
2023-07-10T11:46:08+02:00
2023-07-10T11:47:23+02:00
The Stadium Journey -Video
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/DmSDvAnnYXo" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/fe40daded9146b422b322f0e73cce96740a95791/original/ez-az-a-nap-2022-stadium-crowd.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p><span style="color:#ffffff;">I started thinking about the possibility of worship events in stadiums and arenas in 1986. The first one my band participated in was in 1996. A small crowd at Crewe FC's stadium in the UK. I could not have imagined where this journey would take us. This short reel gives a little taste of where we have been. Who knows where the next stage of the journey will lead........</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Click on the image to play the video.</strong></span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7235016
2023-06-30T10:37:52+02:00
2023-06-30T10:37:52+02:00
Do we want a Jesus Revolution?
<p> </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com/e/do-we-want-a-jesus-revolution/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/16dfa00c455f900f24abc6176ab7aa320a659e7d/original/1.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a>The movie 'Jesus Revolution' recalls those exciting days at the beginning of the Jesus Movement, that swept through California, the USA and beyond. </p><p>Sadly, I discovered a generation later, that the radical, revolutionary edge had disappeared from the denomination where it all started.</p><p>This podcast asks if we truly want the inconvenience and disruption that a new 'Jesus Revolution' will bring to our churches.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Click on the image to listen.</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7222610
2023-06-07T17:29:53+02:00
2023-06-07T17:32:39+02:00
Ez Az A Nap! Adria 2023
<div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-r525tHLK-U" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-r525tHLK-U?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Last weekend, it was a privilege to take part in ‘Ez Az A Nap! Adria 2023’ at the historic Pula Arena in Croatia.</p><p>More than 4,000 people gathered from Croatia and surrounding nations for this worship event which featured local artists and bands, Matt Maher and Hillsong United.</p><p>This short highlights video gives you a taste of what happened on the night.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7218233
2023-05-31T12:38:04+02:00
2023-05-31T16:21:43+02:00
New Song - "Still Dreaming"
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://noelrichards.com/still-dreaming" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/4388339d5a36d7eba519e7ec2201eca36230159d/original/still-dreaming.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(34, 34, 34);color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:auto;padding:0px;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'><span style="color:#ffffff;">We have just released this new song and as always, our producer Caroline Bonnett has woven her magic, as musician, arranger and producer. We are so pleased with the way it has turned out. It was written earlier this year, as we reminded ourselves to keep dreaming and never lose our sense of adventure.</span></div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(34, 34, 34);color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:auto;padding:0px;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'> </div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(34, 34, 34);color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:auto;padding:0px;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'><span style="color:#ffffff;">We hope it will be an encouragement to you.</span></div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(34, 34, 34);color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:auto;padding:0px;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'> </div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(34, 34, 34);color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:auto;padding:0px;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>You can listen and download for free by clicking on the image. Feel free to share the song with others.</strong></span></div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(34, 34, 34);color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:auto;padding:0px;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'> </div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(34, 34, 34);color:rgb(34, 34, 34);font-family:Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:auto;padding:0px;text-align:left;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'> </div>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7217228
2023-05-29T11:44:48+02:00
2023-05-29T11:44:48+02:00
This Is The Day Spain
<div class="video-container size_l justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="23mMBMjyNRA" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/23mMBMjyNRA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>What a great night we had in Madrid, Spain on Friday 26th May. A great line-up of local artists and headliners Israel Houghton and Hillsong London. 4,500 people filled the arena in Fuenlabrada on the outskirts of Madrid. The event was a real party with exuberant praise and passionate worship. It was a privilege to be a part of the programme.</p><p>If you understand Spanish, here is a report on the event. <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.actualidadevangelica.es/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15054:2023-05-27-10-16-43&catid=46:actualidad" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>CLICK</strong></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Please take a look at the highlights video. More videos to come in the next few weeks.</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7212020
2023-05-19T18:31:36+02:00
2023-05-19T18:32:23+02:00
New Podcast - Prophetic or Nostalgic
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com/e/prophetic-or-nostalgic/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/36ee73a9ccdf356ccf52a89d4eb3547ec5958854/original/noel-wayne-podcast-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p><p><span style="color:#ffffff;">The past 50 years has seen the exponential growth of the contemporary worship movement and brought the Church new songs and hymns. The songs of our generation were radical and prophetic when first written. But it is easy to settle for these past blessings and the hymnology that we are comfortable with. In this podcast we reflect on our own experiences of songs and worship. Are we still moving forward, embracing what God is doing now, with new songs that reflect this. Is our worship still prophetic, or has it become nostalgic?</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Click on the image to listen/download</strong></span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7205077
2023-05-08T20:49:42+02:00
2023-05-08T20:51:18+02:00
New Podcast - Shortbread, Kings and Presidents
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com/e/shortbread-kings-and-presidents/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/21fbd8a28a41cd144c4fa55921f2bd59e0452193/original/c226e878-ec8e-4a2b-aeb3-db72ca944fc0-2004870671.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p><p><span style="color:#ffffff;">The coronation of King Charles has just happened in the UK and a US Presidential election is just around the corner. </span></p><p><span style="color:#ffffff;">Wayne Drain and Noel Richards talk about their attitude toward those who 'reign over us'.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Click on the image to listen</strong></span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7190927
2023-04-15T17:31:47+02:00
2023-04-15T17:31:47+02:00
'This Is The Day Spain' - Tickets on sale now!
<div class="video-container size_l justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="MUkF7tALa0k" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MUkF7tALa0k?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Take a look at the promotional video for the first ‘This Is The Day Spain’ event, taking place in Madrid on Friday 26th May. I am so looking forward to playing at this event and hope that you will be among the many people that attend.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://esteeseldia.org" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>Tickets and info - HERE</strong></a></p><p> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7186552
2023-04-09T06:10:53+02:00
2023-04-09T06:11:36+02:00
New Podcast - Off Grid Christianity Easter Special
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com/e/off-grid-christianity-easter-special/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/33a8f9176ceed1a2e79351c3503177b37dfe0d0b/original/confessions-ogc-easter-special-2023-copy.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p><p>Martin Scott and I return for another 'Off Grid Christianity' special podcast, hosted by Martin Purnell.</p><p>Not only do we do battle in an Easter (loosely) themed quiz, but we answer topical Easter questions as well. Such as - Did Jesus have to die on the cross? Did Judas go to Heaven? Was the Last Supper meal like a Doner Kebab? What is a Hot Cross Slider? All these questions and more are answered in this podcast. I also provide the music with three of my Easter songs.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Click on the image to listen</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7171279
2023-03-14T18:49:14+01:00
2023-03-30T17:11:43+02:00
This Is The Day Events 2023
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/23b8b85d9403b0cf7529c1a872b0c557742fdfbb/original/screenshot-2023-03-29-at-11-07-53.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Looking forward to being involved in these events:</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Madrid, Spain - May 26th</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Pula, Croatia - June 3rd</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://thisistheday.hu" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><strong>More Info</strong></a></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/58ea7f32ee481e795d5c21cbbe2d1a003848bf76/original/pula-this-is-the-day-adria.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7162803
2023-03-01T11:41:53+01:00
2023-03-01T11:44:12+01:00
Welsh Revival
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://noelrichards.bandcamp.com/track/here-is-love-vast-as-the-ocean-dyma-gariad?fbclid=IwAR0-AxcY-9tcKcM26jIlpugFCGF5EAmRH-Psh5O7d2XhU61CFN7PnqBYQSw" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/89f90b822e1166cd1c7b3954aee49609c57af6fd/original/moriah.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p><span style="color:#ffffff;">Today is St David's Day, and I remembered this beautiful version of the Welsh Revival Hymn - <strong>"Here Is Love Vast As The Ocean"</strong>. Nikki Rose sang this at The Event Without Walls. The image below is of the church where the revival began.......</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>Click on the image to listen to the song.</strong></span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7153490
2023-02-14T09:30:34+01:00
2023-02-14T09:31:42+01:00
New Song Video from The Emigres (aka Noel & Tricia Richards)
<p> </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/Ptx0yRil4lo" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/195335/ed438279147855bd2b462711e637487b5e94eebf/original/travellers-thumbnail-for-youtube.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p>We have created a video for our song ‘Travellers’. Click on the image above to watch it.</p><p>If you would like a free download of the song - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://theemigres.com/about" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">click here.</a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7127988
2022-12-24T12:10:53+01:00
2022-12-24T12:12:11+01:00
"Off Grid Christianity - Christmas Podcast"
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.accessradio.biz/podcast/off-grid-christianity-episode-23-christmas-special/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/390d482c51dfdb674df59a7d810fbe7308ec4014/original/christmas-podcast-artwork.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>"Off Grid Christianity - Christmas Special". </strong><br>This podcast is now available. It features myself and Martin Scott trying to answer trivial and serious questions posed by Martin Purnell. Festive music is also featured. If you are looking for some humour plus stimulating conversation, during the Christmas period, try this episode! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7114670
2022-12-01T17:38:19+01:00
2022-12-01T17:38:19+01:00
Christmas Party Live Online!!!
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/WM67vteCdMY" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/36fcff49515ac61ce1c3d64bbacb64a9877ba227/original/christmas-live-event-flyer-easil.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>On Friday December 9th, please join Martin Scott, Martin Purnell and me for a live recording of the Off Grid Christianity Christmas podcast! You will be able to see us via this website, my Facebook profile, or YouTube channel.</p>
<p>On Facebook and YouTube you can message us during the recording. This promo video has more details. See you December 9th from 7.30 pm UK time. Please bring your own wine and let us know what it is!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>TO WATCH THE PROMO VIDEO CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE.</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7112801
2022-11-29T11:59:04+01:00
2022-11-29T11:59:04+01:00
The Table - My Favourite Place - Podcast
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com/e/the-table-my-favourite-place/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/16dfa00c455f900f24abc6176ab7aa320a659e7d/original/1.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a>My favourite place is to be with friends and family around the table. Sharing life, love, conversation, food - and of course good wine! For me this is true communion. The place where we can break bread, raise our glasses and remember what Jesus has done for us.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD AT PODBEAN.COM</strong></p>
8:37
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7097149
2022-11-07T17:01:39+01:00
2022-11-07T17:12:36+01:00
New Podcast Series with Wayne Drain
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com/e/god-is-speaking-through-the-music/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/36ee73a9ccdf356ccf52a89d4eb3547ec5958854/original/noel-wayne-podcast-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a>Wayne Drain and I have worked together for many years and been involved in leading worship throughout the UK, Europe, N. America and New Zealand. From sofas to stadiums and everything in between! We decided to record a series of short podcasts, where we talk about different aspects of worship. Our hope is that these podcasts will be a resource for everyone and not only those involved in leading worship.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Click on the image to listen to/download our first episode - "God is speaking through the music".</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">All the podcasts will be available here: <a contents="CLICK" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com" target="_blank"><strong>CLICK</strong></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7095349
2022-11-04T11:51:44+01:00
2022-11-04T11:52:39+01:00
"We Want To See Jesus Lifted High" - performed at the national stadium, Budapest.
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="QxM5MabLGSY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/QxM5MabLGSY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QxM5MabLGSY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Always a great song for stadium worship events. Been singing it since 1993! Little did we know that this song written by my friend Doug Horley would travel around the globe and be sung by thousands. </p>
<p>This was our final song at the stadium on July 23rd 2022.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7089217
2022-10-26T22:22:00+02:00
2022-11-07T17:12:36+01:00
The Small Print - Podcast
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com/e/the-small-print/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/16dfa00c455f900f24abc6176ab7aa320a659e7d/original/1.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a>The Gospel is beautiful in its simplicity. Sadly, over 2000 years, Christian culture has added a list of Old Testament laws and denominational rules to it, that must be obeyed. Have you noticed how evangelists never mention this hidden 'small print'? A bit like those budget airlines that offer an attractive fare but hide the extra charges! I list some of the legalistic rules that governed my teenage years in Wales. Thankfully, I no longer live by them. Do you? What's your experience?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO LISTEN AT PODBEAN.COM</strong></p>
4:44
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7080158
2022-10-12T23:31:08+02:00
2022-10-12T23:42:58+02:00
Wayne's World! - Podcast
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com/e/a-conversation-with-wayne-drain/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/5caf52ba514013b0adf897e699705ceee3906db7/original/wayne-drain-guest-copy.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a>My latest podcast - talking with Wayne Drain about all sorts of things - especially his meeting Paul McCartney at Abbey Road Studios. What did he say when he met up with his musical hero??</p>
<p>Also, the story behind his new book: 'He Still Speaks to Kids'.</p>
<p>You can play the podcast at my podcast website by clicking on the image above.</p>
<p>Also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon, Spotify and other Podcast Apps.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7077003
2022-10-08T01:12:49+02:00
2022-10-08T01:13:46+02:00
"All Heaven Declares" - performed at Puskás Aréna, Budapest, Hungary
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="WnnSWXZC1VQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/WnnSWXZC1VQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WnnSWXZC1VQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>The latest video of myself and the band at Puskás Aréna, Budapest, Hungary, on 23rd July, leading the crowd in singing "All Heaven Declares". I sang this song in Hungarian as well as English, which seemed to be appreciated by the audience. Enjoy.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7064309
2022-09-20T17:21:39+02:00
2022-10-08T01:03:13+02:00
"Champion (The World Is Looking For a Hero)" - performed at Puskás Aréna, Budapest, Hungary
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="1M28vEA6TTc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/1M28vEA6TTc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1M28vEA6TTc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Singing 'Champion' at the National Stadium (Puskás Aréna), Budapest on 23rd July. Tricia and I wrote this for "Champion of the World", Wembley Stadium and so thankful to have had the opportunity to sing it at this beautiful venue 25 years later.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7060063
2022-09-14T16:54:36+02:00
2022-10-12T23:42:58+02:00
Money Cometh - Podcast
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/59cb012fa9a3b12162aeaf92b1cc9680307e753c/original/artwork.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>My unfortunate encounter with the preachers of 'prosperity theology' who promote greed, money grabbing and materialism as a sign of Godliness. </p>
<p>You can play the podcast here or download and listen at <a contents="Podbean.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com/e/money-cometh/" target="_blank"><strong>Podbean.com</strong></a></p>
<p>Also available on, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon, Spotify and other Podcast Apps.</p>
3:51
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7052503
2022-09-03T18:03:41+02:00
2022-09-06T19:44:56+02:00
Off Grid Christianity - Podcast
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.podash.com/podcast/5594148/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/ce33882caa20c4af956fbb5eefd75ff47aaae612/original/ogc-3000-square-png-image.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a>I have just recorded a podcast for "Off Grid Christianity" hosted by Martin Purnell. In this podcast, I talk about my own personal journey. It features stories about how the "This Is The Day" Worship Event in Budapest, Hungary, came about from a Hungarian flag made from napkins. It was waved at Wembley Stadium during Champion Of The World in 1997! I also discuss what Church means to me and spending time with the legendary Rev Counter and The Speedos.</p>
<p>To listen click on the image above and for more episodes go to <a contents="PODash" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.podash.com/podcast/5594148/" target="_blank">PODash</a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7049248
2022-08-30T16:59:30+02:00
2022-08-30T16:59:30+02:00
Home Grown - Podcast
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/59cb012fa9a3b12162aeaf92b1cc9680307e753c/original/artwork.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" />I used to play wine bars in London many years ago. On one evening a nice young couple invited me back to their apartment after the gig, to sample some 'home grown'. It could have led to disastrous consequences. That night, I learned an important life lesson!</p>
<p>You can play the podcast here or download and listen at <strong><a contents="Podbean.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com/e/home-grown/" target="_blank">Podbean.com</a></strong></p>
3:24
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7035733
2022-08-11T18:48:08+02:00
2022-08-11T18:48:09+02:00
'Calling All Nations' - Puskás Aréna, Budapest, Hungary
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="DiAcHW8ZOR4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/DiAcHW8ZOR4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DiAcHW8ZOR4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>This was our opening song of the set we played at 'This Is The Day 2022' in the national stadium at Budapest, Hungary on Saturday 23rd July.</p>
<p>Such a great venue and a wonderful crowd of worshippers. Enjoy!</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7029001
2022-08-02T17:13:01+02:00
2022-08-02T17:48:20+02:00
This Is The Day (Ez Az A Nap) 2022 - Budapest, Hungary
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/2cff73db0d576f176c5eb3c55fd1cf731424ad13/original/dsc-5144.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Many of you reading this blog, have followed our journey from 'Champion of the World' at Wembley Stadium in 1997, to the present day. We have appreciated your continued interest in what we do and the encouraging messages you send us from time to time. </p>
<p>It was on the day of the Wembley Stadium event that some friends in our church gave us a letter, encouraging us to think of other stadiums around Europe; where thousands could gather for worship. The letter mentioned the cities of Berlin, Budapest and Barcelona. </p>
<p>That letter caused us to embark on a journey that has taken us via a worship event at the Olympic Stadium, Berlin, to a worship gathering for 40,000 people at the brand new national stadium in Budapest on Saturday 23rd July. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>‘The sporting coliseums of this world are not just for <br>football. They are for the last big breath of God’ - Lester Sumrall </em></strong></p>
<p>These words went through our minds on the evening of that day, while watching 40,000 people led in worship by Pintér Béla – one of Hungary's best known Christian singer/songwriters. For us, stadiums are the cathedrals of praise and the sound of thousands of voices joined together in worship, is wonderfully inspiring and moving. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This is the video of that moment and it is wonderful to hear the stadium resounding with this sound.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="HaoX64HEkao" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/HaoX64HEkao/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HaoX64HEkao?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Béla was one of many Hungarian worship leaders featured in an eight hour programme of worship, prayer and teaching at this iconic venue. Supporting artists came from neighbouring nations, the UK, USA and Australia.</p>
<p>They included – Michael W Smith, Bethel Music, London Community Gospel Choir, Noel Robinson, Graham Kendrick, Tim Hughes & Gas Street, Martin Smith, and of course Noel and his band. </p>
<p>The event was called Ez Az A Nap 2022 (This Is The Day 2022) and was planned as an international worship gathering. Though the majority of the audience was Hungarian, with six specially chartered trains transporting people from twenty four cities in the country; a fleet of 200 buses brought people from eight neighbouring countries. A huge logistical undertaking. </p>
<p>The event was also truly ecumenical, with participants and attendees drawn from many Christian streams and denominations. A great achievement. </p>
<p>The vision for this event was the culmination of a 25 year journey that began when Viktor László, a Budapest entrepreneur saw the video of 'Champion of the World' at Wembley Stadium in 1997. It birthed a vision in him to see a gathering like that take place at the national stadium in Budapest. </p>
<p>Through a mutual friend, Noel met up with Viktor in Budapest, in April 1998 and with a few friends, they prayed together at the old national stadium there. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/420958484e4c35db733bc26758b3d3a17f55cfb5/original/84a1c68e-def8-4200-bde4-33244bf18ebc.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Noel & Viktor in the stadium</span></p>
<p>Thus began a journey that none of us imagined would take all these years to complete. </p>
<p>Since 2001, Viktor and his team have been building towards this, organizing dozens of worship events. They began in the early years of the millennium with outdoor events in Budapest, gathering in places like Tabán, Margaret island, Kisstadion, Népstadion park, and Heroes’ Square. In 2010, they moved their events inside, into the Papp László Arena with a capacity of 10,000 people. </p>
<p>Over these years, Viktor has invited internationally known worship leaders and teams to participate and they have become his friends. </p>
<p>In 2019, the brand new national stadium - Puskás Aréna – was completed on the site of the old stadium and plans began in earnest to stage the event in the summer of 2020. </p>
<p>In the latter part of 2019 and early 2020, Noel participated in the promotional 'Roadshow', that visited major cities in Hungary, Ukraine, Romania, Austria, Slovenia, Serbia and Croatia. More than 30,000 attended these events which built a great momentum for 2020 at the stadium. By March of that year they had sold 20,000 tickets. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Then came Covid 19! </p>
<p>The event was postponed and a provisional date pencilled in for 2021 which in the light of the ongoing pandemic was postponed yet again. </p>
<p>At the start of this year, Viktor and his team began to promote a new date - 23rd July. With war in Ukraine breaking out in February, there was the possibility of yet another postponement. Yet in spite of this they continued to work tirelessly to re-build the momentum that had been lost; and slowly, the ticket sales began to pick up. </p>
<p>In a nation with a population of around 10 million people, it is truly remarkable to gather 40,000 people for worship in it's national stadium. So this event has generated interest within the general population, the business community and the government. Everywhere you looked there was advertising for the event – on billboards and public transport. On Sunday evening following the event, the main TV channel carried a report about it and an interview with Viktor. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/9c2c92ccc9ec53bf01a03dd1e64b00723474844a/original/stadium-crowd-by-night.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">The stadium by night.</span></p>
<p>These events might not change the world, but they change the worlds of those who attend them. We believe that a vast majority of those who attended Ez Az A Nap 2022, left the stadium with desire in their hearts to further the Kingdom of Heaven in the villages, towns, cities and nations where they live. Who knows what fruit will be seen, as they pursue the dreams and visions that were planted last Saturday. </p>
<p>As they do so, they will be following the example of Viktor László. A businessman with a Kingdom heart, who carried faithfully for 25 years, the dream God gave him. </p>
<p>It has been a joy to work alongside Viktor all these years, simply being a friend and encourager to him and the team. <br>Who knows where the journey will take us from here. </p>
<p>Saturday 23rd July marked the end of a season for us and now we wait to see what the next season will bring.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="CLICK HERE FOR MORE VIDEOS" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ezazanap/videos" target="_blank"><strong>CLICK HERE FOR MORE VIDEOS</strong></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7026374
2022-07-29T15:48:20+02:00
2022-07-29T15:48:20+02:00
Brits in Budapest - Photo Gallery
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.com/galleries/938349/brits-in-budapest-saturday-23rd-july-2022-puskas-arena" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/28cfef67565102384351646229643b76eea104fa/original/lcgc-good-pic.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>There were a number of well known British artists and musicians involved in last weekend's worship event at the national stadium (Puskás Aréna) in Budapest, Hungary. <br>Bazil Meade and London Community Gospel Choir, Noel Robinson, Martin Smith, Stu G, Tim Hughes & Gas Street, Movement in Worship, Graham Kendrick and Noel Richards.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image to view the gallery</strong></p>
<p> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7023921
2022-07-26T17:43:29+02:00
2022-07-26T17:47:45+02:00
The inside story of how 40,000 gathered to worship Jesus at Hungary’s national stadium
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.premierchristianity.com/worship/the-inside-story-of-how-40000-gathered-to-worship-jesus-at-hungarys-national-stadium/13495.article?fbclid=IwAR0PDVveuqZt0Ql2-TDSwq7f36CFD2dDp7guCrLAF9N7teOr-o06jKDhMLU" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/fe40daded9146b422b322f0e73cce96740a95791/original/ez-az-a-nap-2022-stadium-crowd.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Photo: Nehézy László</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span class="font_large">Premier Christianity asked me to write this short article about last Saturday's stadium worship event in Budapest, Hungary. Click on the image to read it.</span></span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7018849
2022-07-20T22:37:46+02:00
2022-07-20T22:39:21+02:00
In Budapest!
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thisistheday.hu" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/420958484e4c35db733bc26758b3d3a17f55cfb5/original/84a1c68e-def8-4200-bde4-33244bf18ebc.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">With Event Organiser Viktor László at the Arena</span></p>
<p>It's really good to be back in Budapest for Ez Az A Nap (This Is The Day) 2022, taking place at the Puskas Arena on Saturday 23rd July.</p>
<p>Looking forward to sharing in worship with 40,000 people drawn from Hungary and other nations. There are still a few tickets left.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">More information - <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thisistheday.hu" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/7005051
2022-06-30T18:30:03+02:00
2022-07-20T22:23:45+02:00
25th Anniversary of 'Champion of the World' - Wembley Stadium, UK
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="S7xHs76H6q4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/S7xHs76H6q4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S7xHs76H6q4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>This week saw the 25th Anniversary of our worship event at London's Wembley Stadium. On Saturday 28th June 1997, almost 45,000 people gathered in the most famous stadium in the UK, to worship Jesus Christ the true Champion of the World. The venue of legends, where the gods of sport and music have been worshipped, resounded to the sound of true worship.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can see all the video footage of the day by clicking <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMRgnsqVt9HmUAefdmRgozwYmFi_ETaEj" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a></p>
<p>From Wembley, the journey has continued. I had the privilege of being involved in the BBC TV 'Songs of Praise' event at the Principality Stadium in Wales, on the first Sunday of the new millennium. 66,000 people were gathered there and an audience of several million watched on TV.</p>
<p>We called the nations together to worship at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany in 2006.</p>
<p>It is good to look back and reflect on the goodness of God and past blessings. But we do not live there. We keep moving forward..........</p>
<p>.......so on Saturday 23rd July, the national stadium in Budapest, Hungary will be filled with tens of thousands of people from the nations of central Europe and beyond, to worship, pray and declare the good news of the Kingdom.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">See you in Budapest!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="jVDPB-hHuLA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/jVDPB-hHuLA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jVDPB-hHuLA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6998407
2022-06-21T17:36:21+02:00
2022-06-21T17:36:21+02:00
The Courtesy Drop - Podcast
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/59cb012fa9a3b12162aeaf92b1cc9680307e753c/original/artwork.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This podcast provides invaluable advice for all Christians. If you are ever at an event where you are called out to receive personal ministry and feel cornered, you can use 'The Courtesy Drop'.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>You can play the podcast here or download and listen at <a contents="Podbean.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-q6vs5-12568a9" target="_blank">Podbean.com</a></strong></p>
6:12
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6981140
2022-05-27T17:01:31+02:00
2022-05-27T17:34:12+02:00
I Stopped Going To Church - Podcast
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/59cb012fa9a3b12162aeaf92b1cc9680307e753c/original/artwork.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />In this podcast I explain why in 1980, I stopped going to church and began to experience something more than attending a meeting once a week.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>You can play the podcast here or download and listen at <a contents="Podbean.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com" target="_blank">Podbean.com</a></strong></p>
9:26
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6977510
2022-05-23T12:44:08+02:00
2022-05-23T12:44:08+02:00
In The Forever (The Neighbourhood of God)
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="The Neighbourhood of God" data-link-type="page" href="/the-neighbourhood-of-god" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/e82c7eba730fa45af7e99a0df1f6963129d56b3e/original/screenshot-2022-05-23-at-10-04-35.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>A new poem from Tricia Richards & Caroline Bonnett - "In The Forever (The Neighbourhood of God)". </p>
<p>Tricia was inspired after a close friend talked about how perhaps in the end, we all move into the neighbourhood of God. This poem has come out of that conversation. Caroline has wrapped up these words with a beautiful piece of music, that carries us along with comfort and hope. </p>
<p>We are sure that you will know of someone who has gone through loss and bereavement and who will be encouraged by listening to this. So please feel free to share the MP3 and the words with them. </p>
<p>As well as an audio version of the poem, there is also a video version available. </p>
<p><strong>To listen and/or download the poem, please click on the image above.</strong></p>
<p><span class="font_small">Video Cover Image: Sofia Guzeva - https://www.pexels.com/photo/sunrise-behind-clouds-over-body-of-water-11183228/</span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6969500
2022-05-12T17:49:34+02:00
2022-05-12T17:55:03+02:00
Keeping Faith - Podcast
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-783gg-1224dff" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/59cb012fa9a3b12162aeaf92b1cc9680307e753c/original/artwork.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a>In this latest podcast I talk about the journey of faith that Tricia and I have been on, since moving to Spain in 2010. This chapter of our lives has provoked changes both culturally and spiritually. </p>
<p>The podcast concludes with a poem from Tricia called 'Keeping Faith'.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>You can play the podcast here or download and listen at <a contents="Podbean.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichardsconfessions.podbean.com" target="_blank">Podbean.com</a></strong></p>
9:15
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6969331
2022-05-12T12:20:34+02:00
2022-05-23T13:48:44+02:00
Calling All Nations
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVDPB-hHuLA" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/bf2d4e6a1d3c0ee91d4b7ff1f57cbcbe59d04e5e/original/1080x1080-thisistheday.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>News Release from Ez Az A Nap (This is the day) Hungary</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Let's praise together on 23 July 2022, Budapest, Hungary </span></p>
<p>Originally scheduled for 2020, the This is the Day! contemporary Christian music and worship event will take place on 23 July 2022 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. We are expecting tens of thousands of participants from all over Europe to attend the event. </p>
<p>The special guests of the celebration will be Bethel Music and Michael W. Smith from the United States, whose old and new songs are known and loved around the world. From Australia come the Planetshakers, whose upbeat, energetic songs have been performed at previous This is the Day! events. Martin Smith, frontman of the former Delirious? band, will also appear on stage, along with Tim Hughes and Gas Street Music, Graham Kendrick, Noel Richards, and modern gospel acts London Community Gospel Choir and Noel Robinson from the UK. From Moldova, Not An Idol will sing in Romanian. </p>
<p>In addition to international artists, the stadium will also host many Hungarian christian bands. </p>
<p>The concert will be held in the Puskás Aréna and will feature state-of-the-art sound, visual and lighting technology. The gates open at 12:00 and the programme runs from 14:00 to 22:00. The event is open to the public without a vaccination card. The seats in the stadium are covered and protected from rain, so the event will be held in case of bad weather either. Tickets purchased in previous years will be valid for the same seats and under the same conditions on 23 July! </p>
<p>There are several discounts for the tickets and many churches will come by buses from the countryside and also from the neighbouring countries. If you could help us put together a bus from your city please contact us. </p>
<p>Please spread the news of this unique event which can be a feast of the whole region joining many believers in worshipping God.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Visit the Website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thisistheday.hu" target="_blank"><strong>Visit the Website </strong></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6959804
2022-04-29T15:50:43+02:00
2022-04-29T15:50:43+02:00
Is The Second Coming, Coming?
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-seiz9-1212a2a" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/59cb012fa9a3b12162aeaf92b1cc9680307e753c/original/artwork.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a>I have just released my first podcast under the title "Confessions of a Worship Leader". I will gradually release more and hope that you enjoy my humorous and honest take on many of our beliefs. Maybe I will slay some sacred cows in the process.....</p>
<p>In this first podcast I talk about my early background, believing in a fictional event called The Rapture and the fear this provoked in myself and many others. I go on to explain why I struggle to believe that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is happening anytime soon. I look forward to reading your comments.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>You can play the podcast here or click on the image to download and listen at Podbean.com</strong></p>
11:28
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6951463
2022-04-19T12:10:25+02:00
2022-04-19T12:10:25+02:00
Sobremesa For The Soul
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://sobremesaforthesoul.buzzsprout.com/1944770/10444352-lent-2022-episode-8-noel-richards" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/c95d26aee08d7b42d288c7468f2e1fff9f4236aa/original/sobremesa.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>Sobremesa (Spanish for table talk) is a weekly podcast hosted by our friend Mike Jowett who with his wife Julie runs the <a contents="El Palmeral Retreat House" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.palmgrovecommunity.com" target="_blank"><strong>El Palmeral Retreat House</strong></a>,near Elche in sunny Spain. </p>
<p>In these podcasts Mike chats informally with a wide variety of guests. There is a whole series on Lent currently available and I was delighted to be the guest on Episode 8, talking about my work and sharing some acoustic song versions of "You laid aside your majesty", "To be in your presence" and "He has risen".</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image to listen</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6939967
2022-04-04T18:41:53+02:00
2023-05-31T16:19:55+02:00
My Friend Gerald Coates
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/16fbc59101f1e97e2287cfca3a48dcb3163083a1/original/img-0005.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />In the autumn of 1978 the controversial house church leader Gerald Coates was invited to speak at a public city-wide celebration gathering in Plymouth (UK). Tricia and I just married, were invited to lead the worship with our band, at that event. </p><p>We arrived to set up and while doing so, I noticed a guy in a raincoat helping to put out the chairs. </p><p>That was Gerald and this first encounter with him made a great impression on me. Throughout my upbringing in a church environment, I had never known visiting preachers who displayed such a willingness to do something as mundane as putting out the chairs. </p><p>This was servant leadership. </p><p>Following this event, Gerald stayed on to speak to our small youth church for a couple of evenings. We had never encountered anyone quite like this. Gerald regaled us with his life story, a collection of outrageous and hilarious anecdotes which also involved friendships with famous rock stars..... </p><p>Those evenings more than 40 years ago marked the start of a friendship with Gerald that changed our lives completely. </p><p>It involved Tricia and I together with 50 other friends, moving 200 miles to Cobham, just outside London, to be a part of Cobham Christian Fellowship which Gerald had planted in that town. This would be our home for the next 30 years. </p><p>During that time, Gerald and I worked and travelled together, visiting many nations in Europe, North America, Africa and Australasia. </p><p>I had the wonderful privilege of witnessing first-hand, Gerald's demolishing of religious sacred cows, as he encouraged the church to truly embody the values of the King and His Kingdom. </p><p>One example was in New Zealand during Easter 1984. We were participating in a conference there, which went really well until the Sunday morning. </p><p>The organisers had gone from informality to Sunday morning default. There was a table with a large white sheet on it, covering the bread and wine. Everyone was creeping around in reverence rather than reality. I told the organisers that Gerald would not like this. Sure enough he didn't. He started his preach by saying, <i><strong>“Of all the meetings in the church calendar, this is the one I hate the most. And this (as he tore the white sheet off the table) doesn't help at all”. </strong></i></p><p>There were gasps from the crowd but Gerald had not finished. He began to eat the bread off the table while he was preaching. This was too much for some people who made their feelings known. Gerald was unperturbed. He said,<i><strong>“What's the problem? We are all going to eat this in a few minutes, I am just having mine early!”.</strong></i> He was making the point that we had made 'breaking bread' into something that it was never meant to be. Vintage Gerald. </p><p>As we travelled together we would brainstorm lyrics for worship songs. </p><p>We started work on <strong>'Great Is The Darkness'</strong> while in Ludenscheid, Germany, not realising what a significant hymn it would turn out to be. Gerald came up with the line <i><strong>'watching while sanity dies'</strong></i> which I thought would never work; but it does. </p><p>When Tricia and I could not finish our Easter hymn <strong>'He Has Risen'</strong> it was Gerald who came up with the missing lines. </p><p>We worked on so many projects together, but probably the most memorable was 'Champion of the World' at London's Wembley Stadium, where we gathered almost 45,000 to worship, in June 1997. </p><p>Sunday 3rd April 2022, marked the end of Gerald's life on this planet. During his 78 years, he has impacted the church and countless lives around the globe. His passing marks the end of an era. </p><p>I am grateful for the way he influenced my life, my marriage, my faith and my understanding of the Kingdom. Also for helping me to become the singer/songwriter I aspired to be. </p><p>But above all else, for simply being my friend. </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6929719
2022-03-23T13:38:37+01:00
2022-03-23T17:05:01+01:00
New Video for our Easter song - 'Because He Lives'
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TbqTGL3CxU" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/2ec92d3d5eeca41144a935f1c24a5670fe7f8d59/original/youtube-thumbnail.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a>For Easter, I have just released a new video of our song "Because He Lives". Hopefully it will be a good resource for you to use over this period, especially as it displays the lyrics.</p>
<p>If you would like a complimentary copy of this video for your own use, or for your church community, <a contents="CLICK HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.com/product/774835" target="_blank"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></a> to download it.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>To play the video, simply click on the image above.</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6907191
2022-02-25T17:34:25+01:00
2022-02-26T11:59:58+01:00
The Closing Days/Great Is The Darkness - Pray for Ukraine
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/UzMxUjLtGf4" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/01f920e8afac8edf284f0d1e8de4923fb4685ea8/original/ukraine-flag.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>I recorded these two songs back in 1990. Somehow, in the light of the events unfolding in Ukraine today, the lyrics seem timely and relevant. We pray for an end to this terrible war in Ukraine and for justice to flow like a river.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO PLAY THE VIDEO</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">YOU CAN ALSO DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO FOR YOUR OWN USE - <a contents="CLICK HERE" data-link-label="The Closing Days/Great Is The Darkness - Pray For Ukraine " data-link-type="file" href="/files/1165556/The%20Closing%20Days/Great%20Is%20The%20Darkness%20-%20Pray%20For%20Ukraine%20" target="_blank"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Image - https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Natanael+Ginting</span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6904746
2022-02-23T09:44:58+01:00
2022-02-23T09:50:03+01:00
Greater Than Anyone - new recording
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/oQ9MPBfJqtY" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/9cf499a9123332a8c022caed4611e267262c851c/original/youtube-greater-than-anyone.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a>My friend Andrej Grozdanov from Croatia, has just released a brand new album -<strong><a contents=' "This Is The Day - Andrej Grozdanov &amp; Voices of the World".&nbsp;' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://andrejgrozdanov.bandcamp.com/album/andrej-grozdanov-voices-of-the-world-this-is-the-day" target="_blank"> "This Is The Day - Andrej Grozdanov & Voices of the World". </a> </strong>One of the songs included on the album is 'Greater Than Anyone' which features Tricia and myself on the vocals.<br>We have produced a simple lyric video for the song and you can watch it by clicking on the image above.</p>
<p>If you want the chord chart for the song, please click <a contents="here." data-link-label="Greater Than Anyone (From the rising of the sun)" data-link-type="file" href="/files/1165091/Greater%20Than%20Anyone%20(From%20the%20rising%20of%20the%20sun)" target="_blank"><b>here.</b></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6856675
2022-01-01T18:27:44+01:00
2022-01-01T19:04:05+01:00
Noel & Tricia Live Event on Zoom
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/8794192a45f7256cd8a61e83d73cdb0564ba1a65/original/screenshot-2021-12-18-at-13-09-36.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Happy New Year! This Thursday evening 6th January, we will be doing an online worship event featuring songs, poems and conversation. The event will run for 90 minutes and you are welcome to join us for all or part of the time.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>The event starts at 6.30pm (USA CENTRAL TIME)</strong></span></p>
<p><br>If you would like to join us, please <a contents="CLICK HERE" data-link-label="Zoom Worship Event" data-link-type="page" href="/zoom-worship-event" target="_blank"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></a> and we will send you the event link. Space is limited, so let us know as soon as possible.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6849402
2021-12-22T23:13:40+01:00
2021-12-22T23:15:11+01:00
Worship & Wine at Christmas
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="Worship & Wine" data-link-type="page" href="/worship-wine" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/1fda2aee667b6e91bdc84d3bd36a4a5f990f233d/original/youtube-header-small.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a>I have just uploaded a special festive edition of our regular online worship event, featuring Christmas songs, videos and of course, a wine recommendation. Presented by myself and Tricia.</p>
<p>Songs:</p>
<p>1) O little town of Bethlehem</p>
<p>2) God rest you merry gentlemen</p>
<p>3) Silent night</p>
<p>4) White Christmas</p>
<p>5) Feliz Navidad</p>
<p>6) The one who was born to love</p>
<p>7) Angels sing their song tonight</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image to play it.</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6756030
2021-09-24T10:36:16+02:00
2021-09-24T10:48:58+02:00
Worship and Wine on Wednesday - New Season Begins
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="Worship & Wine" data-link-type="page" href="/worship-wine" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/c9f245d13cb6ca9a0804387afa217a3bef967894/original/www-website-screenshot-1.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>I am looking forward to the new season of WWW, which will start on Wednesday 29th September.</p>
<p>I am also delighted to announce that you will now be able to watch these events live on my website.</p>
<p>This means that my friends who do not use Social Media will have access to every episode.</p>
<p>There is a dedicated page on my website for this -<a contents="'Worship &amp; Wine'" data-link-label="Worship & Wine" data-link-type="page" href="/worship-wine" target="_blank">'Worship & Wine'</a> . Watch 'live' or on 'catch-up' and access previous episodes at the page.</p>
<p>Please join me at 7.30pm (UK Time) for worship songs and conversation mixed in with some wine tasting!</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6738662
2021-09-07T18:13:45+02:00
2021-09-07T18:20:57+02:00
A Fresh Approach To My Biography
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/e7b60d83153ea49ae986dcb7c54f0fb2d921fced/original/noel-acoustic.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" />Tricia and I were talking to a couple of our closest friends recently. The conversation came around to how people promote themselves on their websites, social-media, bios. It seems that no amount of superlatives can be too much when it comes to portraying the impact one is having on a global scale!</p>
<p>Maybe it is a weakness of our humanity that we talk up and embellish our achievements. So it got me thinking that it was high time that I updated my own biography. I decided that it was probably best to offer potential concert organisers two different types of Biographies to use in their promotion. </p>
<p>The first Bio. might make you chuckle but the serious point, is that I am an ordinary guy, who has been fortunate to write some songs that have connected with people. Read on:</p>
<hr><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>BIO 1 – The Unvarnished Truth </strong></p>
<p>I have been very fortunate to make a living out of music. I am not a particularly accomplished musician or singer. I don't eat, sleep and breathe music. In fact you have to drag me kicking and screaming to rehearse songs. </p>
<p>My greatest achievement in life is being married to Tricia since 1978 and having the great gifts of a son, daughter and 4 wonderful grandchildren. Nothing else really matters that much. </p>
<p>I do not have any awards, except a Gold disc, for singing someone else's song on an album that sold more than a million units in the USA and beyond. The song was 'We Want To See Jesus Lifted High', and I did not think it was that good when I first heard it. How wrong can you be!</p>
<p>Tricia and I have been writing songs together since we first started dating. In fact, our first date was meeting up to write a song. </p>
<p>By some accident, a number of songs we wrote together between 1985 and 1995, became popular. Particularly 'All Heaven Declares', which has opened all sorts of doors for us in different countries. Most of our best songs were written in a few hours! </p>
<p>In 1997 Tricia and I had a crazy idea with a bunch of friends, to rent Wembley Stadium, London, UK, for a worship event. It cost a lot of money to put on. Fortunately, around 43,000 people in the UK thought it was a good idea and they bought tickets. So we managed to have a great event and not have to sell our house to pay the bills. </p>
<p>After a very busy period in our lives we relocated in 2010 to the island of Mallorca, Spain where we live in Palma, the capital city. </p>
<p>Pre-Covid, we continued to write, record and perform together and our latest CD – Quiet My Soul – was released in September 2017. </p>
<p>Post-Covid, we are not sure what our plans will be. We are certainly less eager to travel with all the added hoops we now have to jump through. Unless we are visiting our family, or feel the event is worth doing.</p>
<p>So if you are reading this, it means that you have decided to find out more about me/us and might even be interested in hosting a concert for us! </p>
<hr><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>BIO 2 – The Glossy Truth </strong></p>
<p>In a musical career spanning almost 50 years, Noel has performed in 40 countries and played in every kind of venue - street corners, bars, concert halls, churches, cathedrals and stadiums. </p>
<p>He has been married to Tricia since 1978 and they have two children and 4 grandchildren. </p>
<p>Since the late 1970s, Noel & Tricia have been involved in the worldwide contemporary Christian worship movement and have written many modern hymns and songs. Perhaps the best known of these is "All Heaven Declares". At one time, they had 17 songs that featured in the UK CCLI top 500, Church Copyright listing. </p>
<p>He has recorded 14 albums and also appeared on numerous "live" event/compilation albums. The most successful of these is Sparrow records "I could sing of your love forever" on which Noel is featured singing a live version of "We want to see Jesus lifted high". This album has sold in excess of a million units. </p>
<p>In 1997, Noel & Tricia were key members of the team that organised the 'Champion of the World' event at London's Wembley Stadium, with an attendance of more than 43,000, making it the biggest contemporary Christian music event ever staged in that venue. </p>
<p>Since 1998, Noel has been a regular visitor to Hungary playing gigs at various venues, including the Kisstadion and László Papp Budapest Sports Arena. </p>
<p>In 2010, Noel & Tricia moved to the island of Mallorca, Spain where they live in Palma, the capital city. </p>
<p>They continue to write, record and perform together and their latest CD – Quiet My Soul – was released in September 2017.</p>
<p> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6699263
2021-07-27T16:12:23+02:00
2021-07-27T16:12:23+02:00
Worship Song Playlist
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.noelrichards.com/music#playlist" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/93fee1c801c8e22c8e21930c67a84b491ec9a3cd/original/noel-richards-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJjb250ZW50LnNpdGV6b29nbGUuY29tIn0=/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a>I have compiled a 30 minute 'Worship Song Playlist' for you to stream. They are tracks from the 'Love songs from Heaven' album, featuring:</p>
<p>1 You laid aside your majesty - Matt Redman</p>
<p>2 You are my passion - Lou Fellingham </p>
<p>3 All heaven declares - Darlene Zschech </p>
<p>4 To be in your presence - Cathy Burton</p>
<p>5 Great is the darkness - David Ruis</p>
<p>6 By your side - Martin Smith</p>
<p>7 Overwhelmed by love - Tim Hughes</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image to play</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6697675
2021-07-25T13:34:10+02:00
2021-07-25T14:22:53+02:00
The Table
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/3ebe0e272906f41f3f7bc5ff90425c63ac94a7c2/original/the-table-3.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" />As a singer/songwriter, I have been privileged to travel to so many different nations and cultures. I have visited some beautiful places both man-made and natural. However, my favourite place in the whole world, is sitting around a table with friends and family. The conversations, the laughter (and sometimes tears), the food and drink, create a symphony of pleasure and delight to the senses. </p>
<p>Last night, here in Mallorca, we gathered around my 'favourite place' with family and friends, to celebrate the 90th birthday of a much loved man. </p>
<p>His wife wanted it to be a very special occasion and requested that we all dress up for the event. It was the hottest summer day this year, in Mallorca, with temperatures that had nudged 40ºC. And yet here we were, all 'dressed up to the nines'; the men in shirts, ties and long trousers and the women in glittering party dresses and ballgowns. </p>
<p>There were sixteen of us gathered around the table in the garden of our friends' home, to mark this milestone in someone's life. </p>
<p>The table groaned under the weight of the fabulous party food, jugs of Sangria and bottles of wine. </p>
<p>We sang Happy Birthday in Spanish and English and then as had been requested, I sang a couple of songs for the 'birthday boy'. </p>
<p>He is a lover of God and one of his favourite songs is 'You laid aside your majesty”. So I sang this for him and then, since he is Welsh (as am I), I sang 'Here is love vast as the ocean' in both English and Welsh. </p>
<p>It was a very lovely moment, sitting under the stars with people we have grown to love, singing a song that gives a context to that love. </p>
<p>Conversations were in Spanish, Mallorquin, English and a smattering of Welsh. What a wonderful mixture. </p>
<p>As I looked at the table, at the end of the evening, I was struck by the artistic beauty of it all. The glittering candles, the abundance of bottles and glasses, the colours, the shapes and the textures. </p>
<p>To me it is a priceless work of art. An accidental masterpiece. </p>
<p>I think we created a beautiful lasting memory for our friend and so much more last night, as we filled a garden with laughter, love and music. </p>
3:30
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6690227
2021-07-16T23:04:14+02:00
2021-07-16T23:04:14+02:00
Podcasts of Tricia Richards Poetry
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://triciarichardspoetry.podbean.com" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/c0d16c9ad0f9e41a1606e2a6b1d1ac88deaf4025/original/podcast-image-3.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a>You can now download the poetry of Tricia Richards in short Podcasts which are available on Podbean. Click the image to access the free Podcasts. </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6673931
2021-06-29T17:58:00+02:00
2021-07-03T12:53:33+02:00
Keeping Faith
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/a677b1997eb4799680bb529b118b54e147c4c522/original/faith2-copy.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Eleven years ago, we embarked on a new chapter in our lives. We moved out of the UK, to make our home in Spain. We did not want to be typical expats, so moved into a Spanish neighbourhood, became Spanish residents and sought to integrate into a culture that is very different from our own. At the time, we did not realise the implications of stepping out of our British culture and mindset. Or more importantly, the implications of stepping outside the comfort of the British Christian culture, that we enjoyed and had lived in, for most of our lives. </p>
<p>Together, with a small group of friends, we learned a different way of being church together. Also, for the first time in our lives, we found ourselves making deep friendships with people who had no belief in God whatsoever. </p>
<p>We had to learn a new language - Spanish - in order to make simple conversation. But also in order to share our faith, we found that we had to shed much of the Christian jargon we had used in the past. </p>
<p>We had a good friendship with our Muslim neighbours, until they moved to a new country. Also, there were many conversations over a bottle of wine, with another neighbour who was definitely spiritual but not on the same path as ourselves. These experiences and others, provoked us to look at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. We were looking objectively at our faith and wondered how much of it had been shaped by the values of a first world 'Christian culture', rather than by scripture.</p>
<p>Several years ago someone asked Tricia if she was having a crisis of faith. Her immediate reply was, “No, but I am having a crisis of culture".</p>
<p>These years in Spain have seen a shift for us, not only geographically but spiritually and culturally. Many of the beliefs, ideas and thoughts that we had embraced have been examined and sifted. This piece of poetry by Tricia in some ways explains the journey that we have been on. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Keeping Faith </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’m taking a different route <br>It might be a long way round <br>But if we should meet along the way <br>Please greet me without prejudice <br>Or judgement <br>Be happy for the liberty I’m finding <br>It would be such joy <br>Such freedom for us both <br>Maybe we can really see each other <br>In this different light </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I did not want my cynicism to drown me <br>And so I stepped away <br>Though some would say I fell <br>But really <br>My weary worn out heart just needed space <br>To find a quiet more simple path <br>Without the probing questions <br>Or the looks of loving deep concern <br>Memorials and signposts <br>Had began to look the same <br>And any facade that I had built <br>And happily decorated my life with <br>Tumbled as I walked away </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I took the faith I’d tried to comprehend <br>Stepped outside a culture <br>That was all I’d ever known <br>And sought a different view <br>It’s not that you were wrong or I was right <br>It’s just I couldn’t see the way ahead from where I stood <br>Without the rules and constraints <br>All expectations stopped <br>And so the life I could not seem to blend with <br>All the things I no longer cared so deeply for <br>Fell away <br>Like leaves at autumns calling . </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I found that I was left with God unchanged <br>In the silence His love remained <br>It never missed a beat <br>Love continued like Niagara falling <br>Stronger than all my fears <br>Bigger than the total sum of all my investment <br>Deeper than everything I had heard or learned <br>God Immense and vast <br>And from His storehouse <br>Treasures old and new came to me <br>As I continue on my way <br>I’m just taking a different route. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">© & ℗ Tricia Richards 2021</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Image:&nbsp;https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/wooden-cubes-with-word-faith-table_4351836.htm?query=faith" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/wooden-cubes-with-word-faith-table_4351836.htm?query=faith" target="_blank">Image: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/wooden-cubes-with-word-faith-table_4351836.htm?query=faith</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6642549
2021-05-28T17:32:15+02:00
2021-05-28T17:32:15+02:00
YouTube Channel Updated
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkpVWA9J3Hn6rhMAB9Uz1rA" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/1375e1df12a6697cf2a2bf2343e06a17edd283f0/original/screenshot-2021-05-28-at-17-28-15.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>I have been busy updating my YouTube channel to give it a much cleaner appearance, It is now easier to navigate to the different sections which include, Acoustic Songs, Stadiums and Arenas, Worship & Wine and more.......</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image and take a look.</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6629211
2021-05-13T10:31:35+02:00
2021-05-13T10:31:35+02:00
Face to Face - Tricia Richards/Caroline Bonnett
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/UMva9dM11OA" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/eea562d686f149d89e86ac9dbf911dbc18cc1494/original/face-to-face-image.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>An inspirational poem from Tricia set to beautiful music from Caroline Bonnett. This was recorded for the <a contents="Lifeline CD" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.bandcamp.com/album/lifeline" target="_blank"><strong>Lifeline CD</strong></a> which is still available at my <a contents="Bandcamp website." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.bandcamp.com/album/lifeline" target="_blank"><strong>Bandcamp website.</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>To play the video, click on the image.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To download a copy for your own use click <a contents="HERE." data-link-label="Face to Face" data-link-type="file" href="/files/1124946/Face%20to%20Face" target="_blank"><strong>HERE.</strong></a> There is no charge for this, but if you want to put something in our <a contents="TIP JAR" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.com/tip-jars/5941" target="_blank"><strong>TIP JAR</strong></a>, that is always appreciated. </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6627314
2021-05-11T10:14:13+02:00
2021-05-11T10:18:14+02:00
Behind The Music Interview - with Dave Bell
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/257beLmP8DE" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/20690eaf3110a1d75dc790ede67cf1d86e3ba386/original/181579783-10161029400763858-3449240679179530849-n.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>Dave Bell a very talented musician/songwriter from Lincoln (UK) is recording a series of video interviews with worship leaders. It was a privilege to chat to him about my work as a singer/songwriter/worship leader.</p>
<p>In the interview we talked about my journey to date, from the early days in South Wales to the present. We covered a range of subjects such as how it all started for me, musical influences, organising the Wembley Stadium event, my favourite guitars and more......</p>
<p>We also talked about how Tricia and I wrote 'All Heaven Declares' and the interview ends with a wonderful version of the song, recorded and sung by Dave.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image above to watch the video</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6608099
2021-04-19T17:13:10+02:00
2021-04-19T17:14:08+02:00
Online Worship Video Resource
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="Online Worship Video Resource" data-link-type="page" href="/online-worship-video-resource" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/0a2d36574d48d7a098e97b3592b16d47e250e598/original/noel-acoustic-2.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>During the period of this pandemic, many churches have been meeting online, using streaming platforms with live and pre-recorded videos. I have been asked for acoustic versions of my worship songs and this new resource features those. <br>All the videos have the lyrics added, which makes it easier for people to engage in worship. </p>
<p>You can download these videos for your own personal use or for your church community. </p>
<p>There is no charge for these videos but if you would like to support me in what I am doing please use the Tip Jar.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image to access this resource page.</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6590100
2021-03-31T19:04:29+02:00
2021-03-31T19:05:50+02:00
Easter Song Compilation
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/714254/easter-compilation" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/0ba3c98c2c84717d3a97ccd9c580009b569f20c3/original/because-he-lives-cover.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We have compiled a playlist of our songs that have an Easter Theme. The list includes: He has risen, All heaven declares, You laid aside your majesty and 7 others.......<br><br>Click on the image above to access and listen to the compilation. Happy Easter!</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6581169
2021-03-22T10:44:25+01:00
2021-03-22T10:46:35+01:00
Acoustic Song Videos for Easter
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/043ab22fefe316271f54f980bc4b56eb7067ec84/original/easter-song-videos.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Since many of your churches may well be meeting online over this period, I have put together a short 17 minute video of myself singing our Easter songs with my acoustic guitar. I thought this might be a useful resource for you. </p>
<p>The songs are: <br><em>He has risen <br>You laid aside your majesty <br>Because He lives <br>All heaven declares </em></p>
<p>If you would like to have these songs as a complete set or individually for your church or personal use, please click the link below and complete the online order form on this website.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="VIDEO ORDER" data-link-label="Easter Acoustic Videos" data-link-type="page" href="/easter-acoustic-videos" target="_blank"><strong>VIDEO ORDER</strong></a></p>
<p>There is no charge for this at all. I simply love the opportunity of continuing to share our songs with you. However, if you want to make a donation at any time, you can do so via my online <a contents="'Tip Jar'." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://noelrichards.com/tip-jars/5941" target="_blank"><strong>'Tip Jar'.</strong></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6558165
2021-02-25T10:44:59+01:00
2021-02-25T10:58:42+01:00
Song of the Week - Jesus Christ is Lord
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/aa6ffe0fa1416ea8397b48531b4b55733b49ad3a/original/ic-7415.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>While working on songs for this week's WWW, I re-discovered this great track released on the By Your Side CD in 1990. The song was written by Ramon Pink a New Zealander and I first heard it when visiting that country in 1989.</p>
<p>Some great guitar work from Neil Costello and wonderful BVs from Faye Simpson, Pat Knight & Lawrence Johnson. The track flows into "All Heaven Declares "and "I will seek Your face O Lord". A great medley......</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image above to play the song.</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6537321
2021-02-02T18:37:24+01:00
2021-02-02T18:37:24+01:00
Song of the Week - Need To Love
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/bb4ce120cd3e168c1339ee92692459dd29e4dfa5/original/together-235128-1280.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a>Tricia and I wrote this song several years ago, but it seems that the lyrics are even more relevant today. Our society is becoming increasingly polarised. Those of us who use social media cannot fail to notice the hatred and vitriol that people pour out on those with differing political, religious or philosophical views to their own. We see racism raising it's ugly head, alongside nationalism, intolerance, suspicion and fear of those who are different. </p>
<p>More than ever we need to embrace the wonderful words of 1 Corinthians 13, which ends with: <em>"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love".</em></p>
<p>In this current climate may we all do our best to not only love the Lord with everything we have, but to truly love our neighbours as we love ourselves.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO PLAY/DOWNLOAD SONG</strong></p>
<p>You might be right and I'm wrong <br>I may be weak and you're strong <br>No matter where we come from <br>Why can't we all get along </p>
<p>Why can't we live side by side <br>Let go of all that divides <br>You can't hear my point of view <br>When I don't listen to you </p>
<p>Refrain: </p>
<p>We need to love <br>We need to show <br>Respect <br>We need to love <br>Each other as we love <br>Ourselves </p>
<p>Why does our truth make us fight <br>Why do we need to be right <br>Our fears flourish and grow <br>When we let prejudice show </p>
<p>Refrain: </p>
<p>Some say God rules over all <br>Loves all His children the same <br>So is He taking the fall <br>For all that's done in His name? </p>
<p>Refrain: </p>
<p>So I will try to be kind <br>And leave good memories behind <br>Knowing that when I am gone <br>This love will still carry on </p>
<p>© 2014 Noel & Tricia Richards Music <br>Lyrics: Noel & Tricia Richards Music: Noel & Tricia Richards</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This pandemic is bringing out the very best in people, as we but we are also seeing selfishness, anger, frustration and </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6506907
2020-12-24T11:45:20+01:00
2020-12-24T11:45:20+01:00
Worship & Wine at Christmas
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="OVnJHFsHymA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/OVnJHFsHymA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OVnJHFsHymA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Tricia and I really enjoyed sharing songs, conversation and a little wine with all our Facebook friends on 23rd December. Our Christmas event featured the following songs:</p>
<p>1) O little town of Bethlehem </p>
<p>2) God rest you merry gentlemen </p>
<p>3) Silent night </p>
<p>4) Angels sing their song tonight </p>
<p>5) White Christmas </p>
<p>6) Feliz Navidad</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6499670
2020-12-15T10:22:13+01:00
2020-12-15T10:22:13+01:00
Song of the Week - The Promise
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="NAfoML_kxCk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/NAfoML_kxCk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NAfoML_kxCk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>A beautiful Christmas song written and performed by <a contents="Sue Rinaldi" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.suerinaldi.net" target="_blank">Sue Rinaldi</a>, looking at the miracle story through the eyes of Mary. </p>
<p>Music and video produced by<a contents=" SCNMedia" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.scnmedia.co.uk" style="" target="_blank"><strong> SCNMedia</strong></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6499008
2020-12-14T16:08:04+01:00
2020-12-14T16:08:43+01:00
Jesus Loves Me - Classic Hymn
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="du17i6GBweE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/du17i6GBweE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/du17i6GBweE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I am enjoying the process of re-discovering some of the classic songs. This one was written in the nineteenth century. It is a Christian hymn written by Anna Bartlett Warner who lived from 1827 to1915. The lyrics first appeared as a poem in the context of an 1860 novel called 'Say and Seal', written by her older sister Susan Warner, in which the words were spoken as a comforting poem to a dying child. </p>
<p>The tune was added in 1862 by William Batchelder Bradbury(1816–1868). </p>
<p>Along with his tune, Bradbury added his own chorus. </p>
<p>After publication as a song it became one of the most popular Christian hymns in churches around the world, especially among children.</p>
<p>I recorded this as part of my regular "Worship & Wine on Wednesday" event on 9th December.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6494041
2020-12-08T11:02:55+01:00
2021-04-21T19:06:06+02:00
Song of the Week - Angels Sing Their Song Tonight
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="bkMHgpHoHTc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/bkMHgpHoHTc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bkMHgpHoHTc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>At this time of the year, we always tell everyone about our Christmas song, which we wrote back in 2009. We trust that as you listen to it, you will once again be reminded of the wonderful hope we have. This is the season when we remind ourselves of the miracle of Christ's birth. That moment in history when heaven touched earth and God clothed himself in a human form and came to live among us.</p>
<p>Click this link to listen or download. <strong><a contents="The free MP3 download includes lyrics and chord chart." data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week" target="_blank">The free MP3 download includes lyrics and chord chart.</a></strong></p>
<p>Click on the image above to play the video.</p>
<p>Happy Christmas!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>ANGELS SING THEIR SONG TONIGHT (f/l Wonder of a new born son) </strong></p>
<p>Wonder of a new born son <br>Greatest gift to everyone <br>Saviour of the world is He <br>Mary holds him tenderly </p>
<p>Hear the news the shepherds bring <br>They have seen the infant King <br>He is called Immanuel <br>God has come with us to dwell </p>
<p>Angels sing <br>“Glory be to God” <br>Christ has come <br>Hope for all is birthed <br>When Heaven kisses earth <br>Angels sing their song <br>Tonight </p>
<p>Seek the star that burns so bright <br>Let it be your guiding light <br>To a stable cold and bare <br>You will find the Saviour there </p>
<p>Wise men lay your treasure down <br>Worship on this holy ground <br>Bow before the Prince of Peace <br>For His kingdom will not cease </p>
<p>Noel & Tricia Richards © Thankyou Music 2009</p>
<p>CCLI Number 5623491</p>
<p> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6489225
2020-12-01T15:37:00+01:00
2021-04-21T19:06:01+02:00
Song of the Week - Our Confidence Is In The Lord
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/c5e596643e44d1db6181fb60dbc960eba9d79d27/original/dsc-6229.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>This song was birthed during a worship team rehearsal back in 1989. Tricia started to sing out the phrase "He is our fortress......." from Psalm 62 and afterwards we thought it would be great to write a song based on that Psalm. In this year which is filled with so much uncertainty, we hope that these words will be a reminder as to where we can find peace and rest in the storm....</p>
<p>This acoustic version is taken from our album "Quiet My Soul" which features myself, Tricia and Harun Kotch.</p>
<p>Our confidence is in the Lord <br>The source of our salvation. <br>Rest is found in Him alone, <br>The Author of creation. </p>
<p>We will not fear the evil day, <br>Because we have a refuge; <br>In every circumstance we say, <br>Our hope is built on Jesus. </p>
<p>He is our fortress, <br>We will never be shaken. <br>He is our fortress, <br>We will never be shaken. <br>(Repeat) </p>
<p>We will put our trust in God. <br>We will put our trust in God. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Noel & Tricia Richards <br>Copyright © 1989 Thankyou Music <br>CCLI No: 649642</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6484533
2020-11-24T13:05:26+01:00
2021-04-21T19:04:30+02:00
Song of the Week - Quiet My Soul
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/147978054fe2da32a1b40dd622894bb9402a3314/original/awal2-copy.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>The music for this song was birthed during a soundcheck for a concert in Berlin, Germany in November 2015. Tricia was playing her guitar and she began to improvise a simple melody. We captured it on a smartphone and filed it away for future use. </p>
<p>In early 2017, when we were looking through our file of ideas, this tune resonated with us. We sat down with our guitars and as we played together, the lyric – 'Still my beating anxious heart' – dropped into our minds. It seemed like a good starting place for the first verse of the song. </p>
<p>We developed the music further by adding a refrain and then began working on the ideas and lyrics that would build on this opening line. We talked about fear, stress and anxiety that can cause the heart and mind to race and thought that a song tackling this subject might be worth exploring. </p>
<p>When writing in any form, be it a song or a story, it is best to write from what you know and experience. </p>
<p>Tricia has experienced panic attacks for most of her adult life and anyone who has suffered these, knows how debilitating and restricting these can be. So we wrote this song drawing from what Tricia has been through over these many years. The lines of the song speak about the feelings of anxiety, panic, fear and uncontrolled thoughts. There is a need to find a place of peace and calm in all of this, hence the line repeated over and over again in this song – 'Quiet my soul'. </p>
<p>We sensed that the refrain should focus on what we need to do in those times when we feel overwhelmed by everything and are unable to cope. We hold on to what we know. We hold on to the one who is the saviour of our souls. We hold onto his words that speak peace to our souls in the midst of the storms. </p>
<p>Almost every time that we have performed this song in the last few years, we have people talk to us about their own struggles with panic attacks, stress and irrational fears. They have been encouraged to know that people like us, who when performing on stage can look so together, are going through a similar experience to their own. </p>
<p>For that reason, we believe that this song has a great role to play in these days. Life seems to move and change at such an overwhelmingly fast pace. There is an increasing need for mindfulness and taking the time to simply quiet our souls. </p>
<p>This is a scripture that we share when we perform this song in concert. </p>
<p>Psalm 131 v 2 from The Message says: </p>
<p>I’ve kept my feet on the ground, <br> I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. <br>Like a baby content in its mother’s arms, <br> my soul is a baby content. </p>
<p>We hope that as you listen to 'Quiet My Soul', you will find a place of peace in whatever storms you might be facing right now.</p>
<p>Still my beating anxious heart <br>Quiet my soul <br>Calm my mind so torn apart <br>Quiet my soul </p>
<p>When my thoughts run unrestrained <br>Quiet my soul <br>When my fears can't be contained <br>Quiet my soul </p>
<p>Holding on to what I know <br>Holding on I won't let go <br>Noel & Tricia Richards </p>
<p><br>© 2017 Noel & Tricia Richards Music <br>CCLI Number: 7087017</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6479534
2020-11-17T14:55:49+01:00
2021-04-21T19:03:38+02:00
Song of the Week - Come Now Is The Time To Worship
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1ixF0UEws3dfNBdhHIju0r" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/055fde60bd5c8b31703f27387630ec43ed21b95c/original/neil-brad-noel-budapest-arena.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>The first time heard this song, I fell in love with it. I played it all day, to get the chords and melody memorised and then in the evening, used it in an event where I was leading worship. It became a regular part of my setlist and I recorded a version of it on my album "Calling All Nations" in 1999.</p>
<p>This live version of the song was recorded by my regular band, but I cannot remember the actual event where it was recorded.</p>
<p>The following is the story of how <a contents="Brian Doerksen" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.briandoerksen.com" target="_blank"><strong>Brian Doerksen</strong></a> came to write it. I found it at <a contents="songfacts.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.songfacts.com/facts/brian-doerksen/come-now-is-the-time-to-worship" target="_blank"><strong>songfacts.com</strong></a></p>
<p><em>This is Doerksen's best known song, which came at the end of the darkest and lowest season of his life in the summer of 1997. He recalled the story of the song during an interview with The St. Augustine Record: "Our family had moved to England, and I became the Worship Pastor of Southwest London Vineyard, meeting in the Elliot School. I had no other place to live and no other job offers. I felt as if I were barely hanging onto my faith in God." </em></p>
<p><em>"My wife and I were severely tested when we heard from those in the medical profession that two of our six children had a condition called Fragile X Syndrome, a form of mental retardation. I remember looking at one of our small children and thinking, 'He will need personal care for the rest of his life.'" </em></p>
<p><em>"One morning, within months of moving to London, I went for an exercise/prayer walk, as I often did. I walked just to clear my head, to pray, to give my day to God, and to pour out some of my pain and my dreams. As I was walking through southwest London, very close to Wimbledon Stadium, I heard a message floating through the air. It was as clear as a bell, 'Come, now is the time to worship.' I thought, WOW!, the call to worship is being sounded all of the time and in all kinds of ways. God is reaching out to his creation, inviting us to come, to do the very thing we were created to do." </em></p>
<p><em>"When I got home I ran upstairs and sat down at the piano. I began playing the song over and over again. I said to myself, 'What is this song? What is this call that is going out?'" </em></p>
<p><em>"Within weeks of teaching the song to our church congregation, I began hearing reports of other churches singing it. After a few months, I began to hear reports of the song being sung in other countries. Soon the success of 'Come, Now Is the Time to Worship' blessed our family by allowing us to move back home to Canada, to the house in which I was raised."</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image to play the live version of the song on Spotify</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the site wide player to hear the studio version.</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6474083
2020-11-10T13:30:48+01:00
2021-04-21T19:02:28+02:00
Song of the Week - All Of My Lifetime
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/67e3f0ce429e34a7d76a3e4eb939854e1565737b/original/all-of-my-lifetime-image.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a>I have had the pleasure of working with Dave Clifton - who is an amazing guitar player - on different projects over the years. He has played acoustic guitar on some of my albums and for a brief period we did some songwriting together. This song is one of the results of that collaboration.</p>
<p>The lyrics are based around Psalm 139 and conveys the message that throughout our lives, God has been with us. No matter where we find ourselves on this planet, we can enjoy His presence. He walks with us through our circumstances and leads us through life.</p>
<p>This version of the song was recorded in Nashville, USA and features Tricia on BVs.</p>
<p>ALL OF MY LIFETIME <br>YOU HAVE BEEN CALLING <br>THOUGH I WAS FAR FROM YOU <br>EVEN IN DARKNESS <br>YOUR LOVE HAS FOUND ME <br>I COULD NOT HIDE FROM YOU </p>
<p>SEARCH ME <br>ALL MY DEEPEST LONGINGS <br>KNOW ME <br>ALL I THINK AND DO <br>LEAD ME <br>I WILL WALK BESIDE YOU <br>SHOW ME <br>WHAT’S GOOD AND TRUE <br>MAY I BE MORE LIKE YOU </p>
<p>IF I SHOULD RISE ON <br>WINGS OF THE MORNING <br>FLY TO A DISTANT SHORE <br>STILL YOU WOULD FIND ME <br>YOUR HAND WOULD GUIDE ME <br>NOW AND FOREVERMORE </p>
<p>Dave Clifton/Noel Richards © 2007 Thankyou Music/IQ Music </p>
<p>CCLI No: 5068953</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6473301
2020-11-09T15:57:26+01:00
2022-04-19T07:05:29+02:00
Prophets or Con Artists
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/831f4a12bb6ee67c594f5a0f1d9fcf2172aca627/original/screenshot-2020-11-09-at-15-50-28.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><span class="font_regular">Exodus 20:7 says: <em><strong>“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name”. (NIV) </strong></em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">US Election fever has gripped the entire world during this last week. As I write this blog, Joe Biden has become the projected President of the USA. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">This result has caused dismay to some Christians and great joy to others, depending on their political viewpoint. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I want to state at the beginning of this article, that I am not sharing any opinion about the result of the election. Rather, this article is about the need to test the prophets and weigh the prophecies, that are given to the church worldwide. Especially so, when they try to affect political outcomes. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I wonder how many Christians in America, voted for a party because they were influenced by the <strong>'men and women of God'</strong> – a term I dislike – who claim to have inside knowledge of what God wants for their nation; and has told them which candidate He has anointed. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">They have a hotline to God which we mere mortals do not have. When someone says: “Thus says the Lord”, it is very difficult to argue against it, because you are then arguing against the Almighty himself. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Is it this acquiescence to spiritual authority that gives rise to abuse of all kinds, be it spiritual, emotional or sexual; like that inflicted by countless Catholic Priests and church leaders worldwide? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">When God's servant is speaking to you, influencing you, or touching you in an inappropriate manner, it is hard to resist; because he or she represents God. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">These self-styled prophets are financed and supported by the masses who hang on to their words and whose world view is shaped by their insights. Some own private planes, live in mansions and amass vast 'treasures on earth' at the expense of the faithful. Perhaps these are the people the French philosopher Voltaire had in mind when he said this: </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><em><strong>“Religion began when the first scoundrel met the first fool.” </strong></em></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Perhaps I should substitute the words<em><strong> 'False-Prophecy'</strong></em> in place of religion, in the context of this blog? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I am writing because I was appalled and disgusted by the video I saw this week of Paula White-Cain, who has been dubbed the spiritual adviser to Donald Trump. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">In her praying and intercession for Donald Trump, while counting for the election result was happening, this is what she claimed God was saying: </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><strong>1 Victory for Trump </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><strong>2 The Lord says it is done </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><strong>3 Angels are being dispatched from Africa & South America </strong>(presumably to overcome the demonic forces that would make Joe Biden President?)</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">If you want to see this short video, click on the image. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/AUmMUmLYT1Y" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/94df51e9b0aaf22da6f90a8075ab0ec2720c82f1/original/paula-cain-white.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Am I wrong in thinking this is stomach-churning stuff? Do you not think it is a terrible advert for the prophetic ministry of the church? In fact the video has been ridiculed and lampooned widely. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Paula White-Cain also ranks among other Christian leaders who are claiming they are right and that Donald Trump will have four more years. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Contrast their arrogance and certainty with the uncertainty of Kris Vallotton from Bethel Church in California. He posted a video admitting he prophesied wrongly concerning the result of the election and apologised for it. Then he changed his mind and withdrew his apology, saying he would wait and see how things turned out. So if Biden's victory is upheld he is not a prophet but if Trump gets four more years, he is. Sounds more like guesswork than prophecy! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 1em;">We will know in the next few weeks, once the election dust has settled, just how credible these 'prophets' really are. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">If they are proved to be wrong should we not expect them to give an account? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Jeremiah 23 has some very strong words for the prophets who take the Lord's name in vain, in violation of the third commandment. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><em><strong>Verse 31 Yes,” declares the Lord, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, ‘The Lord declares.’ 32 Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” declares the Lord. “They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least,” declares the Lord. </strong></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">I am raising some further questions. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Is it now time for the Body of Christ to exercise a greater level of discernment, rise up and call these people to account? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Are they Prophets or Con Artists? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">The Bible encourages us to judge all prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14:29; and in the Old Testament, the penalties for being a false prophet were severe! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Do you feel like me that these people are bringing dishonour to the Body of Christ? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Do they also bring dishonour to the role of prophetic ministry which 1 Corinthians 14:3 says is given for <strong>”strengthening, encouraging and comfort”.(NIV)? </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I am grateful for people such as my good friend <a contents="Wayne Drain" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://waynedrain.com" target="_blank"><strong>Wayne Drain</strong></a>, whose prophetic insights have been a blessing to so many around the world. His book <strong>“He Still Speaks”</strong> is worth reading. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Finally, as we approach the end of this year, maybe we should reflect on what the prophets told us God was promising for 2020. How many of these words have come to pass throughout the year? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">How many of these prophets with their hotline to God, had a helpful insight about COVID-19? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">With that in mind, perhaps we should weigh all prophetic predictions for 2021 very seriously and be careful of the con artists posing as prophets. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Let me end this blog with the scripture I began it with. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Exodus 20:7 <strong>“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name”. (NIV)</strong></span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6471271
2020-11-06T08:59:14+01:00
2020-11-06T08:59:14+01:00
Video - You Are My Passion: Live from Wembley Stadium.
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/Ye_rmVTw4qk" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/ffcf997577093166c4f082abbdb1bd2953511836/original/screenshot-2020-11-06-at-08-56-49.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a>I have made this my latest "Song of the Week" and we sang it at "Champion of the World" in 1997, at London's Wembley Stadium. This video is taken from that event and features the band and dancers that were involved. Vanessa Freeman's spontaneous singing at the end of the song, is very special and so appropriate for the times we are living in. <strong>Click on the image to play the video.</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6469290
2020-11-03T16:26:25+01:00
2021-04-21T19:02:16+02:00
Song of the Week - You Are My Passion
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/8a923d931bf9eb94d75d1084e158d70edca83847/original/noel-close-up-with-guitar.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>A song that Tricia and I wrote very easily in 1995. I wrote this melody and when I played it to Tricia, she told me that she had lyrics that would fit perfectly. If only all our songs could be written so quickly! </p>
<p>In the season when we wrote this song, other writers were writing songs in a similar vein. Intimacy with God was something the church was re-discovering. </p>
<p>This is a song about drawing near to God and hearing his heartbeat. </p>
<p>If you are weary in this current season, perhaps as you listen to the song, you will have a sense of being gathered up and carried by our loving God. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image to play. </strong> </p>
<p>You are my passion <br>Love of my life <br>Friend and companion <br>My lover <br>All of my being <br>Longs for Your touch <br>With all my heart <br>I love You </p>
<p><br>Now will You draw me close to You <br>Gather me in Your arms <br>Let me hear the beating of Your heart <br>O my Jesus <br>O my Jesus </p>
<p><br>Noel & Tricia Richards © 1995 Thankyou Music <br>CCLI Number: 1537935</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6464171
2020-10-27T15:03:11+01:00
2020-11-09T15:34:59+01:00
Song of the Week - Your Words Are Life
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/19430094ef98f3554ae8c0069e0e05cfad0e01a7/original/your-words-are-life-image.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a>We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with incredible amounts of information. Rolling news programmes are mainly filled with stories of disaster, death and catastrophe. Good news rarely sells! </p>
<p>When this current pandemic began, it seemed to me that it was 'manna from heaven' for the news outlets. Brexit, famine, wars, climate change and everything else was pushed aside for this 'new kid on the block' that has caused global panic. </p>
<p>As the year has progressed, I have grown tired of the news; fatigued by the daily round of depressing facts and figures, criticism of governments and politicians and the forecasts of doom and gloom. </p>
<p>During 2007, I spent some time writing with<a contents=" Tim Sherrington" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://timshez.com" target="_blank"><strong> Tim Sherrington</strong></a>, a songwriter based in Aldershot, UK. This particular song came about when we were writing in November of that year. </p>
<p>I want to share this as my “Song of the Week” to remind myself and encourage others to continually focus on God's words and perspectives. </p>
<p>In a world of fake news and misinformation, God's word can be trusted. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image to play.</strong></p>
<p>Psalm 119 v 105: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. </p>
<p>Matt 4 v 4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ “ </p>
<p>John 6 v 68: Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. </p>
<p>YOUR WORDS ARE LIFE <br>FEEDING MY SOUL <br>WORTH MORE TO ME <br>THAN SILVER OR GOLD <br>GUARDING ME <br>FROM GOING ASTRAY <br>GUIDING ME <br>LIGHTING MY WAY </p>
<p>LEAD ME ON <br>IN THE PATH THAT'S EVERLASTING <br>LEAD ME ON <br>I WILL DO WHAT YOU ARE ASKING <br>LEAD ME ON <br>THROUGH THE JOYS AND THROUGH THE SORROWS <br>LEAD ME ON <br>IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS I WILL FOLLOW </p>
<p>HELP ME HEAR THE WORDS THAT YOU SPEAK <br>BE TO ME THE WISDOM I SEEK </p>
<p>Noel Richards/Tim Sherrington © 2008 Thankyou Music <br>CCLI Number: 5325438</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6459497
2020-10-20T12:14:23+02:00
2020-10-23T10:31:59+02:00
Song of the Week - All Over This World
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/f51c5e1bf60140cb12481e824573243dad99c2e4/original/pexels-pixabay-220201.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>A week before our event at the Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany in July 2006, our friend <a contents="Wayne Drain" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.waynedrain.com" target="_blank"><strong>Wayne Drain</strong></a> arrived from the USA. He was one of the participants and had travelled early in order to get over jet-lag and help us in the days before we left for Germany. </p>
<p>We started talking about the need for a final commissioning song which we could use for the gathering of just under 25,000 people who would be attending from 40 different nations. </p>
<p>This song was the result of that conversation. We wanted a song that would encourage people to go back to their home towns, cities and nations and make the name of Jesus known. </p>
<p>The phrase “All over this world” was very easy to translate into different languages and at the end of the event, we invited worship leaders from several nations, to come and sing that line in their native tongue. It was very special. </p>
<p>Hopefully, this song will continue inspiring us to be carriers of the Gospel to the communities where we live. </p>
<p>Matthew 24 v 14 says: <em>“And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come”. (NLT)</em></p>
<p> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6457184
2020-10-16T16:07:34+02:00
2020-10-16T16:07:34+02:00
Sunday Night Live with Pam Rhodes
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/WyJ_bNe_XqE?t=1598" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/57d59a6c5e91c392cfc3d4197f7eba757f50b72b/original/screenshot-2020-10-16-at-16-00-37.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>Every Sunday, Pam Rhodes presents this show live online. This week, she is featuring me singing All Heaven Declares/From The Rising Of The Sun, which was recorded earlier in the year at a church in Arad, Romania. Click on the image to access my slot in the show.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6454522
2020-10-13T14:56:57+02:00
2020-10-25T15:00:34+01:00
Song of the Week - When I worship You, Heaven comes to me
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/612a686bc4af2f1b15406a77aef773773a9f5154/original/noel-roadshow-november-2019.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>To be able to express our worship in song, is one of God's great gifts to us. As we lift our hearts towards our Creator and sing, we are connecting with the One who is always present with us and His eternal realm. As we open ourselves to hearing God's voice and the sounds of heaven, it is life-changing! </p>
<p>Worship renews and transforms us. It enables us to see life with it's joys and challenges from a different perspective. Wherever we are in the world, we can connect with the heavenly places.</p>
<p>The melody and hook line for this song came to me when I was leading worship at a church in California. Tricia and I then developed the idea together. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image to play the song.</strong></p>
<p>When I sing my praise to you <br>I am lifted up to higher ground. <br>Something happens in my soul <br>When I lift my voice to worship You. <br>Feels like sunshine on my face, <br>A cool breeze in a desert place. </p>
<p>When I worship You, <br>Heaven comes to me, <br>Heaven comes to me. <br>When I worship You, <br>Heaven comes to me, <br>Heaven comes to me. </p>
<p>Heaven is where I belong, <br>Where the angels sing before Your throne. <br>I am caught up in their sound, <br>When I lift my voice to worship You. <br>From beyond where eyes can see, <br>Love is pouring over me. </p>
<p>I will worship You, <br>Heaven come to me, <br>Heaven come to me. <br>I will worship You, <br>Heaven come to me, <br>Heaven come to me. </p>
<p>Noel & Tricia Richards © 1999 Thankyou Music <br>CCLI Number: 2769420</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6451631
2020-10-08T17:47:56+02:00
2020-10-08T17:48:28+02:00
Worship & Wine on Wednesday
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkpVWA9J3Hn6rhMAB9Uz1rA?view_as=subscriber" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/f4349312a923b78eba4764e5ecf3b10dbd75ca6f/original/my-post.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>Every Wednesday, I am hosting a live event on my<a contents=" Facebook Profile" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/noelrichards1/" target="_blank"><strong> Facebook Profile</strong></a> featuring worship songs, conversation and a little wine tasting. It starts at 7.30pm (BST) and runs for around 25 minutes. You can watch live or catch up afterwards at your leisure. I hope you will be able to join me for the next one. In the meantime, if you want to see the first three shows they are all on my <a contents="YouTube Channel." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkpVWA9J3Hn6rhMAB9Uz1rA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank"><strong>YouTube Channel.</strong></a> Cheers!</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6450182
2020-10-06T18:24:30+02:00
2020-10-06T18:37:13+02:00
Song of the Week - O Lord, Hear My Prayer
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/6zwfCREMZV9daenBy9cg42" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/ff1223215a30fa79448eb253693ef43218e4d222/original/screenshot-2020-10-06-at-18-28-49.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>This is a beautiful prayer song that I began using during the early 1990s. It came from the Taize Community in France and was written by J Berthier. </p>
<p>There is very little I need to say about this song – it is a heartfelt prayer set to music. </p>
<p>This particular version was sung by Sue Rinaldi and Caroline Bonnett at an event called 'Breaking the Mould'. </p>
<p>I hope it is a song that you can listen to and use as part of your own meditation. </p>
<p>O Lord, hear my prayer <br>O Lord, hear my prayer <br>When I call, answer me </p>
<p>O Lord, hear my prayer <br>O Lord, hear my prayer <br>Come and listen to me</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image to play.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="(Image by Nick Bondarev)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/nickbondarev/" target="_blank"><strong>(Image by Nick Bondarev)</strong></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6445154
2020-09-29T15:39:56+02:00
2020-10-02T19:48:55+02:00
Song of the Week - Lay Down Your Cares
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.bandcamp.com/track/lay-down-your-cares" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/d3998d0329099c24bf359fe72b594b479913f519/original/pexels-simon-migaj-747964.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>I have been blessed with having a great sense of direction. Whenever I am driving somewhere, I have a sixth sense of knowing which direction to take. I have my own built in navigation system. It has been very useful in my line of work. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(Click on image above to play)</p>
<p>However, there are times when the system crashes and then I need help. One of those times happened in Berlin, Germany, several years ago. I was driving from the airport to the Olympic Stadium for an important meeting. I knew in which direction I needed to head but on this occasion was 'lost'. In those days, there were no cellphones with Google Maps. </p>
<p>I was waiting at a set of traffic lights and contemplating my next move. A car pulled up alongside me and the driver attracted my attention. I lowered my window and he said to me: “Olympic Stadium?”. I said yes and he replied: “Follow me”. </p>
<p>So, I followed this total stranger's car until the stadium came into view. At this point he waved goodbye and drove away. It was an unusual experience. </p>
<p>People often use phrases such as 'guardian angel' and I am not sure if this was a moment when perhaps a guardian angel stepped in to help me. Psalm 91:1 says - <em><strong>“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” (NIV) </strong></em></p>
<p>Whether or not that was true, is pure speculation; but it was an interesting moment for me. </p>
<p>Tricia and I wrote this song for a friend who was embarking on a new phase of life. Sometimes we get overwhelmed by the decisions we face and the direction in which we are travelling. </p>
<p>At these times it is good to know that perhaps we are being guided along the way by the messengers of Heaven. </p>
<p>Lay down your cares <br>Let all your troubles fade <br>Lay down your fears <br>No need to be afraid <br>Reach out to God <br>By night and by day <br>Angels are here <br>To guide you on your way </p>
<p>Lay down your past <br>The things you cannot change <br>Lay down regret <br>It wraps your heart in chains <br>Trust in your god <br>By night and by day <br>Angels are here <br>To guide you on your way </p>
<p>Lay hold of hope <br>With every new day's dawn <br>Lay hold of life <br>And let new dreams be born <br>Live for your God <br>By night and by day <br>Angels are here <br>To guide you on your way </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Noel & Tricia Richards © 2011 Thankyou Music </p>
<p>CCLI Number: 6224521</p>
<p>Photo: Courtesy of <a contents="Simon Migaj.&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/simonmigaj/" target="_blank"><strong>Simon Migaj. </strong></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6440781
2020-09-23T10:09:47+02:00
2020-09-23T10:09:47+02:00
Song of the Week - We Don't Need Religion
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/f3b0b2da3dd586040b6859120d0426a49926fc14/original/hudsonscover.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a>What a song! Written by Belfast singer/songwriter Brian Houston. </p>
<p>Bob Harris, the legendary BBC DJ said of Brian when reviewing one of his albums; <em><strong>“It was thirty seconds in when I realized what a really special piece of music this was. One of Britain’s great song writers!” </strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Praise indeed. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO PLAY</strong></p>
<p>Religion was never going to be a solution to the troubles of Northern Ireland and perhaps some would say, it was at the root of it all. </p>
<p>Brian's original lyrics reflected the situation in Northern Ireland and the refrain “We don't need religion, but we could use the love of God”, made a powerful statement, within that culture. </p>
<p>I remember Brian telling me that when he sang this song in the bars of Belfast, it was incredible to see people singing those lines with real passion. Though religion had divided a nation, the love of God could bring healing to those wounds. </p>
<p>There are very few songs that are truly prophetic, that speak into a culture and challenge the status quo. This song is one of those. It reminds me of John Lennon's “Give Peace A Chance”. A song that can be sung by people of faith and those with no faith. </p>
<p>Many might say that religion is the cause of so much suffering in our world today – be it right wing conservative Christianity, Islamic fundamentalism or everything in between. </p>
<p>Religion always has a vindictive, angry God at the centre of it's world view. </p>
<p>Religion, with it's rules, dogma and legalism, will never connect humankind with a loving God. </p>
<p>Take a listen to this version of the song recorded by The Hudson Taylors which has slightly amended lyrics, to make it resonate with people in other nations. </p>
<p>This is still very much a song for our times, wherever we live. </p>
<p>More than ever, we are in need of the love of God. </p>
<p>Also, make sure you visit <strong><a contents="Brian's website.&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.brianhouston.com" style="" target="_blank">Brian's website. </a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Well I see the people in the balconies <br>On the streets and in their cars <br>The party going animals out in the back rooms <br>And the bars saying we don't need religion <br>We don't need religion <br>And I been a timber jack been a labourer <br>Been a shipyard man and a shirker <br>Been builder building houses <br>And heard a million Macdonald's workers <br>Saying we don't need religion <br>We don't need religion <br>We don't need religion <br>But we could use the love of God </p>
<p>Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh yeah yeah yeah </p>
<p>Well I've got false prophets on my TV telling me <br>This union's doomed <br>While the spirit filled believers <br>Shake up the floor space in the room <br>Saying we don't need religion we don't need religion <br>So come all you Preachers and Pastors <br>All you Priests and Nuns and scholars <br>Come on and walk down the road without those robes <br>Crucifixes and Orange collars singing <br>We don't bleed religion <br>We don't bleed religion we don't need religion <br>But we could use the love of God </p>
<p>Now is it Saturday or is it Sunday <br>The fact is I'm never sure <br>There's a Sabbath in there some way <br>How come we never try Yom Kippur <br>We can't eat religion we don't need religion <br>And while we're all so busy fighting <br>Using up God's precious time <br>There's a thousand starving homeless people saying <br>Buddy can you spare a dime saying <br>We can't eat religion we can't eat religion yeah <br>We don't need religion but we <br>Could use the love of God </p>
<p>Brian Houston © 2011 Thankyou Music </p>
<p>CCLI Number: 4505503</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6436102
2020-09-17T13:17:32+02:00
2020-12-07T13:36:06+01:00
Does God Need This?
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/74ba4accd02246bdb83f69b43b950c847f51653c/original/sean-feucht-minneapolis-kmart-coronavirus.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I have watched with growing dismay the posts on social media that praise the actions of Californian worship leader Sean Feucht. CBS News stated that he is a pastor associated with Bethel Church in Redding, California. </p>
<p>This person is travelling across America holding huge worship gatherings in defiance of local orders against such events. </p>
<p>On a website where he is featured, it states that the authorities' wish to keep the general public safe, is a violation of religious freedom. </p>
<p>Check out the vision statement at: <strong><a contents="https://www.letusworship.us" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.letusworship.us" target="_blank">https://www.letusworship.us</a> </strong></p>
<p>Yes, there are restrictions and restraints on our freedom; which may in the future prove to have been an over-reaction by government. However, a quick reading of today's news headlines, shows real persecution as far more than not being allowed to meet to sing a few songs during this difficult season. </p>
<p>Recently Sean held a prayer service and protest against coronavirus prevention measures on the California State Capitol grounds. He is claiming more than 12,000 people attended. </p>
<p>I have seen the footage of these events and notice that no-one seems to be taking measures to prevent the spread of the virus. There is no 'social distancing' or wearing of masks. </p>
<p>If you take away the singing and praying, is this simply a crowd of people behaving irresponsibly, with scant regard for this very serious pandemic? </p>
<p>Are these gatherings any different to the groups of people we have seen worldwide, who hold drink and drug fuelled illegal raves and parties? </p>
<p>My understanding of Christian worship is that it is far more than a group of people singing songs. </p>
<p>Worship must be expressed in the way we live our lives on a daily basis. In Matthew 22 v 39, Jesus says that we need to 'Love our neighbours as we love ourselves'. </p>
<p>In these unprecedented days, should 'loving our neighbour' mean that we do everything we can to limit the spread of this virus? </p>
<p>How many of these people who gathered to express their 'freedom to worship', when returning to their homes and communities, risk infecting elderly or infirm neighbours, friends and families? </p>
<p>Some people are saying that this is 'Revival' or a new 'Jesus Movement'. I am not so sure. </p>
<p>Would Jesus choose to be associated with what appears to be blatant acts of irresponsibility, selfishness towards others and total disregard for those in government who are seeking to keep the general population safe? </p>
<p>Surely we who are Christians need to be an example of loving care within our communities.</p>
<p>Is that not a true act ofworship?</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6434810
2020-09-16T10:47:29+02:00
2020-09-16T16:59:28+02:00
Song of the Week - You Laid Aside Your Majesty
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week" style=""><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/716ec124737bbf2d17b218c7cc8f1b197ddc2d57/original/matt-redman-2019.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a>Sting once said: “Songwriting is the hardest intellectual pursuit in my life”. I would agree with that. It takes time to craft a song and then you have no guarantee that it will work. However, writing this song back in early 1985, was a very different experience. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CLICK ON MATT'S IMAGE TO PLAY SONG</strong></p>
<p>I was at home looking after our son Sam, while Tricia was out at a church meeting. I picked up my trusty Martin guitar (which has been used for so many of our songs) and the melody literally dropped into my lap. The words followed closely. By the time Tricia had returned home, the song was finished. A couple of hours! </p>
<p>I always made a point of checking out my new songs with other people. With this song, I asked <a contents="Ishmael" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.ishmael.org.uk" target="_blank"><strong>Ishmael</strong></a> (one of the UK's best loved childrens' songwriters) to give me feedback. Together we spent time trying to find lyrics that were less cliched than the ones I had written. After an hour or so he gave up and said I should leave the song as I had written it. He could not offer any way that I could improve it. </p>
<p>To this day, I do not know how the song became so popular. I was surprised when I found out that so many people around the UK were singing it. </p>
<p>It sums up the heart of the Gospel in just a few lines and maybe that is the secret of it's success. </p>
<p>I wish all my songs were written this easily! </p>
<p>This particular version is sung by <a contents="Matt Redman" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mattredman.com" target="_blank"><strong>Matt Redman</strong></a> and taken from the album<a contents=" “Love Songs From Heaven”.&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/2HiTc2RaSzJtVSYxVHEAsE?si=8YpTtjM0QGCfBWdE541IBw" target="_blank"><strong> “Love Songs From Heaven”. </strong></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>You laid aside Your majesty <br>Gave up everything for me, <br>Suffered at the hands of those You had created. <br>You took all my guilt and shame, <br>When You died and rose again; <br>Now today You reign, <br>In heaven and earth exalted. </p>
<p>I really want to worship You, my Lord, <br>You have won my heart <br>And I am Yours for ever and ever; <br>I will love You. <br>You are the only one who died for me, <br>Gave Your life to set me free, <br>So I lift my voice to You in adoration. </p>
<p>Noel Richards © 1985 Thankyou Music </p>
<p>CCLI Number: 78275</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6428707
2020-09-09T11:22:43+02:00
2020-09-09T11:32:39+02:00
Song of the Week: We Want To See Jesus Lifted High
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/9bbb70a8a1d2fd6b5d34bcbadbe531f6d93dd284/original/wembley-doug-horley.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a>This song was written by Doug Horley (aka Duggie Dug Dug) in 1993. At that time Doug was playing guitar in my band, so he played me the song and asked if I would like to use it<strong> </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>(Click on the image above to listen to the "Live from Wembley Stadium" version).</strong></p>
<p>To be honest, I was not convinced that the song would work; but as we were friends, I tried it out at an event I was doing. I was amazed and surprised by the reaction to the song. Everyone loved it. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>It went viral! </strong></p>
<p>Doug has just released this video: <strong>"We want to see Jesus lifted high" The story behind the song - 25th Anniversary special. </strong>This video has contributions from: Doug Horley, Ishmael, Lou Fellingham, Sue Rinaldi, Stuart Townend, Noel Robinson, Dave Bilbrough, myself and more.....</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ThAPxwD_YL0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ThAPxwD_YL0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ThAPxwD_YL0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>In the Spring of 1993, I was involved in a church conference called “Breaking the Mould” and the song, widely used at the event appears on the CD recorded there. It is probably the earliest recorded version of the song and is available online. <a contents="Listen on Spotify&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/6hwCMeCiHM7vRO5N5Vnqgj" target="_blank"><strong>Listen on Spotify </strong></a></p>
<p>The song travelled around the world and more than 25 million sang it when it was part of the March for Jesus programme.</p>
<p>From 1994, I was playing concerts throughout the UK, sharing the vision for a huge worship event at London's famous Wembley Stadium. “We want to see.......” was always sung at these concerts. </p>
<p>When we got to Wembley Stadium in 1997, there was a wonderful moment when we played the song and the crowd of almost 45,000 people carried on singing it after we stopped playing. This is the version you can listen to by clicking on the image above. The crowd starts chanting 6 minutes 20 seconds in.</p>
<p>The recording of the song from that event was included in an album “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” released in 2000. It sold more than half a million copies in the USA alone. </p>
<p>As a result, I was presented with a gold disc for my performance of that song. It is really ironic that I have received such an award for a song that initially, I did not think would work. Also, everywhere I go, people mistakenly think that I wrote the song. I am really happy to be one of many who have helped to promote this song over the last 27 years. It still works everytime I play it. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Thanks Doug. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We want to see Jesus lifted high <br>A banner that flies across this land, <br>That all men might see the truth and know <br>He is the way to heaven. <br>(Repeat) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Step by step we're moving forward, <br>Little by little taking ground, <br>Every prayer a powerful weapon, <br>Strongholds come tumbling down, <br>And down, and down, and down. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We want to see, We want to see, <br>We want to see Jesus lifted high. <br>We want to see, we want to see, <br>We want to see Jesus lifted high. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We're gonna see, we're gonna see, <br>We're gonna see Jesus lifted high. <br>We're gonna see, we're gonna see, <br>We're gonna see Jesus lifted high. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Doug Horley © 1993 Thankyou Music </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">CCLI Number: 1033408</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6422716
2020-09-02T12:27:36+02:00
2020-09-02T12:32:18+02:00
Song of the Week: Dreamers of Your Dreams (When we turn our hearts to heaven)
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/A7UlKwUKsAk" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/646d4b957ebced555e9a8d3fdedcf75dfc9b9839/original/road-to-berlin-cover.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We'll be the dreamers of Your dreams</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="PLAY THE FULL SONG HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week"><strong>PLAY THE FULL SONG HERE</strong></a></p>
<p>Continuing this week's theme of dreams, this song seems appropriate. I wrote it with <a contents="Ken Riley (yfriday)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YFriday" target="_blank">Ken Riley (yfriday)</a> back in 2001. </p>
<p>Many times I have been asked what this song is saying, as there are different nuances in the lyrics. For me, the overriding message is that in the same way we have dreams for our children, so the Father has dreams for us. </p>
<p>My experience is that He often whispers those dreams into our hearts – sometimes when we least expect it. That's how the dream of filling Wembley Stadium with worship happened for me. </p>
<p>This particular version of the song was recorded with my band as we worked toward another stadium event at the Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany. </p>
<p>It speaks of fathers and children standing together. The older and younger generations can complement each other. Those of us who are older, can encourage those who are younger, to dream. Our ceiling becomes the floor for the next generation. They build on what we have accomplished. They will often achieve more than the previous generation. One young singer that I have worked with in Hungary, called me a grandfather of worship last year. I took that as a great compliment. </p>
<p>In fact, she was sharing the stage with me, when we performed at Budapest Arena in 2019 - she was only 6 years old when she came to our first Budapest event. Now <a contents="Helena" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/cGSrNkQVdLQ" target="_blank">Helena</a> is an artist in her own right! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO PLAY THE VIDEO OF 'DREAMERS.....' LIVE IN HUNGARY</strong></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/A7UlKwUKsAk" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/b031bf95c0d09f6c3dd0f4cb39b8b3700a78e335/original/noel-helena.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>As you listen to the song, may your heart turn towards heaven and hear God's whisper for you; in this season and those that are yet to come. </p>
<p>When we turn our hearts to Heaven <br>And bow down, <br>We'll see fathers and the children reconciled. <br>We'll be the dreamers of Your dreams. <br>We'll be the dreamers of Your dreams. </p>
<p>When Your fire falls from heaven, <br>We will rend our hearts to You. <br>We will tell it to our children, <br>All the wonders You have done. <br>And in every generation <br>We will sing of Your great love. <br>When Your fire falls from heaven <br>We'll return to You again! </p>
<p>We'll be the dreamers of Your dreams. <br>We'll be the dreamers of Your dreams. </p>
<p>Noel Richards & Ken Riley © 2001 Thankyou Music </p>
<p>CCLI Number: 3359145</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="PLAY THE FULL SONG HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week">PLAY THE FULL SONG HERE</a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6421713
2020-09-01T11:45:34+02:00
2020-09-07T17:40:30+02:00
Still Dreaming......
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/c3214c21b4a64919eb18c32dfcfa0bdff6bb4e14/original/30052013213.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>These were my first ever 'publicity' shots. Taken sometime during the summer of 1975, when I was just 20 years old. I had joined up with Mike Clark under the name “Seed” and we were about to embark on life as full-time musicians with Bristol Youth for Christ in the UK. </p>
<p>Four years previously, I had begun to dream of becoming a professional singer/songwriter, touring the country, playing concerts and making 'records'. I had spent the remainder of my teenage years, taking every opportunity to perform in front of any audience. I played street corners, churches, colleges, prisons and bars. Anywhere that I could hone my craft as a performer. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/49dd5c10300e5aa5ae8653de9a0838be6d63d543/original/30052013214.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" />Now finally, all the hard work was paying off. I was seeing the dream fulfilled. The start of a new adventure. </p>
<p>Back then, I did not realise the power of a dream and where it can take someone. Sometimes we can dream too small..... </p>
<p>More dreams were coming. Each one a stepping stone to the next stop on the journey. Each one just a little crazier than the previous one. </p>
<p>As a fresh faced 20 year old, I could not have imagined where those dreams would take me. That I would perform in more than 40 countries and play venues as diverse as sitting rooms and stadiums and everything in between. </p>
<p>Right now, our lives are on hold, as we struggle through this pandemic. But this season will pass. </p>
<p>No matter how young or old we are, let's keep dreaming our crazy dreams. However impossible they may seem. Let's remember the dreams we may have carried for many years, that are as yet unfulfilled. </p>
<p>If God has whispered them into our hearts, the promise is as valuable as the fulfillment.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6417430
2020-08-26T13:17:56+02:00
2020-08-26T13:49:14+02:00
Song of the Week - Come Lord Jesus (Great is the darkness - ft. Faye Simpson)
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/e98bf219419135b50a86f60a8ea56899a11ecf57/original/faye-simpson.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Watching while sanity dies, Touched by the madness and lies. </strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a contents="PLAY THE FULL SONG HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week">PLAY THE FULL SONG HERE</a></strong></em></p>
<p>These two lines from the first verse of this song are more relevant today than ever. Sometimes it seems as though humanity is experiencing a period of collective insanity, which has increased during this current pandemic. </p>
<p>Social Media is rife with misinformation and lies. </p>
<p>World leaders are misleading their populations, either unintentionally; or deliberately for political gain. It is great news if true, that Russia has developed a safe vaccine against COVID so rapidly. Time will tell......</p>
<p>Conspiracy theories are rife and quite frankly, I am amazed that intelligent people are taken in by some of the most outrageous theories. </p>
<p>More than ever, those of us who believe that Jesus Christ can change lives, hearts and minds, are saying “Come, Lord Jesus – please help us”. This is a time of great challenge but also of great opportunity. The second verse says: </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>May now Your church rise with power and love, <br>This glorious gospel proclaim. </strong></em></p>
<p>The seed of this song was birthed on a 'Spring Harvest Tour' event at Newcastle City Hall (UK), when I was leading worship. At one point, I remember singing out the words 'Come, Lord Jesus', as a spontaneous refrain. Afterwards, I made a note of the melody and this simple chorus. </p>
<p>Several months later, I was in Ludenscheid, Germany, leading worship at a conference with my good friend <a contents="Gerald Coates" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.pioneerengage.org.uk/team/" target="_blank"><strong>Gerald Coates</strong></a>. We had some time to spare one afternoon and as we often did, began to brainstorm song ideas and lyrics. </p>
<p>It is such a long time ago, so it is difficult to remember all the details as to how we developed the melody and structure of the song. But it is worth mentioning that when we came up with the phrase: <strong>“Great is the darkness”,</strong> we thought it would not be the most encouraging start to a worship song! </p>
<p>Also, I was really not sure about the lines mentioned above.<strong> “Watching while sanity dies”</strong> did not feel like the right kind of line for a worship song! But that is one of the benefits of co-wriitng. In this case, two heads were definitely better than one. </p>
<p>I have been so encouraged to see how this song has been used over the years, since it was published in 1992. </p>
<p>The recording of this song, taken from my <strong>“Thunder in the skies”</strong> album of 1992, features the amazing voice of <a contents="Faye Simpson" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/faye.simpson.9041" target="_blank"><strong>Faye Simpson</strong></a>, who sang the first verse. </p>
<p>Over many years, Faye and I have met up at various events but have never sung together publicly. </p>
<p>However, last year, we were touring together on the<strong> <a contents="Ez Az A Nap (This is the day) Roadshow" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://ezazanap.hu/?lang=en" target="_blank">Ez Az A Nap (This is the day) Roadshow</a></strong> in central Europe. Faye was singing in <a contents="Martin Smith's band " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://martinsmithmusic.com" target="_blank"><strong>Martin Smith's band </strong></a>throughout the tour. </p>
<p>The tour organiser Viktor László, was very keen for Faye and I to sing a duet. </p>
<p>So on the final evening, for the first time ever, we sang “Great is the darkness” together. </p>
<p>Click on the image of Faye below to watch the video on YouTube.</p>
<p>The video opens with me singing “All Heaven Declares” in English and Hungarian.</p>
<p>However, the link skips to the point at <strong>4.59 minutes</strong> in, when I introduce Faye and we sing together. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy this world exclusive!!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/UDdR9e6JpdQ?t=299" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/e98bf219419135b50a86f60a8ea56899a11ecf57/original/faye-simpson.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="PLAY THE FULL SONG MP3 HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/1701022/song-of-the-week"><span class="font_large"><strong>PLAY THE FULL SONG MP3 HERE</strong></span></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6412635
2020-08-19T11:11:24+02:00
2022-03-10T02:47:24+01:00
Song of the Week - Heal Our Nation
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.bandcamp.com/track/heal-our-nation" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/6a32a8b56c343b0e53bd8d76d610a2ea151ba7ec/original/sue-rinaldi-budapest.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Click image to play.</span></p>
<p>Featuring the beautiful, soaring voice of Sue Rinaldi, this song has a timeless quality to it. In this current season, it seems as relevant now as when first written. </p>
<p>This present crisis with COVID 19, seems to be driving a wedge through our communities. Everyone has their own opinion; somewhere on the scale between the two extremes of it being a government hoax, to the end of civilisation as we know it. We see this expressed in how people are becoming aggressive in their mask wearing or non-mask wearing. </p>
<p>There is a UK columnist – Jeremy Clarkson – whose article in the <a contents="Sunday Times" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/throw-down-a-picnic-blanket-in-a-park-near-you-and-watch-bitter-britain-go-to-war-with-itself-2lgzknmtz" target="_blank"><strong>Sunday Times</strong></a> last weekend declared that Britain (to take one example) is becoming very bitter. It is worth reading, even if he does have a cheeky dig at cyclists in his last sentence. </p>
<p>His final paragraph reads:<strong><em> “Everyone. Tories, Muslims, young people, the elderly, migrants, rockers, hip-hoppers, Jewish people, vegetablists, white people, bacon enthusiasts, speed freaks, the fat, the fit, the timid, black people, policemen, Christians, vicars and socialists. If we want to live in a happy country, we’ve all got to come together as one”. </em></strong></p>
<p>As Christians, we have many differing views that divide us, but we are encouraged to maintain our unity. Our love for one another will speak to those who are watching our lives: </p>
<p><strong><em>“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:35 (The Message) </em></strong></p>
<p>We have no quick and easy answers for the situation we are in but we can join our hearts and voices together (even if only online) and pray for God to bring His healing power to the communities where we live. </p>
<p>The process starts with us: </p>
<p>Lord, we long for You to move in power; <br>There's a hunger deep within our hearts, <br>To see healing in our nation. <br>Send Your Spirit to revive us: </p>
<p>Heal our nation <br>Heal our nation, <br>Heal our nation, <br>Pour out Your Spirit on this land. </p>
<p>Lord we hear Your Spirit, coming closer, <br>A mighty wave to break upon our land, <br>Bringing justice, and forgiveness. <br>God we cry to You, 'Revive us': </p>
<p>Trish Morgan, Ray Goudie, Ian Townend, Dave Bankhead © 1986 Thankyou Music </p>
<p>CCLI Number: 189803</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6407387
2020-08-12T10:45:50+02:00
2020-08-12T10:47:08+02:00
Song of the Week - Jesus Christ (All My Love)
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.bandcamp.com/track/jesus-christ-all-my-love" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/f0f02909b3d0e8cf2c7efe7efebf8580baf3ec45/original/praise-the-mighty-name-of-jesus.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Click image to play.</span></p>
<p>I am thankful for the opportunities I have had, to share our songs in so many different nations. One of the countries I visit frequently, is Canada and it has been a privilege to lead worship at several conferences for <a contents="Catch The Fire Toronto." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://ctftoronto.com" target="_blank">Catch The Fire Toronto.</a> </p>
<p>This song was written in 2001 and was recorded at the 'Catch The Fire' Conference in October of that year. It features on the album "Praise The Mighty Name of Jesus".</p>
<p>I am sure you will enjoy listening to the sound of several thousand people expressing their worship. </p>
<p>The song and album is available for download on<a contents=" iTunes " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/gb/album/praise-the-mighty-name-of-jesus-catch-the-fire-8/570304009" target="_blank"> iTunes </a>and can be streamed on <a contents="Spotify." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0AgUvStelBa5xZaEe08Lh9?si=gszw8j1gSKO5OvWByYJd-g" target="_blank">Spotify.</a></p>
<p>If you want the chord chart, you can download it from the <a contents="CHARTS" data-link-label="Jesus Christ (All My Love)" data-link-type="file" href="/files/234356/Jesus%20Christ%20(All%20My%20Love)" target="_blank">CHARTS</a> section of this website.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6402449
2020-08-05T10:14:41+02:00
2020-08-05T10:27:40+02:00
Song of the Week - I See The Lord
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1fSwN5wUVGeACqGR20z9c4?si=RYKQONUSQ4eY4fPMY8PAZA" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/bafe239e5bce075daa53e3c32757169f87a212f4/original/08-dangerous-people-1996.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Click image to play</p>
<p>Whenever I recorded a worship album, I always tried to include songs from other writers. A new album would always be a resource for worship leaders and churches. Before the internet, it was one of the best ways of sharing new songs that were emerging. </p>
<p>Chris Falson was originally from Australia and wrote this song around 1993. I had got to know him through mutual friends and we hung out together on several occasions in the UK and USA. </p>
<p>I first heard this song when Chris Falson visited our church sometime in the mid 1990s and when I recorded the 'Dangerous People' album in 1996, it seemed a perfect fit. </p>
<p>Chris was one of our guest artists at Champion of the World in Wembley Stadium and sang the song there. A special moment. You can watch <a contents="HERE." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/ee-chf2JpKA" target="_blank"><strong>HERE.</strong></a></p>
<p>It is one of those timeless classics and is as fresh now as when I first heard it.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6398205
2020-07-31T11:40:13+02:00
2020-08-05T10:24:44+02:00
Live In Paris - Let Your Love Come Down
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/8aeoASWQYB4" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/b55977b67602a9f59a066f8eeb9a13be14e4e7e7/original/nlm-band.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Click on image to play.</span></p>
<p><font size="1">As I was working on this week's featured song, I was sent the link to a live version that I recorded with the very talented NLM Worship Team in Paris, France, back in 2011. We played a couple of concerts together in Paris and Switzerland. The team did a great job of learning all the arrangements to the songs and we had a lot of fun working together. The band comprised: Jessica Thavarajah (keys), Rochelle Thv (drums), Jeson Thevaseelan (guitar) and Aaron Thv (bass).</font></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6396266
2020-07-29T13:01:44+02:00
2020-09-23T11:40:14+02:00
Song of the Week - Let Your Love Come Down
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/0wi7CIo7Ro2U4IzzprbwJe?si=mn_wS8PkQrmuczFQQ8pIGw" style="" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/de7e9e58a188eb8ee667ca29d47f4b0dab2837ca/original/ab67616d0000b273c083f83a0f0efb367016db31.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Click image to play</span></p>
<p>This is a song that I have used in numerous settings – especially prayer gatherings. It works with a full band or simply guitar and voice. </p>
<p>These are days when societies around the world seem more divided against themselves than ever. So much unkindness is expressed – particularly on Social Media - against those with differing views. Maybe more than ever, we need to be calling for God's love to replace, hate, fear, mistrust and violence. </p>
<p>These lyrics seem particularly relevant for today: </p>
<p><em>There is violence in the air <br>Fear touches all our lives <br>How much pain can people bear <br>Are we reaping what we’ve sown <br>Voices silent for too long <br>We are calling let your love come down </em></p>
<p><em>There is power in your love <br>Bringing laughter out of tears <br>It can heal the wounded soul <br>In the streets where anger reigns <br>Love will wash away the pain <br>We are calling heaven’s love come down </em></p>
<p>This song was written for the 1996 Dangerous People Album. It was at the height of our preparations for the 'Champion of the World' event at London's Wembley Stadium, which gathered 43,000 people for worship in June 1997. </p>
<p>It is one of many that we have used at arena and stadium events. The breakdown section provides a great opportunity for the crowd to breathe.......and make their voices heard. </p>
<p>This particular version was recorded at Wembley stadium with the full band and captures the excitement of that unique event. </p>
<p>Turn the volume up to 11 and enjoy the moment! <br> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image to listen on Spotify, or listen on this website, with the player at the bottom of this page.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6388340
2020-07-21T13:45:48+02:00
2020-07-21T15:01:02+02:00
Song of the Week - Heaven's King
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4t6lXR2KLpfpY72QroRDmX?highlight=spotify:track:5kHEsyjjqf77p99Cpw5QAc" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/653363ca5275b475aceef9abf125d522c815f395/original/heavenskingcover.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small"><strong>Click image to play</strong></span></p>
<p>I first met <a contents="Kees Kraayenoord " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mozaiek0318.nl/paginas/over-kees.html" target="_blank"><strong>Kees Kraayenoord </strong></a>- a well known worship leader/songwriter from Holland - at the Calling All Nations event, which took place at the Olympic Stadium Berlin, in the summer of 2006. </p>
<p>Following this event, we met up again for dinner in Holland later in the year. He mentioned that he was coming across to the UK to write with Graham Kendrick. He wondered whether we could get together and write at the same time. That seemed like a really good idea, so we planned to do this. </p>
<p>It was in November 2006 that Kees came and stayed in our home for a couple of days and we wrote this song together. It has now become the title track of my latest CD. </p>
<p>Kees had a really strong melody and a few lyrics. I suggested that he drop the melody from the key of G to E, in order to make it more suitable for a congregation to sing. </p>
<p>We then talked a lot about what we thought the song should say. We wanted to communicate that worship is more than a song. It is a life given totally to God. Bringing a song is easy but God is after lives that are surrendered to Him. </p>
<p>We were also very clear that we wanted a song that made the link between worship and mission. As someone once said: “worship without mission is self-indulgent and mission without worship is self-defeating”. The two are inextricably linked. There is an aspect of worship that is vertical - “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” and there is an aspect of worship that is horizontal - “Love your neighbour...”. Hebrews 13:15-16, sums up the vertical and horizontal expressions of worship. </p>
<p>There is a need for worship that causes worshippers to touch the poor and the needy. I have been challenged by Amos 5: 21-24. Hence the line in the chorus: </p>
<p>Use my voice to tell your story </p>
<p>Use my arms to hold the lonely </p>
<p>Let that be my song of love for you </p>
<p>This song will hopefully help to get this message into peoples' hearts and sow in all of us a seed of mission, care for the poor and a cry for justice.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Click on the image to play the song.</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6386024
2020-07-16T10:50:38+02:00
2020-07-16T12:03:15+02:00
"This Is The Day" Online Stadium Worship Event from Budapest - this Saturday!
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="DRz_1AkAL80" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/DRz_1AkAL80/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DRz_1AkAL80?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>This weekend we should have gathered in Budapest in the Puskas Stadium as part of the great congregation for the Ez Az A Nap (This is the Day) event. </p>
<p>Because of COVID-19 we cannot be together but the event will still go ahead. </p>
<p>The cream of Eastern European Worship Teams will lead us from the stadium, while videos will be sent from Worship leaders from around the world. </p>
<p>There will also be messages from gifted communicators Louie Giglio, Max Lucado and Nick Vujicic. </p>
<p>Worship songs will be sent from myself, Matt Redman, Michael W Smith, Chris Tomlin, Rend Collective, Martin Smith, Tim Hughes and Worship Central, Kim Walker-Smith and Graham Kendrick. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>This is the Day 2020 will run from 4pm to 9pm UK time, shown on the <a contents="Integrity Music YouTube&nbsp;channel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/integritymusic" target="_blank">Integrity Music YouTube channel</a> and the<a contents=" Integrity Music Facebook Page" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/integritymusic/" target="_blank"> Integrity Music Facebook Page</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>There will be English subtitles during the live stream! </strong></p>
<p>After the Wembley Stadium Champion of the World gathering in 1997, intercessors came to me, saying this is not the end but the beginning and that there are three more stadiums for us to gather in; Berlin, Budapest & Barcelona. </p>
<p>Calling all Nations happened in the Berlin Olympic Stadium in 2006. </p>
<p>Fourteen years later we are now at Budapest, which is such a strategic city for Eastern Europe. </p>
<p>Viktor Laszlo and his team have done a magnificent job of running and persevering with this vision. </p>
<p>Amazingly, the first music event to happen in this brand new Puskas Stadium, Hungary’s National stadium, will be a worship concert. An historic day! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>This is all perfect preparation for next year’s This is the Day in the Puskas Stadium on July 24th 2021. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>We hope to see you there !</strong></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6323696
2020-05-20T18:49:02+02:00
2020-05-20T18:58:13+02:00
Our New Worship Song
<p style="text-align: center;">GREATER THAN ANYONE (From the rising of the sun)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/293cef2e008638ecfaeba5c90933784e497bcd9c/original/dawid-zawila-g3rw6y02d0-unsplash.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small"><a contents="Image by Dawid Zawila" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://unsplash.com/@davealmine" target="_blank">Image by Dawid Zawila</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">We recently wrote a new worship song and I have recorded a video of me playing a simple acoustic version.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">I have also made a simple tutorial video, showing how I play the song with a short cut capo.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Please take a listen and share with your friends. To watch the videos click <a contents="HERE." data-link-label="Videos" data-link-type="page" href="/videos" target="_blank"><strong>HERE.</strong></a> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Enjoy!</span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6277169
2020-04-09T17:14:26+02:00
2020-04-09T17:14:26+02:00
Easter Resources
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Thanks for visiting the website. We have lined up a bunch of resources for you to enjoy over this Easter Weekend. Scroll down and enjoy. Happy Easter!</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Videos:</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">A new recording and video exclusively for you to enjoy - "Great Is The Darkness" featuring the vocals of Julie Costello and instrumentation from Mark Edwards and Neil Costello. The video was produced by Joseph Edwards of EdwardsFilms Ltd. Click on the image to access it.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/63CwFdV6EyI" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/b7662ec07ab3935831d8407e1525b0d234a8b1eb/original/screen-shot-2020-04-09-at-16-19-17.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The chorus from our Easter song - "Because He Lives". To download a free MP3 of the song click <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.com/album/714254/easter-special-song-download" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="x2M6eNkzXLg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/x2M6eNkzXLg/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x2M6eNkzXLg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"All Heaven Declares" and "From The Rising Of The Sun" - recorded in Arad, Romania (featuring <a contents="Andrej Grozdanov" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://andrejgrozdanov.com" target="_blank"><strong>Andrej Grozdanov</strong></a>) on second guitar.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="078h3mp9erk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/078h3mp9erk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/078h3mp9erk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Behind The Song Series</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">When we started doing this project we did not realise how timely it would be. This series tells the story behind songs from myself, Wayne Drain and Tim Sheppard. Click on each image below to access the stories and songs<br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.com/blog/blog/behind-the-song-part-1-while-you-are-sleeping" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/c8075539710facf2f73704245a7a4c9a44ce5fd4/original/behind-the-song-part-1-copy.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.com/blog/blog/behind-the-song-part-2-quiet-my-soul" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/513ce1c4d25255ee428cd168603336875f53f098/original/behind-the-song-part-2.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.png" class="size_s justify_center border_" /></a><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.com/blog/blog/behind-the-song-part-3-linger" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/9028c1a1b61033636cbb57275bf1209b71577cf5/original/behind-the-song-part-3-linger.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.png" class="size_s justify_center border_" /></a><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.com/blog/blog/behind-the-song-part-4-come-away" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/7702019bc416eade0af4910b93323202c793a35b/original/behind-the-song-part-4-come-away.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.png" class="size_s justify_center border_" /></a><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.com/blog/blog/behind-the-song-part-5-moment" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/58d5dee28473b6d8a7260b4d411f388ad26b301c/original/behind-the-song-part-5-moment.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.png" class="size_s justify_center border_" /></a><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.com/blog/blog/behind-the-song-part-6-we-bow-low" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/81e2c610e7158bfbc2efc31b3ba70713b9187507/original/behind-the-song-6.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.png" class="size_s justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Easter Song - "Because He Lives"</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">Click on the image to stream/download the song.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.com/album/714254/easter-special-song-download" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/fbfcf24964863116b8d6314c152de6907508a856/original/screen-shot-2020-04-09-at-17-10-15.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6266132
2020-03-30T12:48:12+02:00
2020-09-07T12:15:55+02:00
Behind The Song - Part 6 - We Bow Low
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/81e2c610e7158bfbc2efc31b3ba70713b9187507/original/behind-the-song-6.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>The sixth in a short series of stories behind the songs. </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>This one is 'We Bow Low' from Tim Sheppard </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>The story behind the song “We Bow Low” goes back more than 50 years. I was raised in a strong, conservative Christian home. We attended church services every time the doors were open. Though our singing was hearty, I never saw any other physical expressions used in worship. </p>
<p>Years later, when I first saw someone lift their hands in worship, I actually thought they were asking a question…seriously! Stirred by a hunger for something more, I began to search the Scriptures and began to understand the true meaning of worship and praise. </p>
<p>Though “worship” and “praise” are often used interchangeably, they actually have different meanings. Worship refers to a way of life. Romans 12:1 (NCV) says, </p>
<p>“So brothers and sisters, since God has shown us great mercy, I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him. Your offering must be only for God and pleasing to him, which is the spiritual way for you to worship.” </p>
<p>So, worship is offering one’s life to God as a living sacrifice. It is yielding one’s life in submission to and adoration of God. </p>
<p>Praise, however, is adoration of God that is vocal, audible or visible. God’s Word exhorts us to outwardly express our love to God. Here is Psalm 100:1 with the original Hebrew words in parentheses and then an explanation of their literal meanings. </p>
<p>“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving [todah], and into his courts with praise [tehillah]: be thankful [yadah] unto him, and bless [barak] his name.” </p>
<p>“Thanksgiving” [todah] – To extend the hands in a sacrifice of praise, thanksgiving, or thank-offering (used in connection with offerings). </p>
<p>“Praise” [tehillah] – To sing, to laud (perceived as involving music, especially singing). </p>
<p>“Be thankful” [yadah] – To worship with extended hands, to throw out the hands, to give thanks (the second most frequently occurring word translated “praise” in the Old Covenant). </p>
<p>“Bless” [barak] – To kneel, to bless, to salute, to declare God the origin of power for success, prosperity, fertility. </p>
<p>You can worship without anyone around you knowing, but you cannot praise God without everyone around you knowing, because praise is worship that is active, assertive, demonstrative and open. </p>
<p>As I grew in my desire to praise God biblically, I became more outwardly expressive, not because I felt comfortable, but because I saw from God’s Word that He finds pleasure in my praise. </p>
<p>So how does this tie into “We Bow Low”? Some of these outward expressions of worship have been almost completely lost. For example, I rarely see people bow or kneel in worship, yet this expression is so vital in humbling ourselves before God. </p>
<p>We are actually commanded to bow. Psalm 95:6 (KJV) says, “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.” Psalm 99:5 (NLT) commands us, “Exalt the LORD our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!” </p>
<p>With “We Bow Low,” I felt led to write a song that would invite others to express their worship to God through bowing and kneeling. I’ve been blessed to see hundreds and even thousands at a time respond to the invitation to bow before the Lord. </p>
<p>I invite you to watch and listen to “We Bow Low” <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/nsbn2tAh69A" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a>. You can also purchase the song as part of Gateway Worship’s “Walls” live recording by going <a contents="HERE." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/ca/album/walls/1032869639" target="_blank"><strong>HERE.</strong></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6253722
2020-03-18T17:48:16+01:00
2020-03-18T17:48:16+01:00
Behind The Song - Part 5 - Moment
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/1068838/moment" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/58d5dee28473b6d8a7260b4d411f388ad26b301c/original/behind-the-song-part-5-moment.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>The fifth in a short series of stories behind the songs. </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Moment - by Noel & Tricia Richards</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>For the past ten years, we have enjoyed the privilege of living on the Spanish island of Mallorca. We have discovered a different rhythm of life here, which is such a contrast to the way we used to live. It is a much slower pace of life. People do not rush around – there is no need. </p>
<p>We now drive slower, compared to how we used to in England. Whenever we visit the UK, we notice how everyone seems to be in a hurry. The stress is tangible. </p>
<p>Our Spanish friends here have a phrase 'mas o menos' – meaning 'more or less'. When arranging a time to meet them for a social occasion, we will say, “let's meet at 8pm more or less”, meaning it could actually be around 8.15pm. Being slightly late is not a problem. </p>
<p>Another example of the laid back lifestyle in Mallorca, is August. In this month, very little gets done in the way of business. People take vacations and spend time relaxing with family and friends. </p>
<p>It seems to us that people here “work to live, rather than live to work”. Maybe this approach to life, combined with the Mediterranean diet, enables the Spanish to live longer. </p>
<p>However, this laid-back approach to life can be frustrating for visitors. </p>
<p>Most of us live in a fast moving world of social media, instant news and 24 hour connectivity. How many of us reach for our mobile phones within a few minutes of waking each day? </p>
<p>We have noticed how we have become so glued to our handsets, that we are failing to engage with the world around us. We are forgeting how to live in the moment. </p>
<p>Instead of enjoying a beautiful sunset, we are taking a photo of it for our social media posts. </p>
<p>This song – Moment - came out of our new found lifestyle, as we slowed down and learned once again, to rediscover the joy in taking time for ourselves and others. </p>
<p>We also had an enforced period of doing nothing, when our granddaughter went through serious heart surgery and as a result spent months in hospital. We would spend hours at her bedside, with no agenda other than to be there for her. We were forced to slow down and focus on the only thing that mattered. </p>
<p>As we write these words, in March 2020, many of us are going through a time of doing nothing. The Covid-19 virus has caused the shutting down of businesses, schools, travel and more. As for us, we are currently in a period of confinement, unable to leave our apartment, except to purchase food, medicines, or in case of an emergency. </p>
<p>These days are full of uncertainty and genuine fear for so many. But these are also days of opportunity, when we can rediscover a slower pace of life and the benefits of taking time out from our busy lives. </p>
<p>As you listen to the words of this song, we hope that you will begin to discover as we have, the pleasure of slowing down, living in the moment, enjoying the treasure in the everyday. Discovering that there is so much in our world that is beautiful, if we can only take a moment to stop, look and listen.</p>
<p>Listen to the song by clicking <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/1068838/moment" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> or on the image.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6253492
2020-03-18T14:02:44+01:00
2020-03-18T14:02:44+01:00
Behind The Song - Part 4 - Come Away
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/7702019bc416eade0af4910b93323202c793a35b/original/behind-the-song-part-4-come-away.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>The fourth in a short series of stories behind the songs. </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Come Away - Wayne Drain </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I wrote a song called “Come Away” in 1996. It would become the title cut and the name of my album. Kingsway Music (now Integrity) released it on a night that Noel Richards, Matt Redman and I led worship in London, England’s famed Royal Albert Hall. I remember walking out on stage that night, amazed at how a song birthed in a season of quiet desperation had become a loud encouragement for people to walk in God’s gift of rest. </p>
<p>Mahatma Gandhi once said,“There is more to life than increasing it’s speed.” Prior to writing “Come Away,” I had been trying to live life in the fast lane. Even before my feet hit the ground most mornings, I felt behind. I started feeling I had become a dumping ground for unhealthy amounts of stress. So, I worked harder and put in longer hours, thinking I would catch up eventually. It didn’t just impact me. My busy lifestyle didn’t leave margins for healthy amounts of time with my wife and children. I read ‘how to’ advice on time management and establishing priorities. But, as a pastor, worship leader\song writer, and speaker, I felt everything I was doing was a top priority! My work\life balance felt out of control. My health started showing signs of wear and tear. My doctor advised me to think about getting a less stressful job. It became obvious that my life rhythm didn’t allow space for what I needed most…rest and peace. One morning while listening to a favourite song by the band, The Eagles, a line in the chorus jumped out at me, “Take it easy, take it easy. Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy. Lighten up while you still can.” Sometimes a good song can inspire a <strong>‘Kairos moment’ </strong>(a right, critical or opportune time for action). I realised the song, ‘Take It Easy’ represented something I only hoped for but not currently on my real life, set list. It was time to act. </p>
<p>I had to face the fact that I obviously was not good at taking it easy. And I didn’t know how to lighten up. I knew something had to give. So, I prayed asking God to help me find a path into a better life rhythm. In my spirit I heard, “You need to come apart before you come apart.” That sounded familiar. It was another way of saying the words Jesus said to His disciples in Mark 6:31, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, Jesus said to them, “Come away with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Hmm, maybe there’s a reason that remembering to rest is #4 on God’s top ten list (Exodus 20:3-17). </p>
<p>Many have identified with the ‘Come Away’ lyrics, <strong>“Life gets so busy, feel like a leaf in the wind. Years flying past, can’t remember where I’ve been.”</strong> My countrymen and women are good at doing busy! I felt like I could have been the poster child for busy Americans! Busyness is an unspoken value in our nation that drives us to achieve goals. It’s often connected to having a sense of importance. I was learning the hard way that being too busy doesn’t always add to your importance. In fact, it often takes you away from what is most important in this life…walking in rest with a sense of peace. The verse continues, <strong>“Just when I think I’ll come apart at the seams, a little voice whispers, then it screams out to me, Come Away, Come Away, Come Away. Let’s stop for a while.” </strong>The last line in the song shows my determination to get over my addiction to busy, <strong>“So I’m throwing out the paper, turning off the T.V. Gonna find a quiet place and let the Lord speak to me.” </strong></p>
<p>My friend, Pastor Brady Boyd wrote a book about Sabbath rest called, “Addicted to Busy.” For many, a ‘sabbath rest’ sounds like a law to keep rather than a gift to enjoy. </p>
<p>There is an important key to unlock rest in Pastor Brady’s profound statement that would do us all good to remember, <strong>“Rest isn’t an obligation, it’s a gift.” </strong></p>
<p>When you can, take some time to listen to my song in its entirety? I encourage you to get honest with yourself about your life rhythm. If you feel you are coming apart at the seams, you might listen for that still small voice that calls out,<strong>“Come Away, Come Away, Come Away. Let’s stop for a while.”</strong> I hope this song inspires you to lighten up while you still can. I would love to hear your thoughts or comments about the song. You can listen to <strong>“Come Away”</strong>and download the lyrics <a contents="HERE." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://waynedrain.com/track/1075526/come-away" target="_blank"><strong>HERE.</strong></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6231611
2020-02-28T22:03:52+01:00
2020-03-03T11:14:39+01:00
Live Worship from Arad, Romania
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="078h3mp9erk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/078h3mp9erk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/078h3mp9erk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>"All Heaven Declares" and "Greater Than Anyone"</strong></p>
<p>This video captures a very special evening for me on the final night of the Stadium 2020 Roadshow in Arad, Romania. Throughout the tour I had the privilege of sharing the stage with a brilliant musician from Croatia - Andre Grozdanov.</p>
<p>We led the audience in singing "All Heaven Declares" and a new song from Tricia and myself callled "Greater Than Anyone (From the Rising of the Sun)"</p>
<p>Enjoy!</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6192490
2020-01-31T23:23:53+01:00
2020-02-01T15:31:02+01:00
Behind The Song - Part 3 - Linger
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/cVvqVaHQo1w" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/9028c1a1b61033636cbb57275bf1209b71577cf5/original/behind-the-song-part-3-linger.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_large">The third in a short series of stories behind the songs. </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_large">This one is 'Linger' from Tim Sheppard </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>As one of the worship pastors at Gateway Church, I serve with a team that begins every Monday morning together with a time of worship and prayer. In January of 2018, during one of those Monday morning meetings, another worship pastor read the following passage: </p>
<p>“It was Moses’ practice to take the Tent of Meeting and set it up some distance from the camp. Everyone who wanted to make a request of the LORD would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp. Whenever Moses went out to the Tent of Meeting, all the people would get up and stand in the entrances of their own tents. They would all watch Moses until he disappeared inside. As he went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and hover at its entrance while the LORD spoke with Moses. When the people saw the cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, they would stand and bow down in front of their own tents. Inside the Tent of Meeting, the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting” (Exodus 33:7-11, NLT). </p>
<p>Then, he challenged us to become just like Joshua by especially devoting 2018 to God as a year of lingering. </p>
<p>As I began to spend more time alone with God than ever before, a song idea was born. The title would be “Linger.” I considered a lyric line about lingering in the Sanctuary…waiting in the Upper Room. The more I meditated on this, I realized that God Himself is our Sanctuary; He is our Upper Room. </p>
<p>Soon after this, I was asked to cowrite with Ethan Hulse, an amazing songwriter from Nashville. I shared the “Linger” theme with Ethan. He immediately resonated with it, and within less than an hour, we wrote “Linger” together. </p>
<p>Lingering is our response to God’s invitation to commune with us. It is born out of a deep, unquenchable desire to know Him. The One who formed us from the dust and breathed into our nostrils the breath of life, the One who spoke to Moses from a burning bush, the One whose presence overwhelmed Isaiah with his sin and unworthiness, the One whom the saints and angels now continuously worship before the Throne, tore the veil so we can enter in. </p>
<p>This same God invites us to lean upon His chest. How could we possibly ignore this invitation of all invitations? The All-Sufficient One who lacks nothing, who is completely set above and apart, not only by His purity, but also by His very divine nature, this One who is in a class all His own, has built a pathway into His presence so we can be overwhelmed by the sheer joy of knowing Him. Nothing else…nothing less. </p>
<p>It’s time to enter the tent. It’s time to linger. </p>
<p>I invite you to watch and listen to “Linger” <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/cVvqVaHQo1w" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> or by clicking on the above image. You can also purchase the song as part of Gateway Worship’s new “Greater Than” live recording by going <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://music.apple.com/us/album/linger-live/1430098208?i=1430099907" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6135906
2020-01-20T18:58:34+01:00
2020-01-20T18:58:34+01:00
Ez Az A Nap Stadium 2020 Roadshow
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://ezazanap.hu/?lang=en" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/6b1f1b580c6ab61beebc00f4ef27bf6ff3e9db24/original/roadshow-feb.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>I am really looking forward to the Ez Az A Nap Stadium 2020 Roadshow in February.</p>
<p>We will play shows in Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Hungary, promoting the Stadium Event in Budapest which takes place on Saturday 18th July.</p>
<p>20,000+ tickets already sold or reserved and available now, worldwide. A great opportunity to see Michael W Smith, Chris Tomlin, Rend Collective, Matt Maher, Pinter Bela, Martin Smith, myself and many others at what will be a fantastic event.</p>
<p>Tickets are now on sale worldwide. Click <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.eventim.hu/ezazanap/en/tickets/ez-az-a-nap-2020-elet-budapest-puskas-arena-1170223/performance.html" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> for the online box office.</p>
<p>Visit the Ez Az A Nap (This Is The Day) website by clicking on the image above.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6132173
2020-01-19T02:41:36+01:00
2020-01-19T02:41:36+01:00
Behind The Song - Part 2 - Quiet My Soul
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.noelandtricia.com/album/1410997/quiet-my-soul-free-single" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/513ce1c4d25255ee428cd168603336875f53f098/original/behind-the-song-part-2.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>The second in a short series of stories behind the songs. </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>This one is from Noel & Tricia Richards</strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The music for this song was birthed during a soundcheck for a concert in Berlin, Germany in November 2015. Tricia was playing her guitar and she began to improvise a simple melody. We captured it on a smartphone and filed it away for future use. </p>
<p>In early 2017, when we were looking through our file of ideas, this tune resonated with us. We sat down with our guitars and as we played together, the lyric – 'Still my beating anxious heart' – dropped into our minds. It seemed like a good starting place for the first verse of the song. </p>
<p>We developed the music further by adding a refrain and then began working on the ideas and lyrics that would build on this opening line. We talked about fear, stress and anxiety that can cause the heart and mind to race and thought that a song tackling this subject might be worth exploring. </p>
<p>When writing in any form, be it a song or a story, it is best to write from what you know and experience. </p>
<p>Tricia has experienced panic attacks for most of her adult life and anyone who has suffered these, knows how debilitating and restricting these can be. So we wrote this song drawing from what Tricia has been through over these many years. The lines of the song speak about the feelings of anxiety, panic, fear and uncontrolled thoughts. There is a need to find a place of peace and calm in all of this, hence the line repeated over and over again in this song – 'Quiet my soul'. </p>
<p>We sensed that the refrain should focus on what we need to do in those times when we feel overwhelmed by everything and are unable to cope. We hold on to what we know. We hold on to the one who is the saviour of our souls. We hold onto his words that speak peace to our souls in the midst of the storms. </p>
<p>Almost every time that we have performed this song in the last few years, we have people talk to us about their own struggles with panic attacks, stress and irrational fears. They have been encouraged to know that people like us, who when performing on stage can look so together, are going through a similar experience to their own. </p>
<p>For that reason, we believe that this song has a great role to play in these days. Life seems to move and change at such an overwhelmingly fast pace. There is an increasing need for mindfulness and taking the time to simply quiet our souls. </p>
<p>This is a scripture that we share when we perform this song in concert. </p>
<p>Psalm 131 v 2 from The Message says: </p>
<p><em>I’ve kept my feet on the ground, <br> I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. <br>Like a baby content in its mother’s arms, <br> my soul is a baby content. </em></p>
<p>We hope that as you listen to 'Quiet My Soul', you will find a place of peace in whatever storms you might be facing right now.</p>
<p>Download the MP3 of 'Quiet My Soul' complete with lyrics and chord chart by clicking on the image above or <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.noelandtricia.com/album/1410997/quiet-my-soul-free-single" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/6058077
2020-01-03T16:50:07+01:00
2020-04-09T21:17:29+02:00
Behind The Song - Part 1 - While You Are Sleeping
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://gatewaypublishing.com/music-collection/while-you-were-sleeping" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/c8075539710facf2f73704245a7a4c9a44ce5fd4/original/behind-the-song-part-1-copy.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>The first in a short series of stories behind the songs. </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>This one is from Wayne Drain</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>The response to my song, “While You Are Sleeping” has been very encouraging. My live performance of the song from Gateway Church has had over 100,000 views on their Facebook page. It has been released as a deluxe single by Gateway Publishing, including a version sung by myself, a version sung by Melissa Jackson, and an instrumental version. I’m delighted to see that it is being listened to across the world now. </p>
<p>As I considered my own struggles with sleep, I began to see that there is an epidemic of sleeplessness and anxiety in our world at present. Many have messaged me referring to fears, night terrors, and information overload as contributing factors that make getting enough rest and sleep difficult. I believe this song was given to bless people with sleep and rest. I’m hearing from people around the world who are being helped when they listened to “While You Are Sleeping.” A pastor from Texas who hadn’t been able to sleep more than four hours a night for six years started sleeping eight hours the night he listened to the song. A young lady in Delaware who struggled with fear and an inability to sleep due to past abuse writes that finding the song helped her experience peace, sleep and an absence of fear. A mom in New Zealand wrote that her baby hadn’t slept in months but has been able to go to sleep while listening to the song. Most song writers don’t want their songs to put people to sleep, but in this case that’s exactly what I hope my song will do! </p>
<p>I’m hearing that the story behind the song I used to introduce it at Gateway Church is helping people find faith to believe that God really does promise His beloved sleep (Psalm 127:1-2). Reading a promise and believing a promise are not the same. It helps build our faith to believe that God keeps His promises. I can tell you personally that He does. You can read more about my struggles with sleeplessness in a previous blog at www.waynedrain.com. “While You Are Sleeping” came to me in the middle of the night as a sort of modern-day confirmation of Job 35:10. Why don’t you pause and go read my story and listen to the song right now. I’ll wait for you. </p>
<p>My friends Noel Richards and Tim Sheppard were given co-write credits for the song due to significant contributions in musical and lyrical arrangements. Both are seasoned song writers as well. I have invited Noel and Tim to join me in writing their stories behind the songs they have written along similar themes of peace, rest or healing found in God’s presence. We will tag team giving more stories behind the songs for you in the weeks to come. It is my hope that these stories will be an encouragement to you that God still speaks to those who seek Him. And may you ‘know in your knower’ that He keeps His promises. </p>
<p>Download “While You Are Sleeping” on all digital platforms by clicking on the image above or watch the Video <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/7wM5EZ6JhFE" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5992535
2019-12-05T12:55:41+01:00
2019-12-05T12:57:54+01:00
Stadium 2020 Roadshow
<p>It was a real privilege to be involved in the <a contents="Ez Az A Nap" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://ezazanap.hu/?lang=en" target="_blank"><strong>Ez Az A Nap</strong></a> Stadium 2020 Roadshow which visited 11 major cities in Hungary, Ukraine and Romania. We probably played to a total audience of around 20,000 people during these last few weeks. A great opportunity to share the vision for the stadium worship event in Budapest on 18th July 2020. I have uploaded some photos to my <strong><a contents="Gallery" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.com/galleries/737600/stadium-2020-roadshow-hungary-ukraine-romania-november-2019-thanks-to-nehezy-laszlo-http-www-nehezy-hu-and-others-for-these-great-pics?fbclid=IwAR3YiTjQp174P7xlvdux1C0Hh8RwYmco-Wji93kAMFzGgv6548fcPrZnzVM" target="_blank">Gallery</a></strong> which will give you a taste of our journey. (Many were taken by <strong><a contents="Nehézy László" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.nehezy.hu" target="_blank">Nehézy László</a></strong>) A big thank you to all the crew behind the scenes that made every event so successful. Looking forward to the next Roadshow in February and off course to the <a contents="big event in July." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://ezazanap.hu/?lang=en" target="_blank"><strong>big event in July.</strong></a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/7a880b7b972caac50aff872e1fc5f623d70dfea0/original/the-team-debrecen.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5967964
2019-11-21T12:33:09+01:00
2019-11-21T12:33:09+01:00
Playing at Ez Az A Nap, Puskas Stadium on 18th July 2020
<p>I am really looking forward to being involved in this incredible event on Saturday 18th July 2020 at the Puskas Stadium in Budapest. The organisers are planning for up to 60,000 people at the stadium and the event will feature a host of local artists together with Martin Smith & Band, Chris Tomlin, Michael W Smith and more to be announced. Put the date in your diary. Tickets go on sale soon.......</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/4bfbce34615138e8b335e2b7abd8319b4e9f3174/original/noel-at-stadium-2020-promo.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5955092
2019-11-09T19:12:22+01:00
2019-11-09T19:12:22+01:00
Hungary, Romania, Ukraine Roadshow Dates
<p>I am looking forward to these events over the next few weeks. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/7007627651c1cfab530d5fdc0d79fcbce7281737/original/noel-roadshow-eng-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5888129
2019-09-11T17:52:04+02:00
2019-11-23T11:49:54+01:00
Is It Time To Ban Alcohol On Flights?
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/32428ad97c6f48fd842de172547a7fa6dc6d110f/original/aircraft-02.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>As a frequent air traveller, taking on average around 40 flights a year, I enjoy a glass of wine with my meal, particularly on a long-haul flight. It still amazes me that I can sit in a reasonably comfortable seat, watching a series of movies, eating and drinking at 35,000 feet. Flying is a truly miraculous experience!</p>
<p>However, I am becoming more and more concerned about the disruption caused to flights, by people under the influence of alcohol. On recent flights from the UK, I have witnessed guys making sexual comments to female flight attendants, people bringing vodka on board disguised in water bottles and then getting more inebriated as the journey progresses. On one flight, moments before landing, the flight attendants had to shout at a drunk passenger who was walking down the aisle; oblivious to the danger he posed to himself and other passengers.</p>
<p>These are fairly mild situations compared to some of the horrors we are reading about. Here is a recent excerpt from a severe incident:</p>
<p><span class="font_small"><strong><em>Essex Police confirmed officers arrested a 25-year-old woman on suspicion of common assault, criminal damage and endangering an aircraft. She has been released on bail until August 21. </em></strong></span><span class="font_small"><strong><em>Witnesses earlier revealed how they were in fear for their lives after their fellow passenger went for the exit door. </em></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_small"><strong><em>Amy Varol, who sat two rows behind, told The Sun Online: "The woman was walking down the aisle when she literally ran to the exit door. </em></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_small"><strong><em>"She had her hands on the handle trying to open it. </em></strong></span><span class="font_small"><strong><em>Luckily there were two cabin crew there who pulled her off the door. </em></strong></span><span class="font_small"><strong><em>She was punching, kicking and screaming at the stewards, they were trying to stop her but they had no chance </em></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_small"><strong><em>Ms Varol continued: "She started assaulting the two crew members, a woman and a man. </em></strong></span><span class="font_small"><strong><em>A big guy then literally threw her down to the floor and there was one person holding one arm and another person holding the other. </em></strong></span><span class="font_small"><strong><em>Then a man sat on her and one person was holding her leg and someone else holding the other one. </em></strong></span><span class="font_small"><strong><em>That's when she started screaming 'get off me, I'm going to kill everyone'."</em></strong></span></p>
<p>Every week there seems to be another report of a plane being diverted owing to drunken disruptive passengers. This causes distress to flight crews, fellow travellers and particularly young children.</p>
<p>At airports, we go through a screening process to ensure that we do not pose a security risk to aircraft and passengers. Yet "drunken terrorists" are free to terrorise others in the confined space of an aircraft. They pose a real threat to the safety of the travelling public.</p>
<p>Is it now time for airlines to take action and ban alcohol on all flights? I see no reason why this should not be possible.</p>
<p>Remember how it was just a few years ago when people were allowed to smoke onboard? Every time I checked in, I hoped I would not be seated at the back of the plane where you could see the blue cloud of cigarette smoke hovering throughout the entire flight. Since the late 1980s airlines have been smoke free zones and even hardened smokers seem to be able to survive a flight without a cigarette. They no longer have any other option.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>What ideas would you suggest to tackle the problem of drunk flying? I have a few:</strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/beb3f65fb716500485cdc1970769b6f2423405ab/original/unknown.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></strong></p>
<p>1 Deliver Duty Free Purchases of alcohol in a sealed bag to the passenger at the aircraft door, so that there is less likelihood of it being siphoned off into harmless looking water bottles pre-flight. This procedure is routine at many airports in the USA.</p>
<p>2 Bring in stricter controls on bars and restaurants at the airports. Enjoy a few drinks by all means, but no-one needs to get paralytic before boarding a plane.</p>
<p>3 On short haul flights, no alcohol should be served to any passenger. Surely we can survive a few hours without a drink. </p>
<p>4 As part of the safety briefing before a flight, crews should explain the zero tolerance policy for drunken behaviour, in the same way that smoking is treated.</p>
<p><strong>Consequences:</strong></p>
<p>1 Anyone found to be consuming alcohol which they have brought on board, should be prosecuted by the airline. No second chances.</p>
<p>2 Anyone who is abusive to fellow passengers or flight crew as a result of being intoxicated, should be prosecuted and banned from that airline for life.</p>
<p>3 Also there could be a ban on flying with other airlines for a 12 month period. Similar to what happens if you are caught drink/driving. Not unreasonable.</p>
<p>4 Anyone who causes a flight to be diverted because of drunken, abusive behaviour should pay something towards the cost that the airline incurs. Steve Heapy the Chief Executive of Jet2 has billed the disruptive passenger described in the earlier part of this blog, a whopping £85,000. <strong><a contents="Read&nbsp;the&nbsp;report." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-49017838?fbclid=IwAR1FQ_NCQiwuEo7WfH00eR0qhCEjM5O3pEfMNjaFPwnJFHFH-5VSVZksCq8" target="_blank">Read the report.</a></strong></p>
<p>Maybe this seems a little draconian; but to ensure safety and security for the majority of the travelling public, something has to change.</p>
<p><strong>Read this recent article by travel writer Simon Calder.</strong><a contents="WHY THE ERA OF DRINKING AND FLYING COULD BE OVER" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/drunk-passenger-air-rage-flight-wizz-air-alcohol-fight-violence-a8917711.html" target="_blank"> <strong>WHY THE ERA OF DRINKING AND FLYING COULD BE OVER</strong></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5782012
2019-06-06T16:41:33+02:00
2020-04-05T02:43:38+02:00
This Is The Day - Budapest, Hungary 2019 - Highlights Video
<p>Had a great time in Budapest over the weekend of 1st June. 8,000 people at the arena for the 'This Is The Day' event, featuring loads of participants from Hungary, as well as Pat Barrett (USA) and Planetshakers (Australia). I enjoyed playing there with my band.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="_LlIrLuTFMw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/_LlIrLuTFMw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_LlIrLuTFMw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5769551
2019-05-27T09:25:12+02:00
2019-05-27T09:28:16+02:00
A Busy Week......
<p>Getting ready for the event at Budapest Arena this Saturday. Off to the UK on Tuesday to rehearse with the band, and then we fly to Budapest on Friday. Looking forward to a great weekend with all my friends in Budapest.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="cHP1_lw1Zc4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/cHP1_lw1Zc4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cHP1_lw1Zc4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5758496
2019-05-17T21:53:37+02:00
2020-08-02T06:28:28+02:00
May 2019 Newsletter Online
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">This is our latest update, featuring news about Budapest 2020, a new single and video from Bryn Haworth, concert schedule and more.........</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Click on the image to read it and please subscribe to receive it direct to your inbox every month or so.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://mailchi.mp/5ce6bea8c178/noel-tricia-richards-update-may-2019?e=%5BUNIQID%5D" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/31aa1ae96b7e1544e27c2ad123d35cc6ec9128ba/original/mth-3701.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5755617
2019-05-16T17:13:19+02:00
2020-12-07T10:21:54+01:00
This Is The Day - Budapest, Hungary 2020 - Launch Event
<p>On 24th April, I was in Budapest, Hungary, for the official announcement that a huge worship gathering would take place at the brand new Ferenc Puskas Stadium, on Saturday 18th July 2020. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/da31f97cfb57bf980094607c8944da4aa8010f14/original/viktor-shares-vision-with-stadium-image.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>The event will be organised by the Ez Az A Nap (Hungarian for “This Is The Day”) team, which is headed up by my good friend Viktor László. Viktor has carried a vision for this since the time when he watched the video of our “Champion of the World” event held at London's Wembley Stadium in June 1997. In the final moments of the video, he saw the Hungarian flag being waved and it inspired him to see something like that, happen in Budapest. </p>
<p>I had received a letter from a couple of friends on the day of the Wembley event which encouraged me that worship gatherings would take place in other stadiums in Europe; one of which was Budapest. </p>
<p>I was introduced to Viktor in the spring of 1998 and we have remained good friends since then. On that first visit to Budapest, Viktor and myself, together with some of his team prayed at the old national stadium. This is the site on which the new stadium now stands. </p>
<p>Over these last 21 years, I have been a frequent visitor to Budapest, participating in various events. Viktor even hosted a special 60th Birthday Party for me there in 2015. </p>
<p>So, it is a privilege to be encouraging the team as they embark on this incredible journey over the next year to fill the Puskas Stadium with 70,000 worshippers from Hungary and the surrounding nations. I will be spending two weeks in November and one week in February, travelling throughout Hungary and other nations on their Roadshow.</p>
<p>The launch event on 24th April was attended by 450 delegates from Hungary, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Holland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine and UK. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/18d3ea452fd5aa79d7caa96e15dbbee8e2d05de5/original/leaders-budapest.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Delegates at the event</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">At the event, Viktor shared the vision for 2020 and the journey so far. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/dbcdf190832f8132d93ffe62449f828a384344e0/original/viktor-shares-vision.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I was given an opportunity to add to the story and sing. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/b7ed706d2fe5d9c9cc1cac61c1ff9d5e2fdce192/original/ggp3758.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Other participants included some of the best known Hungarian musicians, who work closely with Ez Az A Nap. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/77011ad1dcd50b6d6b6e9cf2208ecc477c190b48/original/laszlo-prazsak.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">László Prazsák</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/caf69c7e027878efef2352ada02131b957edb674/original/csiszer-laszlo.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Csiszér László</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/af54345dcf50ccce29ddfcc884cc99fc82f8c397/original/pinter-bela.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Pintér Béla</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A special cake in the shape of the new stadium had been baked for this launch event and each one of us ate a piece, as a symbolic act of committing to serve the vision for the event. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/8d3a8a680d1463ef8b4d1613eacaaa0c864f6067/original/viktor-and-stadium-cake.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Viktor with the Stadium Cake</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Balázs Fürjes, the government minister responsible for the new stadium spoke to the delegates and shared how as a Christian he was delighted that it would serve as a gathering place for the church. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/27cd592d5bf1b2d1ae11bea5c6f78d06c97e943f/original/goverment-minister.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">Balázs Fürjes</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">At the conclusion of the event, we all had an opportunity to visit the new stadium, which will be finished and officially opened in November.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/fb311c7dd46f0434312f93deb07356d3be317fee/original/puskas-stadium-noel.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Please put the date in your diary and plan to join us in July 2020.</span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/bf3bb23c6e426911e4ae5da7716a988c4d4bb0ad/original/arena2020.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5743011
2019-05-04T22:44:29+02:00
2020-10-13T10:00:00+02:00
This Is The Day! - Ferenc Puskás Stadium
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/bf3bb23c6e426911e4ae5da7716a988c4d4bb0ad/original/arena2020.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>On 18th July, 2020 the This Is The Day! movement will reach the most important stage of its history. They are inviting 70.000 worshippers to fill one of the biggest stadiums of Europe – the brand new Ferenc Puskás Stadium (on the site of the former Nepstadion). They are inviting people from the whole Carpatian Basin, surrounding nations and the rest of Europe. Come and be a part of this historic moment when the 20 year old vision becomes reality. More details soon.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5697685
2019-03-28T09:34:32+01:00
2019-03-28T11:13:15+01:00
Ez Az A Nap (This Is The Day)
<p style="text-align: center;">I am really looking forward to playing at this event with my band on June 1st.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It takes place at Budapest Arena, Hungary, one of my favourite cities.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="cHP1_lw1Zc4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/cHP1_lw1Zc4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cHP1_lw1Zc4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/2500f3ec696248e03a0fdb66730172a077b059f9/original/noel-brad.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/2bc20fa44a77c42f2e4078dae1539c5e972c1a30/original/neil-c.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" />Neil Costello - guitars</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/e17c9a0c75cb5a28db56ffba16b01405dfcd909f/original/mark-p.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" />Mark Prentice - bass</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/407f6e86206233a614720e3d60b46d39c94bc21a/original/mark-edwards.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" />Mark Edwards - keys</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/6adef2639b595d77e4f92e5bba9cdcad6c418c13/original/brad-smile.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" />Brad Mason - drums</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5674779
2019-03-09T19:56:42+01:00
2020-01-16T07:54:15+01:00
For All The People
<p>At one of our concerts towards the end of last year, someone shouted out a request for this song. We had not sung it for years but managed to do it and remembered all the lyrics! It was a special moment. Then recently, I found this old recording from the "Warrior Concert Tour" in the Regents Hall London, 1994. This week we have a couple of UK concerts and this song will be featured in the set. Enjoy!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="bWfVufBaSsI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/bWfVufBaSsI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bWfVufBaSsI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5555291
2018-12-15T11:48:52+01:00
2018-12-15T11:48:52+01:00
Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs Concerts
<p>We are now booking these concerts for 2019, where we share an evening of songs and stories. These concerts will feature many of our best loved congregational worship songs, together with songs about life, love, friendship and faith. To enquire about hosting an event in your area please use the <a contents="Enquiry Form" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank"><strong>Enquiry Form</strong></a> on this website and we will send you the details.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/1145510ef181e25dbd550ff5d95eba32f1650ee2/original/psalms-hymns-spiritual-songs-promo.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5363921
2018-07-27T11:22:52+02:00
2019-12-07T11:33:29+01:00
Quiet My Soul - Live Concert Recording
<p>Just added to our VIDEOS section of the website. This is such a timely song, with all the pressures of modern life that we face. To watch the video, simply click on the image. We are grateful to Jack Matt for filming this for us.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV3AX2CBXoQ" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/673664fad2f78f97384fea9fb2f72d5d9da6c907/original/austrey1.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5153676
2018-03-29T11:00:08+02:00
2019-05-17T19:38:47+02:00
He Has Risen!
<p>We have enjoyed sharing this Easter song in so many places, since we wrote it in the autumn of 1993. It is hard to believe that this song is 25 years old. It took a long time to write and involved myself, Tricia and Gerald Coates as co-writers. This video was recorded at 'Champion of the World, at London's Wembley Stadium in 1997. Happy Easter - He is risen indeed!!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="OM9coYar5U4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/OM9coYar5U4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OM9coYar5U4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p><span style='border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 76px; left: 286px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;'>Save</span><span style='border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 76px; left: 286px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;'>Save</span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5113455
2018-03-06T10:50:22+01:00
2018-03-29T11:00:25+02:00
A Free Song for Easter - Because He Lives
<p>This month's free song download is 'Because He Lives' which we wrote for the Easter season. The free download includes full lyrics and a chord chart. You can stream, download and share with your friends. Click on the image to download.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.com/album/714254/easter-special" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/0ba3c98c2c84717d3a97ccd9c580009b569f20c3/medium/because-he-lives-cover.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5068521
2018-02-08T10:45:30+01:00
2018-03-10T11:04:53+01:00
Looking forward to our UK Concerts.
<p>Starting on the 16th February, we begin a series of UK concerts that take us through to April. We will be touring Wales, the South West of the UK, the North West, Midlands and London area. Full details are at the website for <a contents="Noel &amp; Tricia Richards" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.noelandtricia.com/shows" target="_blank"><strong>Noel & Tricia Richards</strong></a></p>
<p>Our first concert is up close and personal at <strong><a contents="Canaan Bookshop" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.canaanbookshop.co.uk/noel-and-tricia-richards-live-at-canaan-bookshop/" target="_blank">Canaan Bookshop</a></strong> in Staines. Tickets are limited and can be purchased by calling the shop at 01784 457 194</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/6410094bcfc826e829471fa49d6c813df502aaee/original/mth-3540.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5048707
2018-02-01T17:45:00+01:00
2018-02-13T10:58:41+01:00
Happy Valentine's Day
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">A free song to share with those you love on Valentine's Day. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Often, we forget to tell those closest to us, how special they are. Feel free to share this song with as many people as you like!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Click on the image to download, stream or share it.</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small">(Download/Stream/Share from Noel & Tricia Richards Website)</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.noelandtricia.com/album/683257/a-song-for-valentine-s-day-wonderful" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/deeef8afca9f7b3a6e9960770b25eda4f9ce543e/medium/valentines-day.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p><span style='border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIGhlaWdodD0iMzBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwcHgiIHZpZXdCb3g9Ii0xIC0xIDMxIDMxIj48Zz48cGF0aCBkPSJNMjkuNDQ5LDE0LjY2MiBDMjkuNDQ5LDIyLjcyMiAyMi44NjgsMjkuMjU2IDE0Ljc1LDI5LjI1NiBDNi42MzIsMjkuMjU2IDAuMDUxLDIyLjcyMiAwLjA1MSwxNC42NjIgQzAuMDUxLDYuNjAxIDYuNjMyLDAuMDY3IDE0Ljc1LDAuMDY3IEMyMi44NjgsMC4wNjcgMjkuNDQ5LDYuNjAxIDI5LjQ0OSwxNC42NjIiIGZpbGw9IiNmZmYiIHN0cm9rZT0iI2ZmZiIgc3Ryb2tlLXdpZHRoPSIxIj48L3BhdGg+PHBhdGggZD0iTTE0LjczMywxLjY4NiBDNy41MTYsMS42ODYgMS42NjUsNy40OTUgMS42NjUsMTQuNjYyIEMxLjY2NSwyMC4xNTkgNS4xMDksMjQuODU0IDkuOTcsMjYuNzQ0IEM5Ljg1NiwyNS43MTggOS43NTMsMjQuMTQzIDEwLjAxNiwyMy4wMjIgQzEwLjI1MywyMi4wMSAxMS41NDgsMTYuNTcyIDExLjU0OCwxNi41NzIgQzExLjU0OCwxNi41NzIgMTEuMTU3LDE1Ljc5NSAxMS4xNTcsMTQuNjQ2IEMxMS4xNTcsMTIuODQyIDEyLjIxMSwxMS40OTUgMTMuNTIyLDExLjQ5NSBDMTQuNjM3LDExLjQ5NSAxNS4xNzUsMTIuMzI2IDE1LjE3NSwxMy4zMjMgQzE1LjE3NSwxNC40MzYgMTQuNDYyLDE2LjEgMTQuMDkzLDE3LjY0MyBDMTMuNzg1LDE4LjkzNSAxNC43NDUsMTkuOTg4IDE2LjAyOCwxOS45ODggQzE4LjM1MSwxOS45ODggMjAuMTM2LDE3LjU1NiAyMC4xMzYsMTQuMDQ2IEMyMC4xMzYsMTAuOTM5IDE3Ljg4OCw4Ljc2NyAxNC42NzgsOC43NjcgQzEwLjk1OSw4Ljc2NyA4Ljc3NywxMS41MzYgOC43NzcsMTQuMzk4IEM4Ljc3NywxNS41MTMgOS4yMSwxNi43MDkgOS43NDksMTcuMzU5IEM5Ljg1NiwxNy40ODggOS44NzIsMTcuNiA5Ljg0LDE3LjczMSBDOS43NDEsMTguMTQxIDkuNTIsMTkuMDIzIDkuNDc3LDE5LjIwMyBDOS40MiwxOS40NCA5LjI4OCwxOS40OTEgOS4wNCwxOS4zNzYgQzcuNDA4LDE4LjYyMiA2LjM4NywxNi4yNTIgNi4zODcsMTQuMzQ5IEM2LjM4NywxMC4yNTYgOS4zODMsNi40OTcgMTUuMDIyLDYuNDk3IEMxOS41NTUsNi40OTcgMjMuMDc4LDkuNzA1IDIzLjA3OCwxMy45OTEgQzIzLjA3OCwxOC40NjMgMjAuMjM5LDIyLjA2MiAxNi4yOTcsMjIuMDYyIEMxNC45NzMsMjIuMDYyIDEzLjcyOCwyMS4zNzkgMTMuMzAyLDIwLjU3MiBDMTMuMzAyLDIwLjU3MiAxMi42NDcsMjMuMDUgMTIuNDg4LDIzLjY1NyBDMTIuMTkzLDI0Ljc4NCAxMS4zOTYsMjYuMTk2IDEwLjg2MywyNy4wNTggQzEyLjA4NiwyNy40MzQgMTMuMzg2LDI3LjYzNyAxNC43MzMsMjcuNjM3IEMyMS45NSwyNy42MzcgMjcuODAxLDIxLjgyOCAyNy44MDEsMTQuNjYyIEMyNy44MDEsNy40OTUgMjEuOTUsMS42ODYgMTQuNzMzLDEuNjg2IiBmaWxsPSIjYmQwODFjIj48L3BhdGg+PC9nPjwvc3ZnPg==); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 62px; left: 306px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;'>Save</span><span style='border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 62px; left: 306px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;'>Save</span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5036379
2018-01-22T17:11:30+01:00
2019-10-03T10:37:25+02:00
Updated Profile at WeAreWorship.com
<p>My profile at the <a contents="WeAreWorship.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.weareworship.com/uk/worship-leaders/noel-richards/" target="_blank"><strong>WeAreWorship.com</strong></a> website has now been updated. It features a video of me performing 'All Heaven Declares' with my band in Hungary and also singing in Hungarian. Click on the image to visit my Profile at WeAreWorship.com</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.weareworship.com/uk/worship-leaders/noel-richards/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/adb6b8efee91e9b57af1e2d69498944f4bec9037/original/screen-shot-2018-01-22-at-10-13-55.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style='border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 62px; left: 156px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;'>Save</span><span style='border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIGhlaWdodD0iMzBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwcHgiIHZpZXdCb3g9Ii0xIC0xIDMxIDMxIj48Zz48cGF0aCBkPSJNMjkuNDQ5LDE0LjY2MiBDMjkuNDQ5LDIyLjcyMiAyMi44NjgsMjkuMjU2IDE0Ljc1LDI5LjI1NiBDNi42MzIsMjkuMjU2IDAuMDUxLDIyLjcyMiAwLjA1MSwxNC42NjIgQzAuMDUxLDYuNjAxIDYuNjMyLDAuMDY3IDE0Ljc1LDAuMDY3IEMyMi44NjgsMC4wNjcgMjkuNDQ5LDYuNjAxIDI5LjQ0OSwxNC42NjIiIGZpbGw9IiNmZmYiIHN0cm9rZT0iI2ZmZiIgc3Ryb2tlLXdpZHRoPSIxIj48L3BhdGg+PHBhdGggZD0iTTE0LjczMywxLjY4NiBDNy41MTYsMS42ODYgMS42NjUsNy40OTUgMS42NjUsMTQuNjYyIEMxLjY2NSwyMC4xNTkgNS4xMDksMjQuODU0IDkuOTcsMjYuNzQ0IEM5Ljg1NiwyNS43MTggOS43NTMsMjQuMTQzIDEwLjAxNiwyMy4wMjIgQzEwLjI1MywyMi4wMSAxMS41NDgsMTYuNTcyIDExLjU0OCwxNi41NzIgQzExLjU0OCwxNi41NzIgMTEuMTU3LDE1Ljc5NSAxMS4xNTcsMTQuNjQ2IEMxMS4xNTcsMTIuODQyIDEyLjIxMSwxMS40OTUgMTMuNTIyLDExLjQ5NSBDMTQuNjM3LDExLjQ5NSAxNS4xNzUsMTIuMzI2IDE1LjE3NSwxMy4zMjMgQzE1LjE3NSwxNC40MzYgMTQuNDYyLDE2LjEgMTQuMDkzLDE3LjY0MyBDMTMuNzg1LDE4LjkzNSAxNC43NDUsMTkuOTg4IDE2LjAyOCwxOS45ODggQzE4LjM1MSwxOS45ODggMjAuMTM2LDE3LjU1NiAyMC4xMzYsMTQuMDQ2IEMyMC4xMzYsMTAuOTM5IDE3Ljg4OCw4Ljc2NyAxNC42NzgsOC43NjcgQzEwLjk1OSw4Ljc2NyA4Ljc3NywxMS41MzYgOC43NzcsMTQuMzk4IEM4Ljc3NywxNS41MTMgOS4yMSwxNi43MDkgOS43NDksMTcuMzU5IEM5Ljg1NiwxNy40ODggOS44NzIsMTcuNiA5Ljg0LDE3LjczMSBDOS43NDEsMTguMTQxIDkuNTIsMTkuMDIzIDkuNDc3LDE5LjIwMyBDOS40MiwxOS40NCA5LjI4OCwxOS40OTEgOS4wNCwxOS4zNzYgQzcuNDA4LDE4LjYyMiA2LjM4NywxNi4yNTIgNi4zODcsMTQuMzQ5IEM2LjM4NywxMC4yNTYgOS4zODMsNi40OTcgMTUuMDIyLDYuNDk3IEMxOS41NTUsNi40OTcgMjMuMDc4LDkuNzA1IDIzLjA3OCwxMy45OTEgQzIzLjA3OCwxOC40NjMgMjAuMjM5LDIyLjA2MiAxNi4yOTcsMjIuMDYyIEMxNC45NzMsMjIuMDYyIDEzLjcyOCwyMS4zNzkgMTMuMzAyLDIwLjU3MiBDMTMuMzAyLDIwLjU3MiAxMi42NDcsMjMuMDUgMTIuNDg4LDIzLjY1NyBDMTIuMTkzLDI0Ljc4NCAxMS4zOTYsMjYuMTk2IDEwLjg2MywyNy4wNTggQzEyLjA4NiwyNy40MzQgMTMuMzg2LDI3LjYzNyAxNC43MzMsMjcuNjM3IEMyMS45NSwyNy42MzcgMjcuODAxLDIxLjgyOCAyNy44MDEsMTQuNjYyIEMyNy44MDEsNy40OTUgMjEuOTUsMS42ODYgMTQuNzMzLDEuNjg2IiBmaWxsPSIjYmQwODFjIj48L3BhdGg+PC9nPjwvc3ZnPg==); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 62px; left: 156px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;'>Save</span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/5033190
2018-01-20T00:56:53+01:00
2018-01-20T01:07:55+01:00
Quiet My Soul - Review on Cross Rhythms Website
<p>Tricia and I were really encouraged by this review of "Quiet My Soul" on the <a contents="Cross Rhythms website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Noel__Tricia_Richards/Quiet_My_Soul_Live_Acoustic_Sessions/167486/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#16a085;"><strong>Cross Rhythms website</strong></span></a><span style="color:#16a085;">.</span> Tony Cummings said this about the album:</p>
<p><em><strong>"There have been plenty of examples of artists of every style returning to a batch of their best known compositions to present stripped down acoustic versions of the same. Now the Spain-based husband and wife duo have offered this thoroughly engaging, deftly produced EP. Several of these worship anthems are surely modern worship classics and to hear "You Laid Aside Your Majesty", "To Be In Your Presence" (sung as a medley with "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms") and "All Heaven Declares" (neatly segued into another Richards gem, "By Your Side") is both a listening and worshipful pleasure".</strong></em></p>
<p>If you have not heard the album yet, you can preview the tracks and buy it <strong><a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/583911/quiet-my-soul-live-acoustic-sessions" target="_blank"><span style="color:#16a085;">HERE</span></a></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#16a085;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/147978054fe2da32a1b40dd622894bb9402a3314/medium/awal2-copy.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></strong></p>
<p><span style='border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;'>Save</span><span style='border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;'>Save</span></p>
<p><span style='border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 156px; left: 306px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;'>Save</span><span style='border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 156px; left: 306px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;'>Save</span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4978999
2017-12-15T17:14:58+01:00
2020-03-16T09:21:56+01:00
New Video: Angels Sing Their Song Tonight
<p>We have just finished working on this video for our Christmas song, in time for you to watch it with friends and family, while doing all those wonderful Christmassy things. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We hope you have a wonderful Christmas!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Q40z022Sqjw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Q40z022Sqjw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q40z022Sqjw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4948493
2017-11-25T17:09:37+01:00
2017-11-25T17:11:02+01:00
Interviews on three radio stations - Sunday morning 26th November
<p>Tomorrow, thanks to technology and pre-recorded interviews, you can catch me on three radio stations:</p>
<p>BBC Radio Essex @ 6.20am - <strong><a contents="Listen" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcessex" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;">Listen</span></a><span style="color:#3498db;"> This interview was pre-recorded</span></strong></p>
<p>BBC Radio Sussex & Surrey @ 8.35am - <strong><a contents="Listen" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcsussex" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;">Listen</span></a></strong><span style="color:#3498db;"><strong> - This interview will be live on the telephone.</strong></span></p>
<p>Uckfield FM - full interview with myself and Tricia between 8am and 9am - <strong><a contents="Listen Online" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.uckfieldfm.co.uk/about-us/how-to-listen/online/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;">Listen Online</span></a><span style="color:#3498db;"> </span></strong><span style="color:#3498db;"><strong>- This full length interview was pre-recorded.</strong></span></p>
<p>You can listen to the interviews at the broadcast time or catch up later.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/e788b018bc1b917327deb04f162d39d00b2bfd86/medium/logo-tl.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style='border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;'>Save</span><span style='border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;'>Save</span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4916319
2017-11-02T14:09:17+01:00
2017-11-02T14:11:00+01:00
Visiting St Austell Foodbank
<p>Today, we have no concerts, so I took the opportunity to visit the <a contents="St Austell Foodbank" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://staustell.foodbank.org.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2980b9;"><strong>St Austell Foodbank</strong></span></a> and see at first hand the wonderful work they are doing in the community.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/94a178a63544fb05b409dcbc45658eaa95ad862a/medium/foodbank.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4902595
2017-10-23T10:07:55+02:00
2017-11-02T14:06:23+01:00
Final Preparations For Our UK Concerts
<p>With just one week to go before we start a series of 18 concerts in the UK, Tricia and I are busy rehearsing and digging out our winter clothes! Next Monday, 30th October we will begin in Bath. Looking forward to getting out on the road again and sharing our songs and stories. Full tour details <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.noelandtricia.com/shows" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2980b9;"><strong>HERE</strong></span></a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/cdb4708360c9d53503f19801cf8095b65bf26bf8/medium/in-action-pats.jpg?1508746003" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4898370
2017-10-19T17:47:55+02:00
2018-01-10T16:50:55+01:00
Missing Jewel Playlist On Spotify
<p>"Worth Shouting About" created a playlist on Spotify, to accompany <a contents='"Missing Jewel"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Missing-Jewel-Moir/dp/1434711390/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1508428025&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><span style="color:#2980b9;"><strong>"Missing Jewel"</strong></span></a> the excellent book by Les Moir. The playlist features songs from Graham Kendrick, Noel Richards, Dave Bilbrough, Ishmael Smale, Stuart Townend, Martin Smith, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Chris Bowater and more. Click on the image to connect to the playlist.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/user/worthshoutingabout/playlist/4fFacPUD9S0p7jGpaQcGkQ" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/2187455478e0dd261293fa8eb49e21c0d4a06467/medium/missing-jewel.png?1508427947" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4892421
2017-10-15T12:31:10+02:00
2017-10-15T12:32:28+02:00
Talk Radio Europe Interview.
<p>You can download and listen to my interview with Howard Coley on Talk Radio Europe, which was broadcast this morning. We talk a little about my story and play songs from the new CD - "Quiet My Soul". The podcast is available for the next 7 days. Click on the image below to listen.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.talkradioeurope.com/ondemand/Talk_Radio_Europe_in_Spain_2017-10-15_08-00-00.mp3" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/6198e1306ac0802e5d7781850d79ac764cf76810/small/tre.png?1508063382" class="size_s justify_center border_" /></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4863048
2017-09-24T11:47:50+02:00
2017-09-24T13:53:33+02:00
Preview The Tracks Of Our New CD
<p>While browsing my website, you can listen to track previews of our new CD - "Quiet My Soul". The CDs are now in stock and ready for shipping. You can also download the album from this website. From the 29th, the album will be on iTunes and other online platforms for streaming and downloading. To order the album click <a contents="HERE." data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/583911/quiet-my-soul-live-acoustic-sessions" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;"><strong>HERE.</strong></span></a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/4c339b2dc961ca392cd5bcfbbfa5fc4db197f99d/medium/awal2.jpg?1504278584" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4836734
2017-09-04T11:55:52+02:00
2017-09-04T11:55:52+02:00
Online CD Booklet for "Quiet My Soul"
<p>You can now access the 16 page interactive booklet for our new CD - "Quiet My Soul". It contains lyrics for all 9 songs, publishing details, credits and some photos taken while we were recording at Superfly Studios in June. </p>
<p>Simply click on the image below which will take you to the booklet on our 'Downloads' section of the website. Enjoy!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/59405326/quiet-my-soul-cd-booklet" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/1b8381ca45cfdc3d5dd2425321303d9c2d900061/original/screen-shot-2017-09-03-at-17-45-47.png?1504518782" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4834395
2017-09-01T17:11:12+02:00
2017-09-06T19:45:43+02:00
New Album - "Quiet My Soul" Now available to order
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="PRE-ORDER CDs" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/583911/quiet-my-soul-live-acoustic-sessions" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;"><strong>PRE-ORDER CDs</strong></span></a> NOW FOR DELIVERY AS SOON AS WE HAVE THE ALBUM IN STOCK - £5 (plus p&p) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE NOW! -&nbsp;£3.50&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/583911/quiet-my-soul-live-acoustic-sessions" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;"><strong>DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE NOW! - £3.50 </strong></span></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Official Release Date for CD - 29th September.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In the last couple of years, we have been re-visiting some of our better known songs. Those who have attended any of our recent concerts, will have heard our acoustic versions of songs such as:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="“All Heaven Declares”" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.noelandtricia.com/track/1307886/all-heaven-declares-by-your-side" target="_blank"><span style="color:#9b59b6;">“All Heaven Declares”</span></a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a contents="“To Be In Your Presence”&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.noelandtricia.com/track/1307879/to-be-in-your-presence-leaning-on-the-everlasting-arms" target="_blank"><span style="color:#9b59b6;">“To Be In Your Presence” </span></a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="“You Laid Aside Your Majesty”" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.noelandtricia.com/track/1307808/sacred-place-you-laid-aside-your-majesty" target="_blank"><span style="color:#9b59b6;"><strong>“You Laid Aside Your Majesty”</strong></span></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Talking with our producer – Caroline Bonnett – we decided it would be a great idea to capture these versions of the songs in a live studio setting, with our acoustic guitars and voices. The only additional vocal and guitar was provided by Harun Kotch (who has played on our last couple of albums). </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We wanted to record the songs in the way they are heard at our concerts and this new CD “Quiet My Soul – live acoustic sessions” - is the result. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The CD features 6 of our well known songs, a couple of new ones and a version of the famous hymn 'Leaning On The Everlasting Arms'. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The theme of this recording is about finding that place of rest and peace, that comes from our Christian faith.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="PREVIEW TRACKS" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/583911/quiet-my-soul-live-acoustic-sessions" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#1abc9c;">PREVIEW TRACKS</span></strong></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/4c339b2dc961ca392cd5bcfbbfa5fc4db197f99d/medium/awal2.jpg?1504278584" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="album" href="/album/583911/quiet-my-soul-live-acoustic-sessions" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/8ecdfef2bc9743906f604094c61cdb8f4d6d1190/small/buy-now.jpeg?1470841076" class="size_s justify_center border_" /></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4820411
2017-08-21T12:15:48+02:00
2017-08-21T12:15:48+02:00
New CD Coming Soon!
<p>In October, there will be a brand new CD available - "Quiet My Soul". Noel & Tricia have gone into the studio and recorded an acoustic album, featuring their best loved worship songs, together with some new ones. They recorded the songs at Superfly Studios in Ollerton, UK with Caroline Bonnett producing and additional guitars/vocal supplied by Harun Kotch. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/c5e596643e44d1db6181fb60dbc960eba9d79d27/original/dsc-6229.jpg?1503310516" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4781088
2017-07-16T16:12:39+02:00
2017-07-16T16:18:38+02:00
Today - Radio Interview and Exclusive Preview of a New Song
<p>At 6.30pm this evening (UK time), I will be interviewed on ExpressFM by Terry Powell. The interview will also feature an exclusive preview of our new song 'Quiet My Soul', from our upcoming acoustic album. You can listen live at the <span style="color:#3498db;"><strong><a contents="ExpressFM website." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.expressfm.com/programmes/terry-in-the-building/" target="_blank">ExpressFM website.</a> <a contents="LIVE PLAYER" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.expressfm.com/player/" target="_blank">LIVE PLAYER</a></strong></span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/cef906ef211a0b70034e8cbe2a211f9ceca61f85/original/829121.jpg?1500214273" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4765494
2017-07-03T22:51:56+02:00
2017-07-04T21:33:37+02:00
Has Worship Sunk To A New Low In The Bible Belt Of The USA?
<p>I just read a very disturbing article by <a contents="Jonathan Aigner." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/ponderanew/2017/07/02/make-america-great-now-ccli-licensed-christian-worship-song/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;"><strong>Jonathan Aigner.</strong></span></a> It seems that “Make America Great Again” is Now a CCLI Licensed Christian Worship Song. How can churches sing this kind of lyric which is contrary to the Kingdom of God? You can read the full article clicking on the headline below:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="“Make America Great Again” is Now a CCLI Licensed Christian Worship Song - READ ARTICLE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/ponderanew/2017/07/02/make-america-great-now-ccli-licensed-christian-worship-song/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;"><span class="font_large"><strong>“Make America Great Again” is Now a CCLI Licensed Christian Worship Song - READ ARTICLE</strong></span></span></a></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/ponderanew/2017/07/02/make-america-great-now-ccli-licensed-christian-worship-song/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/3f37d469705ea17edb6fd6c02d27fce0159e9d47/original/patriotic.jpg?1499115093" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Below is an excerpt from the article. I would urge you to go to Jonathan's blog and read it in it's entirety.</p>
<p><em>"But how tragically this prayer cancels out the prayer of Jesus himself. </em></p>
<p><em>The political church prays: <br>“Make America great again!” </em></p>
<p><em>Jesus prayed: <br>“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” </em></p>
<p><em>The political church prays: <br>“Build up our empire!” </em></p>
<p><em>Jesus prayed: <br>“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” </em></p>
<p><em>The political church prays: <br>“Give us what we want.” </em></p>
<p><em>Jesus prayed: <br>“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” </em></p>
<p><em>The political church prays: <br>“Pour out your favor on us!” </em></p>
<p><em>Jesus prayed: <br>“Your Kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” </em></p>
<p><em>The political church prays: <br>“Let Republicans get elected.” </em></p>
<p><em>Jesus prayed: <br>“Your Kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” </em></p>
<p><em>The political church prays: <br>“Help us pass laws to make American evangelicals more comfortable.” </em></p>
<p><em>Jesus prayed: <br>“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” </em></p>
<p> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4763291
2017-07-01T01:48:04+02:00
2021-05-04T20:30:05+02:00
The Missing Jewel - Video Interview with Martin Smith & Les Moir
<p>I am so pleased that Les Moir finally finished his book on the modern worship movement. Highly recommended! This short video features Les Moir talking about the book, to Martin Smith. Click on the image to play.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/hhk4UEuudIc" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/ffb2039520d9cefeb7fcbd0d950097f1df762b7d/original/screen-shot-2017-06-30-at-18-46-02.png?1498866422" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4759033
2017-06-28T05:37:01+02:00
2023-09-01T13:17:48+02:00
20th Anniversary of Champion of The World - June 28th 1997
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Were you there?</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Twenty years ago on this day - 28th June 1997, almost 45,000 people gathered at the famous Wembley Stadium in London, UK, for "Champion of The World". </strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/810798e75cee4325c6f3c33f0b1c735b234806e3/original/wembley-flyer-1997.jpg?1498583049" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>The event was organised by a small team of people including - Noel & Tricia Richards, Gerald Coates, Greg Lynn, Amanda Kindred (nee Collins), Jon Pac and Les Moir. We were crazy enough to think that people would come from all over the UK and further afield, to celebrate our faith in Jesus Christ the 'Champion of the World' - and they did! </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/0474e07e9d60b8dfb7621bbe4533b469bb7d17c6/original/wembley-crowd-with-logo.jpg?1498584917" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>with flags and banners</strong></span><span class="font_large"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/b0b4fb59d8e25a08e81a53407b54665b0762b859/original/wembley-crowd0002-copy.jpg?1498590252" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><font size="3"><b>great enthusiasm</b></font></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><font size="3"><b><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/b55d89e6167ffaa5f3fd3633b4fc094e18b5cbd9/original/wembley-crowd-whos-that-girl.jpg?1498590236" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></b></font> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>and interesting hats!</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/6570c7ba2e84f9b292953bb81271879ffefefc6e/original/wembley-crowd-1-guy-with-hat.jpg?1498590252" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>The event featured many singers and dancers including:</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>The Wades</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/2f5e8a7a8332dd15c84739f25952f5e46cc8a0f1/original/12-wembley.jpg?1498584229" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Sue Rinaldi</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/7d7fc106b113136ab7b4293e920f0a8c7a8d7cac/original/sue-rinaldi-wembley.png?1498584315" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Matt Redman</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/0dce3be9c5625026001b1d0600c695f6d6b64bad/original/11-wembley.jpg?1498584399" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Delirious?</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/3d4a24218af37f85d9241ccd77e39c69001eb652/original/wembley-crowd0006-copy.jpg?1498584678" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Gerald Coates</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/efad1f60c3e42fb5bc76b49e7f3c33c82cdea729/original/wembley-crowd-gerald.jpg?1498584822" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>...........and a much younger version of Noel Richards!</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/a4644f0c6426ad33257958225d043a2a3806d525/original/wembley1.jpeg?1498585113" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>.........with the legendary ponytail,</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/7eb5637679b021d8e4cfcc6aea85739e60c0d022/original/noel-wembley.jpeg?1457605390" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>singing the theme song for the event. </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>The video of "Champion of The World" was produced by Stephen Bennett from Australia. Click to view.</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="gKkskLFYJ8o" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/gKkskLFYJ8o/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gKkskLFYJ8o?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>We were grateful to all of you who came along and made this such a wonderful day.</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Since then, many others, inspired by what happened at Wembley, have gone on to fill arenas and stadiums around the world.</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Long may the journey continue........</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><span style="border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 132px; left: 171px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Save</span><span style="border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); 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Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4743546
2017-06-13T22:03:03+02:00
2018-01-09T17:03:41+01:00
The Rise of the Military Solution and the Decline of Diplomacy
<p>A timely article from <a contents="Charles Strohmer" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wagingwisdom.com/charles-strohmer/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#1abc9c;"><strong>Charles Strohmer</strong></span></a> an American independent researcher, speaker, and author with a passion for rediscovering and applying the potential of wisdom-based reasoning for our work and activities in all areas of life, including religion.</p>
<p>He has worked as a freelance editor for a variety of publishers on dozens of book projects, one of which won a Gold Medallion Award and another was a runner-up. In 1998, he founded Openings, a quarterly “little magazine,” which is currently on sabbatical. He has contributed book chapters to the Dictionary of Contemporary Religion in the Western World and A Guide to New Religious Movements. His book The Gospel and the New Spirituality is required reading at Covenant Theological Seminary. Known for making complex issues accessible to general audiences, he is currently writing a book about wisdom-based Christian – Muslim and U.S. – Middle East relations. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The article is reproduced in full below and you can also read it at <a contents="Charles' website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wagingwisdom.com/2017/05/22/the-rise-of-the-military-solution-and-the-decline-of-diplomacy/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#1abc9c;"><strong>Charles' website</strong></span></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><span style="color:#3498db;"><strong>The Rise of the Military Solution and the Decline of Diplomacy</strong></span></span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/055291781793a2255afcfca92d47f084e54dabfe/original/pentagon.jpg?1497383760" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>“We ask for God’s wisdom as we face the challenge of our very troubled world.” </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Those words were spoken by President Trump on April 6, in his closing remarks about the targeted military strike he ordered on Shayrat air base in western Syria. The President is right. Our world is indeed very troubled. Even the inimitable Mikhail Gorbachev has weighed in: </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“The world today is overwhelmed with problems,” Gorbachev wrote in a recent editorialpublished by Time. “Policymakers seem to be confused and at a loss. But no problem is more urgent than the militarization of politics and the new arms race. Stopping and reversing this ruinous race must be our top priority… Politicians and military leaders sound increasingly belligerent and defense doctrines more dangerous. Commentators and TV personalities are joining the bellicose chorus. It all looks as if the world is preparing for war.” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The United States, for one, faces international challenges against which its traditional wisdom seems to stand enfeebled. So it is good that the President prayed for God’swisdom to meet the challenges. With all due respect to the President, however, I can’t agree that deep cuts to the State Department and a large increase to the Defense Department is wise. Yet that is this President’s position, at least currently. Will it make the world a less troubled place if the Pentagon’s already superior war machine becomes even more superior? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It is the State Department, through diplomacy, negotiations, and many other means, that it tasked with easing adversarial relations to prevent conflicts and wars. Wisdom to move in that direction needs to emerge in Washington to help make the world a safer place. In this article, I will try to explain why. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I’ll begin with a conclusion I’ve come to: the greatest challenge for the United States is not overseas; it’s not Vladimir Putin or Bashar Assad or Russia or Syria or China or North Korea or Iran or ISIS. The greatest challenge is here at home: to reverse the ever-deepening militarization of U.S. foreign policy. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This political orientation did not materialize overnight or with any one President. It is a result of a long-standing policy emphasis in Washington, on both sides of the aisle, to steadily increase American military superiority. The build-up of the U.S. military, including its nuclear capacities, did not ease up, as some expected it would, with the end World War Two (1945). Instead, by the end of his tenure as President (1960), Eisenhower warned in an historic speech of the dangers to liberty and democratic processes that hid latently in what he dubbed the “military-industrial complex,” the “conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry.” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This was something new in the American experience, having arisen as a result of World War Two and expanding with Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Eisenhower predicted that the dependence of the U.S. military and the arms industry on each other would get out-of-control if it were not resisted by “an alert and knowledgeable citizenry.” (This, from a retired 5-star general and former Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during WW2.) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Commenting in 1970 on the 1960s, Hans Morgenthau (a leading American realist political thinker) had seen Eisenhower’s admonition going unheeded, both by Washington and by the citizenry, and he wrote an essay critical of what he called “the militarization of American life.” (Truth and Power: Essays of a Decade, 1960-1970, Hans Morgenthau; Praeger, 1970; see the Prologue.) (More recent political analysts and historians could also be cited who document the obvious as well as the hidden perils of an out-of-control military-industrial complex and a public disinterested in knowing them. See, for instance, The New American Militarism: How Americans Are Seduced by War, an important book by historian and retired Army colonel Andrew Bacevich.) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By the start of the new millennial, the centrifugal force of the military establishment and the arms industry had by then pulled the deliberations of Congress solidly into their orbit and a military-industrial-legislative complex was born. One effect of this three-way conjunction has been presidential end-runs around Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution. Article 1 makes Congress, not a President, the authority to declare war. But that no longer seems to concern our elected officials or to the citizenry that elected them, Democrats and Republicans alike. A President just goes to Congress seeking a “joint resolution” authorizing the use of military force. Of all the “wars” the United States has fought since the end of WW2 (1945), Congress has not issued a single declaration of war since WW2. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Mythology of the Military Solution </strong><br>By the time of the unprecedented terrorist attack on America (September 11, 2001), much of Washington had become a faithful believer in the mythology of the military solution. Bolstered by the military-industrial-legislative complex, this mythology arose around a body of beliefs, values, and ideas that promote and fund policies, supported by both liberals and conservatives alike, to do whatever it takes to ensure U.S. military supremacy. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The cost of the mythology’s power over the faithful on both sides of the aisle and among a majority of the citizenry was evidenced when the U.S. war to dismantle al Qaeda and oust the Taliban from Afghanistan (late 2001) shifted in 2002 to extensive military preparations for the invasion of Iraq (launched in March 2003). Then when the war about Iraq did not end after the ouster of Saddam Hussein from power, but instead worsened and lengthened, Washington faced a serious economic challenge. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As the “war” quickly surged far beyond the $50-$60 billion that the George W. Bush administration had initially estimated as its cost, what to do? Because the U.S. government runs on budget deficits, there was no ready cash in the U.S. budget to pay for what was becoming a hugely expensive war. Trying to raise taxes – a traditional U.S. method of paying for a war – would be political suicide, out of the question. In fact, taxes were cut in 2003. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This posed a serious and unexpected problem for the Bush White House, and afterward for the Obama administration. When the Bush administration invaded Iraq, Afghanistan festered and bled. The country became a haven in which terrorist groups regenerated themselves and the Taliban regained footings. As James Fallows has written, Afghanistan “never had the chance, because America’s premature withdrawal soon fractured the alliance and curtailed postwar reconstruction. Indeed, the campaign in Afghanistan was warped and limited from the start, by a pre-existing desire to save troops for Iraq.” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan grew increasingly more violent, Congress needed to find hundreds of billions of dollars a year of additional funds for the Pentagon to sustain a U.S. fighting presence in situ. But there were no increased tax monies to draw from. By the end of 2010, the cost of the war about Iraq alone had risen to just short of $1 trillion. In September of 2016, the Military Times, reported that the financial cost the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and fighting ISIS, had cost the U.S. nearly $5 trillion to date, including costs such as for Homeland Security and expanded Veterans Affairs monies for returning troops. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With no new taxes to help pay for these ongoing military interventions, how then? The Bush administration kept the surging costs off the books, so to speak, by not asking Congress to include them in the U.S. budget with each passing year. Instead, the Pentagon received “supplemental appropriations” for from Congress. This was one way to keep funding both fronts of what was originally deemed the war on terrorism. And by keeping the mounting hundreds of billions out of the annual U.S. budget debate, both the Bush and the Obama administrations benefitted by keeping the enormous costs out of the public’s mind. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">But supplemental appropriations were not enough to pay for the ongoing wars, which seemed to have no end in sight, and for reconstruction, which never seemed to get completed. So Congress also began using billions of dollars that it borrows from other nations, including Japan and China. It works this way. The United States issues (sells) U.S. Treasury securities (bonds) to foreign countries (American citizens buy them, too), which come with a guarantee to buy them back with interest. These securities are not sold as program-specific. Congress does not say to China: buy such-and-such specific securities to help us pay for our war. Instead, the money that comes in from issuing securities to China and other nations goes into a pot that the government draws from to cover the cost of any number of government expenses. Congress began taking billions a year from that pot to help pay for the increasingly expensive wars. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Of course we’re just talking columns on a ledger here. The economic figures merely hint at what a full accounting of the “costs” of the long war, as some call it, or the endless war, as others call it, would be. The deaths and woundings of soldiers and civilians, including children, and the effect on families. The millions of refugees. The vacated battlefields left full of landmines. These and many other human dimensions of war’s tragedy must be included in any attempt at a true cost. And there is also this consequence to the next generation. Trillions of dollars have been added to the U.S. deficit as a result of going for “military solutions.”* Debt that the American people did not sign off, and which many are still unaware, has been dump-trucked on to the backs of their children’s children. Will they be able to shovel themselves out from under this mountain? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Decline of Diplomacy </strong><br>If our elected officials in Washington, their advisors, and the American citizenry allow allegiance to the mythology of the military solution* to influence their looks abroad, a crusading spirit will more easily instruct U.S. foreign policy at the expense of diplomacy and negotiations. A case in point is President Trump’s proposal to Congress to pass a 2018 U.S. budget that includes deep cuts to the State Department and increasing funding to the Defense Department. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The State Department’s budget for the fiscal year 2017 was roughly $50 billion. Military spending in the United States for the fiscal year 2017 ran to roughly $582 billion. President Trump’s budget proposal for 2018 will not be finalized until probably sometime in the autumn, but recent figures from the White House revealed the administration asking Congress to increase defense spending by 9% and to slash funding to the State Department by a whopping 29%. This would add roughly $52 billion to military spending and subtract roughly $14.5 billion from an array of State Department operations and programs, including diplomatic initiatives. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">United States military spending already exceeds the combined military spending of the next seven countries: China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, United Kingdom, India, France, and Japan. Where does Congress spend all that money? Here’s just one way. The United States has nearly 800 military bases around the world, in more the 130 countries, of various sizes and functions, manned by half a million troops, spies, contractors, and others (see the Pentagon’s Base Structure Report). Yet despite the hegemony of U.S. military bases circling the globe – not to mention U.S. nuclear superiority and the fact that America faces no existential threat – President Trump nevertheless seeks an additional $52 billion for the Pentagon. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">With regard to decreasing State Department funding, the Trump administration’s official “America First Budget Blueprint” for 2018, released by the White House in March, states that the proposed budget seeks to “reduce or end direct funding for” programs that “are duplicative, or are not well-managed.” Fair enough. But next comes this: “Additional steps will be taken to make the Department and USAID leaner, more efficient, and more effective. These steps to reduce foreign assistance free up funding for critical priorities here at home and put America first.” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Slashing the State Department while making military solutions,* so called, easier for the White House to reach for seems an incredibly naive rationale for keeping Americans safe in very troubled times. For it is not the arms of the Pentagon but the diplomatic teams of the State Department that are tasked to reach equitable agreements with other nations. Such negotiations seek, for instance, to keep international relations on an even keel, or turn adversarial relations around, or start to repair broken relations rather than resort to war. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As far as the President’s rationale for cutting the State Department’s budget, could not the same rationale have the Pentagon in its sights? Why does the President want to cut waste, curb duplications, and end any possible misuse of funds at the State Department but not at the Defense Department? Has there been none there? Further, does the President really believe that nearly one-third of the State Department’s funding ends up duplicated, wasted, and mis-managed? Is there less of that at the Pentagon? Even if the Defense figure were only five percent, that would still be approximately $29 billion. That figure doesn’t seem unreasonable. In December 2016, a story in The Washington Postexplained a detailed investigation that uncovered $125 billion in bureaucratic waste at the Pentagon. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Be that as it may, rather than proposing draconian cuts to the State Department, wouldn’t it be wiser to leave that funding alone but shift whatever funding may be found to be amiss there into credibly existing well-run areas or to create needed programs and initiatives? If Congress is unwilling to cut waste at the Pentagon, wouldn’t it be better to leave the Defense budget alone (let it increase automatically, as it does, following adjustments for inflation) and instead seek Congress for $52 billion for, say, fixing infrastructure problems? That seems a good way to address “critical priorities” here at home. Why offer the White House a $52 billion temptation to make it easier to reach for another military solution* to make the world a safer place? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Diplomatic initiatives do not sound as sexy as launching Tomahawk missiles, flying off aircraft carriers, or hearing about SEAL Team Six raids. But diplomacy and negotiations are fundamental to keeping good international relations going and to easing adversarial relations, preventing conflicts, and ending wars. The faceless employees of State Department – nearly 70,000 of them at home and overseas – are tasked with making our troubled world less troubling. Diplomats, negotiators, and their teams keep nations talking to one another. Without their tireless, out-of-the news efforts, foreign relations deteriorate. If you stop talking to your spouse or your business partner, that relationship will go south. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The State Department, in part, runs 300+ embassies, consulates, and foreign missions around the world. The work of these venues includes, among many other things: running consular programs; helping people displaced by war; providing economic aid to help stabilize countries; supporting international peacekeeping efforts, disaster relief, and health programs; participating in cultural, educational, and feeding programs; and raising the profile of religious-freedom, which has become a priority in recent years for the State Department. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Besides that broad diplomatic array are international negotiations, such as talks between Washington, Moscow, Ankara, and other capitals to end the Syrian war and find a political solution. Keeping tensions in the South China Sea from boiling over; trying to reach out to North Korea; managing differences between Israel and Arab states; working with UN peacekeeping operations. Such international negotiations are indispensable in our very troubled world, and State Department teams are engaged in all of them, and many more besides, in their efforts with their counterparts in other nations to find equitable solutions and peaceable ways ahead. (Negotiating with those whom I call the “submit or die ideologues” are of course not possible.) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately, diplomats often get a bad rap. But without diplomatic activities and international negotiations the world would be anarchic. Uninformed citizens, however, may get frustrated because negotiations seem to them to be “going nowhere,” or “going too slow,” or “getting us nothing,” or “hurting us,” or “pointless.” Yet it is the diplomats, especially in times of great international distress, not the generals, who can string along negotiations to allow tempers to cool. They can find ways to give facts on the ground opportunities to change for the better and so avoid a worsening of relations. They can open up space for creatively equitable agreements to be reached in order to avoid conflict or war. This was the wisdom of the arduous, P5+1 negotiations with Iran that took years but brought about the nuclear agreement in July, 2015. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The secret to successful diplomacy of this kind is what some call sweat equity. I once heard it put this way: I would rather engage in dialogue that produced 500 liters of sweat than spill one pint of blood. This must be the attitude among all negotiating parties who seek to ease their adversarial relations with each other. In order for that to occur, the parties must be honestly open with each other around the table, willing to set aside any comfortable myths they may hold about the other, and struggle for as long as it takes to reach an equitable agreement between their nations. Skilled diplomats, negotiators, and mediators get this. In our troubled days, more funding of State seems a wise way to increase more of this. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If Washington, the Trump administration, and the citizenry do not recognize anything else, they ought to understand that an underfunded State Department makes it that much harder to sustain U.S. security and promote U.S. values and interests. This was acknowledged by the 100+ generals, admirals, and other high-raking military officers who, on February 27, 2017, signed a letter and sent it to the four top Congressional leaders and cc’d it to the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Advisor. They began their letter by saying that they were united in the view that “elevating and strengthening diplomacy and development … are critical to keeping American safe.” Signatories included notable such as Generals Casey, Hayden, Petraeus, and Zinni. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">By decreasing the number of U.S. diplomats and their teams, “America would be under-represented, facilities would be closed, and the facilities that remain open would be undermanned,” said Douglas Lute, a retired three-star general. Karl Eikenberry, also a retired three-star general, agrees that scaling back the State Department is unwise. It sends the wrong message, he said. Our friends around the world “want to see a strong America, but one that leads by example and diplomacy, not with bayonets.” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In an editorial for Time, Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, documents ways in which the State Department should be strengthened, and why. His reason? “I cannot think of a higher risk for the U.S. than to have widely perceived weakness emanating for the State Department…. an effective State Department is essential…. budget cuts to State must be avoided, even if the Department of Defense has to bear them.” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Of Chariots and Horses</strong> <br>Eisenhower experienced the horrors, evils, and desperate limitations of war. Perhaps this is why he regularly lobbied Congress to reduce the Pentagon’s budget during the two terms he served as President. He of course favored a strong U.S. military. Yet, of the military-industrial complex, he said in his historic speech that we “must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources, and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society…. The total influence – economic, political, even spiritual – is felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government.” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“In the councils of government,” he warned, “we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist… We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes.” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Disarmament, with mutual honor and confidence, is a continuing imperative. Together we must learn how to compose differences, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose.” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The councils of government, however, have not guarded against the danger. The mythology of the military solution appears to be winning the day and the decline of diplomacy is a result. It’s not that American diplomacy is a magic bullet. But that’s just the point. More bullets are not the answer. As General James Mattis quipped to a Congressional panel in 2013: “If you don’t fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition ultimately.” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It’s not even that American diplomacy is unbiased when its ambassadors sit across the table with their counterparts from other nations. But without diplomacy and negotiationsthe state system has no means for easing adversarial relations, preventing conflict, and ending wars. Or for ensuring the stability of existing peace. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Let us, then, ask God for wisdom to make “our very troubled world” less troubled. And while we’re doing that, let us consider that in the wisdom of the Book “chariots and horses” is an image representing military power and also, often, the human arrogance that trusts in military might (Psalm 20:7-8). </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The greatest challenge facing the United States today is here at home: to reverse the ever-deepening militarization of its foreign policy. We need a foreign policy repentance in that direction. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Postscript </strong><br>If you have read this far, thank you. This serious topic has been a difficult one for me to write about. Although it’s longer than most one-off articles on this blog, and although I did as much due diligence as I could before writing it, it’s not nearly long enough to escape facing appropriate questions and criticisms by military professionals. Several years ago I had a enlightening give-and-take with one such person, who disabused me of a lot of silliness about the thesis but who generally agreed with it. And while writing this article over the past few weeks, I sent a draft to two military pros, who provided challenging feedback, for which I am most grateful. Nevertheless, much remains to be said by people who are a lot smarter than me. I have merely tried to introduce a way of thinking about the U.S. military-industrial-legislative complex and diplomacy and negotiations that does not appear on the radar of most Americas but should. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If you are a military person or if this issue is new to you, at the very least I hope you will take to heart this dead honest reply to me from one of the recent military persons who read a draft of the article: “This is truly very very far from where I live intellectually and that is such a limiting factor that I tried to do some background, then re-read and re-read the article. Even from my hawkish viewpoint (experience, background, cultural, and other excuses/reasons) the piece resonates with me. Why? Because I want it to work without military intervention.” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">* I’m using “military solutions” ironically, to mean – quite contrary to Clausewitz’s famous dictum that “war is politics by other means” – that they do not end or resolve the underlying social, economic, and political injustices that lead to wars. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">©2017 by Charles Strohmer </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Images: The Pentagon, David B. Gleason; all permissions via Creative Commons. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4705295
2017-05-11T22:40:54+02:00
2017-06-28T06:32:59+02:00
Monaco
<p>Monaco 2017 - We visited Monaco today and although we are two weeks early for the F1, the course was being prepared for the Monaco ePrix this weekend. I got to walk one of the most famous racing circuits in the world! Happy days! <a contents="CLICK HERE" data-link-label="Photo Gallery" data-link-type="page" href="/photo-gallery" target="_blank"><span style="color:#16a085;"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></span></a> to view photos. Enjoy!!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/d70994e8b4aa7738b0903f4b1d96fd0f7dff619d/original/looking-cool-monaco.jpg?1494533872" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4699829
2017-05-07T18:24:00+02:00
2018-10-22T14:24:57+02:00
Missing Jewel
A great review from Tony Cummings at Cross Rhythms Magazine, for Missing Jewel. This is a great book, charting the history of the modern worship movement.<br>Click<span style="color:#16a085;"> <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Les_Moir/Missing_Jewel_The_Worship_Movement_That_Impacted_The_Nations/164811/" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a></span> to read the review.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/c83afa7d65198639eb2e17b91d7c0032e44e9cca/original/missing-jewel.png?1494174220" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4669398
2017-04-13T12:30:26+02:00
2017-04-13T12:30:26+02:00
Happy Easter
This is the weekend when we remember that Jesus Christ defeated sin and death for all humankind. I have highlighted the following six songs with an Easter theme, on my site player. Enjoy and Happy Easter!<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="You Laid Aside Your Majesty" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/996542/you-laid-aside-your-majesty-sung-by-matt-redman" target="_blank">You Laid Aside Your Majesty</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="All Heaven Declares" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/996547/all-heaven-declares-sung-by-darlene-zschech" target="_blank">All Heaven Declares</a> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Because He Lives" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/983903/because-he-lives" target="_blank">Because He Lives </a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="He Has Risen" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/987112/he-has-risen" target="_blank">He Has Risen </a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Jesus Christ (All My Love)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/1068873/jesus-christ-all-my-love" target="_blank">Jesus Christ (All My Love) </a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Overwhelmed By Love" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/988390/overwhelmed-by-love-sung-by-tim-hughes" target="_blank">Overwhelmed By Love</a></p>
<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/c4a484282e4a01189cf83b2212310e1e98668fd9/original/empty-tomb.jpeg?1492079211" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4627420
2017-03-13T10:50:18+01:00
2017-03-13T14:46:13+01:00
A Picture From My Past
Recently, we played a concert at my old stomping ground in Pontyclun, South Wales. The concert was at <strong><a contents="Bethel Baptist" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://bethelpontyclun.org" target="_blank"><span style="color:#16a085;">Bethel Baptist</span></a></strong> and the pastor there - <strong><a contents="Peter Idris Taylor" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://bethelpontyclun.org/content/rev-peter-idris-taylor" target="_blank"><span style="color:#16a085;">Peter Idris Taylor</span></a></strong> - reminded me of our shared past, when we used to hang out at Park Baptist, Merthyr Tydfil, at 'Friday Night Live' in the early 1970s. I cut my teeth as a singer/songwriter, at events like this. This photo was taken at one of those events. No prizes, but can you spot me???<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/45bac9612bdf25a9ba26f9127aee690e1bb3ecfa/original/park0001.jpg?1489398603" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4606307
2017-02-25T10:51:24+01:00
2017-02-25T10:51:24+01:00
Early Start
An early start this morning - men's breakfast meeting in Weston super Mare. Still, the reward was a cooked breakfast!! Wayne Drain was on form, speaking about the seasons of life. Now we head across country to Chatham, Kent, for tonight's concert. A long drive, a long day...........<br>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4601503
2017-02-22T13:13:08+01:00
2017-02-22T13:13:08+01:00
An Evening With Noel & Tricia Richards and Wayne Drain
Starting this weekend, 24th February, we will be on the road for a series of seven concerts. If you are near any of the venues, do try and join us for an evening of songs and stories. Full details <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="Shows" data-link-type="page" href="/shows" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;"><strong>HERE</strong></span></a><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/eaf38e6ccbc022d55c54be6cb0fa58a4e8e81d3e/original/wayne-uk-tour.jpg?1487765580" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4600185
2017-02-21T17:57:42+01:00
2019-07-17T15:42:55+02:00
6 Lies Our Worship Songs Tell Us
<p>I am grateful to a friend of mine, who sent me the link to this thought provoking article written by Derek Walker, who is an Anglican lay minister, kitchen designer and writer. His GP has yet to confirm it, but he thinks music is in his blood. He blogs at <a contents="walkerwords.wordpress.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://walkerwords.wordpress.com" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;"><strong>walkerwords.wordpress.com</strong></span></a><br><br>The article was posted on the <a contents="Premier Christianity" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2017/February-2017/6-lies-our-worship-songs-tell-us?utm_source=Premier%20Christian%20Media&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=8019976_Christianity%2017%2F02%2F17&utm_content=Lies&dm_i=16DQ%2C4RW94%2C61ABO3%2CHY79V%2C1" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;"><strong>Premier Christianity</strong></span></a> website and I have reproduced it below. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/1a8ba523e60f85c4fbe859e7f09c81db10f6ef28/original/worship-songs-main-article-image.jpg?1487696228" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><br><span style="color:#008080;"><strong><span class="font_large">6 Lies Our Worship Songs Tell Us</span></strong></span><br><br>You are what you eat. That’s what they say. So what would you be after nothing but a diet of jelly, custard and the odd sandwich each week? And why eat like that, when there are so many healthier and tastier options? Yet that is how many churches approach their Sunday diet of worship music. Light and often insubstantial, it is unlikely to create healthy Christians. </p>
<p>More than individual songs, it is the overall impact of our song content that has me worried. I doubt that our songwriters try to deceive us, but taken in bulk, the songs we sing week by week create some startling impressions – and we seem unaware of the following damaging lies that we are being told by this culture:</p>
<p><br><strong>1. The physical world does not matter </strong></p>
<p>Surveying the swathes of songs regularly used in churches, you would think that ordinary daily life means nothing. </p>
<p>Three songs into a block of praise music, we may be thinking about last night’s film or the dress sense of the person in front. The songs have been full of words such as ‘holy’ and ‘glory’. Yes, God is transcendent, but if we don’t give our minds tangible content to grab hold of, our thoughts will wander. </p>
<p>If we don’t give our minds tangible content to grab hold of, our thoughts will wander </p>
<p>Where are the lyrics relating faith to family life, shopping, work, character or entertainment? If the main human drivers are money, sex and power, why have we written so few songs about them? Or do we think that God’s not interested in such things? </p>
<p>Ordinary life was precious enough for God to invent it, declare it good and live it for over 30 years. The early Church heresy of Gnosticism tried to escape the reality of Jesus’ incarnate form, because the heretics felt that earthly matter was too debased for God to touch. </p>
<p>Tom Wright says, “Heresy happens when the Church forgets a bit of its teaching; somebody else picks that up and makes a whole system out of it.” He warns that our culture’s tendency to treat our emotions as if they are the core of people’s reality “reflects a kind of Gnosticism (‘finding out who I really am’) as opposed to Christianity (receiving the re-creation of one’s self as divine gift through dying and rising with the Messiah); and that this focus on ‘who I really am’ – in an emotional sense in particular – finds its way into some Christian songs.” </p>
<p>While our worship songs are not individually Gnostic, they get very close by avoiding tangible terms in their lyrics, leaving the impression that the everyday is too banal for God. This lie disconnects our faith from our real lives – and that’s dangerous. </p>
<p><br><strong>2. You can watch, but not join in</strong> </p>
<p>Standing at the front, looking at the congregation, it was hard to miss. While everyone else was singing, Ben stood silently. He visits occasionally (his wife is a church member) but this time he looked uncomfortable, and it struck me how hard it can be for visitors to sing many of our lyrics – at least if they want to be honest in what they sing. </p>
<p>If visitors find themselves singing off-putting or incomprehensible words, they may leave feeling awkward and thinking that faith is for an eccentric club. It could undo any welcome or thoughtful input from the rest of the service. </p>
<p>Often the ‘Jesus is my boyfriend’ songs are the culprits. Men – already underrepresented in the Church by some 30 per cent, and who very rarely have to sing anywhere else in life – must sing about loving a male figure, traditionally shown wearing what looks like a dress. It’s hardly likely to get them queuing up to tweet their experience afterwards – at least, not in a helpful way. </p>
<p>Sometimes (as with ‘Days of Elijah’) we encode the whole song, so that it only makes sense to the well-versed insider, but is completely impenetrable to visitors. This lie alienates enquirers and blows up their bridges to faith. </p>
<p><br><strong>3. It’s better to put up a false face than to be honest </strong></p>
<p>Another discomfiting song-type is where singers are asked to promise “I surrender all” – a vow that few Christians can sing with honesty, let alone visitors. </p>
<p>The glib phrase barely begins to convey the experience of handing everything to God. Its simplicity makes Christians feel alone when struggling to relinquish a resistant area of life, and hides the fact that God is with us in the wrestling. Crucially, it makes the whole process of singing to God feel like a ritualistic charade. </p>
<p>Maybe it is splitting hairs, but I feel more honest singing, “I want to” than “I will” when I know that I will fail pretty soon – after all, isn’t that why we have confession every week? This lie undermines confession, honesty and our integrity, creating the impression that pretence is ok. </p>
<p><br><strong>4. Life with God is easy </strong></p>
<p>A friend once explained how worship songs are written: there is a small list of permitted phrases. You cut them up, throw them into the air, see how they come down and join them together, sometimes with rhymes. </p>
<p>Outside the Church, songwriters grapple with life’s complexities and people relate to such honest, grounded songs. Christians who want to be effective for God in what Delirious? brilliantly called “mezzamorphis” (becoming like Christ in the tension between earth and heaven) have an even greater call on such material. There is so much in life to explore, yet worship songwriters often refuse – or are too unskilled – to don their miners’ lamps and enter its depths. This lie gives unhelpful expectations and encourages platitudes. </p>
<p><br><strong>5. God hates creativity </strong></p>
<p>We should not be surprised that current worship songs have little individuality. They come from a writing-by-numbers industry. </p>
<p>Production lines thrive on regular, predictable output. McDonald’s customers expect exactly the same quarter pounder, whether they are in Maidenhead or Malaysia. </p>
<p>We are children of the dynamic God who created everything from star clusters to amoeba, including murmurations, rainforests and blobfish (Google it). He did not paint the walls of the universe beige. </p>
<p>Creative, talented Christian songwriters do exist. Irishman Brian Houston is one. Equally adept at passionate gospel songs and singersongwriter material that grabs the heart, all-comers can relate to his work. But he has been shunned by literalist Christian record companies, who struggle to pigeonhole him. </p>
<p>After losing his luggage, so wearing three day-old clothes, and trying to kick off worship at one event, despite the projector blowing a fuse as soon as he hit his first chord, he found himself trying to lead over 2,000 people in worship, when they didn’t know his songs. </p>
<p>Houston recalls, “I was opening for a guy I’d never heard of called Chris Tomlin. He was tipped to be very big indeed and everyone from the Christian music industry was there. </p>
<p>“As it turned out, the people in the room had come to worship. All I had to do was start them off and for the next hour they participated in a very intimate time of worship. The industry didn’t like it. </p>
<p>“The next night I got to play with some amazing session players in an impromptu worship jam session. The prophetic inspiration flowed and it was one of the best times of worship I’d ever experienced. I could barely sleep that night from the massive adrenalin rush. I felt more alive than ever! </p>
<p>“The industry feedback I got was ‘we can’t sell this’. After three years of trying I eventually went back to playing bars.” </p>
<p>The role of the artist is to complement, not replace, the preacher. It is to make us feel, as well as think. </p>
<p>Some worship songwriters seem terrified of creating images not already in scripture. But surely, to be scriptural is to be creative. The Gospels flow with accounts of Jesus – already furious with religious people for making God seem unapproachable – building his message with everyday pictures. </p>
<p>He used universally understood images such as family relationships, light, bread and water. But he also used pictures that were of his time and place, such as festival shelters, fig trees, banquet etiquette, and a mugging on a notoriously dangerous local road. When a songwriter today adopts images such as shepherds or oil lamps, they become pointless. Instead of illustrating something in a fresh way that makes the point clearer, the images themselves need explanation. Ah, we’re back to ‘Days of Elijah’. </p>
<p>This lie embarrasses the Church and denies God’s character. It also drives Christian artists out of the Church. </p>
<p><br><strong>6. We are all little islands </strong></p>
<p>While reviewing yet another same as-all-the-rest worship CD (which probably included phrases like “I will worship” and “You are my God”) I found myself wondering whether worship albums are like spiritual porn: an undemanding, onedimensional, feel-good session that people behind the scenes can make easy money from. Under the guise of worshipping God, often the songs are all about me, me, me. </p>
<p>As a random experiment, I searched the top worship lyrics and had to wait until the twelfth attempt to get a ‘We’ song. But the Church is a body, a congregation, a movement. We are not a collection of individuals. We should be like a honeycomb, where taking out one cell affects six others. </p>
<p>This lie undermines our identity and purpose, making us seem like the individualistic culture around us. Where do we go from here? Our worship culture has grown out of whack by writers being lazy, record companies being predictable, worship leaders choosing an imbalance of songs, and individuals missing the wealth of music available. Rebalancing our worship will depend on all these factors being adjusted. </p>
<p>Songwriters: What issues are Christians intellectually and devotionally wrestling with? For which experiences do they need your words? What virtues does God want to grow in us? Watch, listen, feel, pray – and then write. Look for the gaps. There’s no immediate need for more songs about God’s glory. Are you the one to write about grief, confession, loving the unlovely, welcoming strangers, shopping christianly or struggling with doubt? Go deep, not wide. Don’t just insert a buzzword like ‘justice’ and think you’re done. How does injustice impact people? Tell the story. What resolution should we pray for? Use the whole song to explore one subject. Write about Jesus on earth, who lived an actual life and had a real job. Objective songs help us to connect our faith and life. </p>
<p>Record companies: Consider a year of releasing dangerously! Ban clichés and allow your good songwriters to do the above and touch people’s everyday experience. It will freshen your repertoire, stop your existing lyrics being devalued by repetition – and you may even get Christian music-lovers to take you seriously. </p>
<p>Worship leaders: Consider it part of your remit to find appropriate songs outside of the usual generated fare. Try to look beyond the songs coming out of the major Christian events, conferences and ‘big name’ worship leaders. If you can’t find new songs, write your own lyrics to an existing tune – or find writers in your congregation. </p>
<p>Individuals: For personal inspiration and feeding, seek out independent reviewers who share your taste. They are hard to come by, but try my colleagues at the music section of tollbooth.org for starters. Talk with your worship leaders about what does and doesn’t work for you, but always constructively and with appreciation for their dedicated service at a job where they can never please everyone!</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4570432
2017-01-31T17:53:17+01:00
2017-02-02T03:23:33+01:00
House of God
A beautiful and thought provoking song from a great songwriter. Thanks Paul Field.<br> <div style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="eAbG9I-LwcQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/eAbG9I-LwcQ/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eAbG9I-LwcQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4557453
2017-01-20T16:12:30+01:00
2017-01-31T17:59:23+01:00
Rehearsing For The UK Tour
Tricia and I have just spent a couple of days with Wayne & June Drain, in Russellville, Arkansas. A good opportunity to run through the songs for our upcoming tour in the UK at the end of February. Of course after a hard day of rehearsing we need some downtime. So we all visited <a contents="Pasta Grill" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.pastagrillrestaurant.com" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">Pasta Grill</span></strong></a> in downtown, Russellville, which is co-owned by our good friends David & Jennifer Eslick.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/800586d520c6736a1abca8aa0fb48b8730d9d6b5/large/at-the-restaurant.jpg?1484925111" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4540025
2017-01-06T19:25:40+01:00
2017-01-06T19:36:48+01:00
On The Road With Wayne Drain
In late February/early March, <a contents="Wayne Drain" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.waynedrain.com" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;"><strong>Wayne Drain</strong></span></a> will be doing a short tour with myself and Tricia in the UK. The dates are almost finalised. We have an evening free on Tuesday 28th February. Please <strong><a contents="e-mail" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:noel@noelrichards.com" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;">e-mail</span></a></strong> me if you would like to have us play in your town on that evening.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/cb444847ce36ee49c7d17be1568192cb0e4fab53/medium/wayne-tour.jpg?1483727126" class="size_m justify_center border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4516071
2016-12-18T13:13:23+01:00
2016-12-19T10:16:11+01:00
Our Christmas Song - Angels Sing Their Song Tonight
We wrote this song several years ago and always include it in our concerts at this time of year. You can play or download the song from this blog and it is also available for purchase at our <a contents="SHOP" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/1068229/angels-sing-their-song-tonight" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;"><strong>SHOP</strong></span></a> or at our <a contents="BANDCAMP" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://noelrichards.bandcamp.com/track/angels-sing-their-song-tonight" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;"><strong>BANDCAMP</strong></span></a> website. The lyrics and chord chart are available by clicking on the image.<br> <div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="font_xl"><strong>Happy Christmas!!</strong></span><br><br> </div><br><a contents="" data-link-label="Angels Sing Their Song Tonight" data-link-type="file" href="/files/234360/Angels%20Sing%20Their%20Song%20Tonight" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/b16715f3453853ccd50d694a4b598c6d7cbb58ed/medium/christmas-tree-high-quality-picture.jpg?1482063159" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a>
6:37
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4516017
2016-12-18T11:05:07+01:00
2016-12-18T11:10:37+01:00
Christmas Fun
<p>This is great fun. Can you stop the hat in the right place? How many times will you try and fail? Click on the image below to play the game.<br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/noelrichards1/posts/10154360540078090?notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic&notif_id=1481834028141978" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/8eab29e535dfcaafac0377ec2ca28a98b57bcc7f/medium/screen-shot-2016-12-18-at-11-04-12.png?1482055487" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4501854
2016-12-08T12:04:25+01:00
2016-12-19T18:05:13+01:00
A Millennial Walks Into A Worship Conference That’s Full Of Baby Boomers: Reflections On Mission Worship
I have just read this blog from <a contents="Jude Adoasi" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/JudeAdoasi" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;"><strong>Jude Adoasi</strong></span></a> on the <a contents="weareworship" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.weareworship.com/uk/blog/a-millennial-walks-into-a-worship-conference-thats-full-of-baby-boomers-reflections-on-mission-worship/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;"><strong>weareworship</strong></span></a> website. I thought I would share it with you all. You can read it in full below and also at weareworship.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/aa8bd30762009ad5af901b6b04fd17616a087648/original/missionworship-waw.jpg?1481195040" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Before the Mission Worship conference, I’d heard of Chris Bowater, Dave Bilbrough and Noel Richards. Of course I had. I knew they were legends, and I knew that they had written some amazing songs. The trouble wa that I couldn’t actually have hummed any of them. Or named any of them. Or had any idea at all of the ways in which a bunch of songwriters twice my age could have so much to teach me today. </p>
<p>All that changed when I went along to Mission Worship, an annual conference for worship leaders and worshippers that’s been going longer than I’ve been alive. </p>
<p>Even before a note was played I was aware that things were going to be different. First, they talked. Chris, Dave and Noel didn’t jump straight in with a beat-perfect intro sequence linked to some beautifully shot video. There wasn’t even a countdown clock. Just three blokes talking about why they love to worship. </p>
<p>They were engaging, funny and self-deprecating and it was obvious that they were not burdened by any need to get the branding right. Instead, they were normal, everyday worshippers. </p>
<p>They talked about the songs and it was clear that they all wrote from a place of understanding scripture. Instead of writing about their own personal response, they based their lyrics far more heavily on the Bible. Later, when they got to All Heaven Declares, I was stunned. I can’t think of a more flawless set of lyrics. </p>
<p>When they started to play, the music wasn’t at all intense, it was intimate. Incredibly intimate. It seems to me that today we get those two, intimacy and intensity, confused. People measure how intimate a worship song is by how intense it feels or sounds. But these songs that were joyful and light on the ears did something completely unexpected. They facilitated so many great worship moments. </p>
<p>Among a lot of worship leaders my age I think there’s an obsession with having at least one ‘moment’ where the Spirit breaks out or God comes down during each set. Instead of building towards something huge, they just led us gently, but purposefully. They didn’t try and engineer a ‘moment’ with their music or wait around and suck all the life out of it once it arrived. </p>
<p>I’m not against waiting, holding a moment can allow room for God to move or speak in a unique way, but if it is done continually it can cause people to forget what worship is about. We can get so caught up in the experience of praising God that we think that the purpose of worship is to have God speak to us. Worship can become like the line to meet Santa Claus, with all the waiting eventually paying off with our chance to ask, “so, what do you have for ME Lord?” </p>
<p>It made me wonder about all our anthemic, repetitive and epic sounding worship music. Have we stopped judging the depth of a song not by its lyrical content, but by how they make us feel? You don’t need to stare in to your wife’s eyes and say ‘I love you’ 50 times a day to prove to her how much you love her you. You just need to show it with your actions and treatment of her. </p>
<p>And here’s another thing that I was thinking about. I know that there have been times when I have felt bad for not going deep or giving God my all in worship. But what if singing at the top of our voices or lifting our hands for the whole worship time is not the crux of worship? </p>
<p>I’m wondering if it has something to do with YouTube. Every worship band puts up visuals of their worship times and the best ones are full of the most passionate worshippers. There's nothing wrong with that, of course. Watching those videos can be encouraging, but maybe it can also have an adverse psychological effect on us. Maybe it can create unrealistic expectations of what worship should look like at our local church. Maybe it leads us to think that the passion is the thing we need to pursue and mimic, rather than the heart and lifestyle of devotion behind it. Maybe it breeds a bit of worship envy. </p>
<p>Millennials are accepting of diversity and we’re great at embracing things that are new. Maybe if we could learn to take ourselves less seriously, to study the bible and learn how to get out of the way when things get intense, we’d have learned some vital lessons from some of the generations above us.<br> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4494828
2016-12-03T16:11:28+01:00
2016-12-09T18:57:54+01:00
A Good Flight Today - Which Airline???
So, this morning we travelled from Palma de Mallorca to Hamburg, Germany, for our concerts this weekend. Tricia and I had a very good flight. Can you guess the airline we travelled on, from the following information:<br><br>1 We flew in an almost new plane<br>2 The flight departed on time<br>3 The flight arrived on time<br>4 I had a cup of fresh ground coffee (not instant) on board<br>5 The flight attendants served me a hot croissant with my coffee<br>6 The flight attendants were excellent<br>7 The check-in agent accompanied us to the outsize baggage belt and personally took care of our guitars<br><br>You will be surprised.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/e18ded4246d8a1cef69e390938c29bf1d907a27c/medium/unknown-1.jpeg?1480777857" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4484652
2016-11-26T16:17:29+01:00
2017-01-13T14:55:12+01:00
The Lost Chord - Video
I must apologise for making a mistake with my last posting about The Lost Chord. Many of you have responded with suggestions but I forgot to mention that I use a <a contents="G7th Short Cut Capo" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.g7th.com/newport-6.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;"><strong>G7th Short Cut Capo</strong></span></a> on the 2nd fret of my guitar, so the notes being played are E, D, E, B, E, E. Check out the video below.<br> <div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="8Lb7uMnF1SQ" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/8Lb7uMnF1SQ/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8Lb7uMnF1SQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/40019b0077b066a17449628dd27e307387564e1f/medium/the-lost-chord-video-pic.jpg?1480173437" class="size_m justify_center border_" />
</div>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4484515
2016-11-26T11:18:29+01:00
2016-11-28T11:50:42+01:00
The Lost Chord
I had a great time at Mission Worship last weekend, when I did a late night concert with Dave Bilbrough and Chris Bowater. However, during our rehearsals for the event, we had a great problem in figuring out what this guitar chord is called. I use it in the song 'To be In Your Presence', in the chorus. Chris has been musically trained at the Royal School of Music, but even with all that, he struggled to find a name for this one. Suggestions please.......<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/9530170bbe0777bea2e82566ba9db139ff215c7f/medium/the-lost-chord.jpg?1480155493" class="size_m justify_center border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4431834
2016-10-22T10:33:38+02:00
2018-01-13T05:31:53+01:00
Same Tailor, Same Choreographer!
My good friend Clive Price mentioned on his Facebook page that "Somebody said Mrs Clinton turned up dressed like Benny Hinn at the US election debate. So did Mr Trump fall over?" Very funny. So I checked out some images for your amusement. Same tailor, same choreographer!!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/94f8fc30ce88760a1268d4f05ce75928065c80f8/medium/hillary-clinton-white-suit-dnc-2016.jpg?1477125154" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/4c38ad7348f5849e3a86517df3bc2dea30551156/medium/benny-hinn.jpg?1477125109" class="size_m justify_left border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4418957
2016-10-14T11:27:02+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:12+01:00
Trivia Quiz - Can You Help?
Last night I received an e-mail from someone who wanted to know where our 'live' recording of <a contents="Brian Doerksen's" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://briandoerksen.com" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;"><strong>Brian Doerksen's</strong></span></a> song "Come Now Is The Time To Worship" took place. I think it might have been at an event sometime in the late 90s. Please take a listen and if you were there, or think you know where we were playing, please tell me. Click on the image below to play the track. Thanks for your help.<br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrqV3oQUZiY" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/4d449525740cecf66e0c1e7660edb00e1bd1d8cb/medium/i-could-sing.jpg?1476437125" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></a>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4415480
2016-10-12T12:35:59+02:00
2020-03-16T12:07:37+01:00
Hymn Of The Month - Free MP3 & Song Charts
My song "Behold The Lord" is the featured Song of the Month on the We Are Worship website. You can listen to and download the MP3 and Song Charts for free at their <span style="color:#008080;"><strong><a contents="WEBSITE." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.weareworship.com/uk/songs/song-library/showsong/783" target="_blank">WEBSITE.</a> You can also listen to a preview of the clip by clicking on the image below:</strong></span><br><br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/1108410/behold-the-lord" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/b22cde5609a836daf7b1058cd7f183260602c53f/original/hymn-of-the-month.jpg?1476268545" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4395622
2016-09-29T10:28:55+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:12+01:00
The Lord's Prayer In Aramaic
A friend just sent me the link to this video of The Lord's Prayer in Aramaic, chanted by Father Serafim Bit-Kharibi and parishioners in Qanda, Georgia. This parish is made up of a group of people of Assyrian descent who belong to the canonical Georgian Orthodox Church. Beautiful harmonies and very different to what we call 'sung worship' in the West. Click on the image below, to play the video.<br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/OrthodoxChristianChants/videos/vb.1585235765042775/1857531711146511/?type=3" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/efe414fd0850d93aee544c9149b1b8128e907414/original/chant.png?1475137603" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a><br><br>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4387540
2016-09-23T19:52:18+02:00
2020-10-21T08:06:33+02:00
Notes From An Accidental Musician – Part 1
<p>I am not sure if this will be a regular posting. I guess it depends on whether or not the things I write about will resonate with anyone. </p>
<p>My wife Tricia, often says that we are accidental musicians, when we compare ourselves to some of the immensely talented songwriters and musicians that we know. The kind of people who eat, sleep and breathe music. Who are always buying instruments and gear. Who always have music playing in their homes and cars. This, we are not! </p>
<p>We are a bit of an enigma as we have ended up making a living as songwriters, even though we are not prolific in this respect. I have even got a Gold disc, for singing a song which was put an album that sold over 500,000 units in the USA. I wish I had also written the song. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/02127ba037a3b3d8696623788b92354f0851ab15/medium/photo-original-noel-20richards-20cover-grau.jpg?1474653057" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Anyway, here goes........... </p>
<p>I have been reading a number of posts on social media about the state of Christian music these days. It seems that the biggest culprits in this ocean of blandness are the money men (sorry, Christian publishers) in Nashville and of course Hillsongs. I must confess that apart from “Shout to the Lord” and a few great songs from Reuben Morgan, I am largely unaware of the musical output from Hillsongs. Tricia and I don't really listen to much music these days, Christian or otherwise. We tend to prefer silence. </p>
<p>We did buy a new CD last week. We were in Port de Soller, Mallorca, taking a stroll after dinner when we heard this guy singing on the street. His voice was amazing and Tricia parted with 10 EUROS for a copy of his 5 track CD. If you want to listen to this very creative album, the guy's website is <a contents="samuelgough.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.samuelgough.com" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">samuelgough.com</span></strong></a></p>
<p>I do remember being involved in an event a few years back in Toronto, Canada, when 4,000 kids showed up for a Hillsong United gig. I was incredibly encouraged by the band when they told me that they had been inspired by watching the video of the Wembley Stadium event I helped organised in 1997. I guess my ceiling definitely became their floor and their music obviously resonates with a huge crowd of people. </p>
<p>So, is there a problem and if so, what can we do about it? </p>
<p>Back in the late 1970s in the UK, when there were very few contemporary Christian worship songs, a movement emerged that wanted to see change. We were tired of the ancient hymns and wanted songs that we could play on our guitars. We also wanted modern language that we could understand. Which I guess was a similar provocation to the likes of Wesley, Sankey and other hymn writers of the past. Today's good old hymns were once the radical songs of their day. </p>
<p>So, we started to write new worship songs, out of passion, rather than seeing it as a career move. Indeed, there was no money or a lucrative career in writing worship songs; or in being a Christian musician, engaged in performing evangelistic concerts. </p>
<p>In 1977, I remember being paid £30 for a week's work with a youth organisation in the NE of England. My travel expenses for the week came to £30, so I earned nothing. When my pastor pointed this out to the organisers, they simply replied that I should have more faith! Happy Days. </p>
<p>What is incredible, is how these new worship songs began to travel around the world, without the benefit of the internet. In today's language they 'went viral'. There was a hunger for new songs and new ways of expressing 'sung worship'. Songs were passed on by word of mouth and a rough recording on a hand-held cassette recorder (remember those?) </p>
<p>Worship conferences and events began to spring up, in order to equip churches and local musicians. Worship took to the streets with events such as 'March for Jesus', which gathered almost 80,000 in Hyde Park in 1994. It was a privilege to be swept along in all of this. We thought we were changing the world, but at that time did not realise that our world was irrelevant to the majority of people in the UK. </p>
<p>Tricia and I entered a new phase of writing in the late 1980s and we were humbled and amazed at how our worship songs became popular. We were accidentally successful. </p>
<p>For me this worship movement entered a new phase after the “Champion of the World” event at Wembley Stadium in 1997. Some executives from a large US Christian publishing company were there. They saw a stadium filled with almost 45,000 people, engaged in worship. Sometimes Tricia wonders if what they really saw was Dollar signs! However, there was a need for what we had in the UK, to impact North America. I remember going into a Christian bookstore in Seattle in the 1990s and being amazed at how far behind the curve, their worship music seemed to be. </p>
<p>Anyway, in a very short space of time, suddenly all these CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) artists in the USA were releasing worship albums. The US publishers took what we were doing in the UK and marketed it very successfully to the church of North America. But maybe it was not quite the same. </p>
<p>In the UK, the worship movement was a community. Writers who influenced and encouraged one another. In the US, worship became an industry. </p>
<p>Big money could now be made out of worship songs – for the company, the writers and the musicians. Making money is not a problem though. We all need money in order to survive. </p>
<p>Tricia and I earn enough to live, as songwriters, because publishers do a good job promoting our songs and albums. In fact as self-publishers these days, we are doing everything we can to get our music played. This is our job and it is not always easy. </p>
<p>So at one level we are grateful to the marketing skills of our US publishers who have opened up a huge market for us. However, we are also aware that this can easily lead to some people becoming writers of praise and worship songs; not because of a passion, but because as Christians, they see it as an easy way to fame and fortune. Rather than working at the coalface of mainstream music, where maybe their music would not quite cut it? </p>
<p>If worship music has become the goose that is currently laying the golden egg, who is really to blame? I am not sure we can lay that solely at the feet of publishers. </p>
<p>Perhaps they are simply responding to the needs of a generation of churchgoers, who have become consumers of worship – rather than true worshippers. In wanting to keep bums on seats and pay for the machinery that keeps modern church music running, has a monster been created, with an insatiable appettite for new songs, worship leading celebrities and light shows, so that congregations can say they have felt the presence of God? Which might be little more than cultural ecstasy!! </p>
<p>Do we prefer the blandness of easily listening, soft rock, platitudes, that make us feel good when we are caught up in the emotion of a Sunday morning experience? </p>
<p>The result of this, is that we are now losing sight of the fact that we have so much more to write about, than a God who like some kind of genie, mysteriously appears in our presence and gives us a nice warm glow on the inside. A God who constantly provides the faithful in the Western world with new cars, promotions, new jobs and bigger homes. Bad luck if you live in a developing nation! </p>
<p>Are we prepared to pioneer once again? To make room for worship songwriting, that acknowledges that life can be hard, painful and full of disappointment for most of us. If we are honest we cannot say that “God is good all the time”. Especially when we experience tragedy and unanswered prayer. Life is complicated and full of questions. </p>
<p>We need the songs that will strengthen our faith, without resorting to trite cliched phrases. We need songs that help us to find God as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Earthy, gritty songs that resonate with our journey, our doubts and fears. Songs that deal with the issues of terrorism, the refugee, globalisation, consumerism and so much more. </p>
<p>Or will we remain the same and continue to settle for more of what we now have?</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4381423
2016-09-20T18:55:00+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:12+01:00
Song Of The Day
My good friend, the extremely talented <a contents="Clive Price" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/cliveprice" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">Clive Price</span></strong></a> notified me of this fun song by David Garland Jones. Here I am trying to earn a crust as a songwriter and along comes this youtube video which has almost 55,000 views. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Things like this brighten up my day and make me smile. By the way, for those of you who don't know. Ruthin is a town in Wales. Click on the image or video below and Enjoy!!<br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX6k07NIhvI" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/547638b0ed5a80c951c26db00e5baadec1e62ab9/original/ruthin.png?1474390365" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX6k07NIhvI" target="_blank"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="VX6k07NIhvI" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/VX6k07NIhvI/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VX6k07NIhvI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></a></div>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4377033
2016-09-17T11:47:33+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:12+01:00
To Be In Your Presence
This week's featured "classic" song on the <a contents="weareworship" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.weareworship.com/uk/songs/song-library/showsong/572" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">weareworship</span></strong></a> website is "To Be In Your Presence". You can download the chord chart for free at their website. This version features some wonderful slide guitar work from the legendary <a contents="Bryn Haworth" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://brynhaworth.com" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">Bryn Haworth</span></strong></a>. I continue to use this song in our concerts, after all these years. Enjoy!<br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=typ7cueKdT4" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/6ebd717347130cfaf39d95baa0085a1b3a8e0066/original/screen-shot-2016-09-17-at-11-42-32.png?1474105501" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a><br>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4348635
2016-08-30T16:52:14+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:12+01:00
How To Worship - Correctly.
What is the correct way to worship? We all know that being in a church service can be quite intimidating and confusing for the uninitiated. If you feel that you need to learn how to worship correctly, then this video will be very instructional and helpful. <br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/9e97815fae07c85a4a579a791ff4f4260255fee9/medium/screen-shot-2016-08-30-at-16-50-49.png?1472568695" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br> <div style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="3K4fveLQZZQ" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/3K4fveLQZZQ/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3K4fveLQZZQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4337990
2016-08-23T19:41:03+02:00
2020-06-22T10:14:19+02:00
TOP 10 THINGS I LOVE THAT WORSHIP LEADERS DO
<p>Following my post last week, <a contents="Jared C Wilson" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jaredcwilson.com" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;"><strong>Jared C Wilson</strong></span></a> has followed up his previous blog with this one, which focusses on the things he really sees as being positive. Jared is the Director of Content Strategy for Midwestern Seminary, managing editor of For The Church, and author of more than ten books, including Gospel Wakefulness, The Pastor’s Justification, and The Prodigal Church. This article and more can be read at <a contents="The Gospel Coalition" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/gospeldrivenchurch/2016/08/19/top-10-things-i-love-that-worship-leaders-do/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;"><strong>The Gospel Coalition</strong></span></a> but it is reproduced in full below. Read on and maybe add your own likes to the list:<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/b566bed550d8c3d6a485c17ad7cb02c28d7800e5/medium/amberrhoads.jpg?1471973933" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I wasn’t surprised by the big reaction to my recent post “Top 10 Things I Wish Worship Leaders Would Stop Saying”because I know that the subject is a particular hot button for evangelicals. And while I think too often we inappropriately insulate our preferences/traditions from criticism, I am of course sensitive to the request for a more positive, proactive help. I’ve actually written quite a bit on worship, both online and in print—The Prodigal Church and my Gospel Coalition church resource Gospel Shaped Worshipare the most notable examples—but new readers triggered by yesterday’s blog post are not likely to be familiar with that work. I was already planning on writing the list below but decided to hasten its appearing. Here’s to hoping this list reaches the same audience as the last. </p>
<p>I love it when worship leaders . . . </p>
<p><strong>10. Lead more than perform. </strong></p>
<p>I am grateful for talented vocalists and musicians serving as worship leaders, but I’m especially grateful when our leaders don’t treat their position as a showcase for their gifts but as an opportunity to shepherd the flock. I love it when worship leaders choose songs that lend themselves more to congregational singing than band performance and lead in such a way that it’s easier to follow along—appropriate keys and pacing, not over-improvising, following the printed or projected lyrics, and so on. And speaking of shepherding, I love it when you . . . </p>
<p><strong>9. Approach the worship gathering with a pastoral sensibility. </strong></p>
<p>The worship gathering shouldn’t be some bland, un-creative exercise in avoiding anything remotely artistic, but I’m grateful for worship leaders who think primarily about what the flock needs more than what the flock wants—because they are not always the same thing—and seeks to steward the music time and other worship order elements with Christ’s glory at heart and Christ’s church in mind. (And pastors, this is why often the most gifted singers/musicians in your church are not the best candidates for worship leaders.) </p>
<p><strong>8. Let theology drive their decision making. </strong></p>
<p>Too many worship services are driven by a consumeristic or pragmatic ethos. Too many worship leaders (and their pastors and creative teams) over-busy themselves asking, “What else can we do?” as if the worship gathering is a blank artistic slate for creative expression. But as Jeff Goldblum says in Jurassic Park, “You were so busy asking if you could do something, you never bothered to ask if you should.” This is why I’m grateful for worship leaders who know how to evaluate songs for theological soundness, biblical coherence, and doctrinal clarity. And I like it when this commitment to theology is reflected in a fearlessness about old songs and a discriminating taste about new songs. But I also love it when you . . . </p>
<p><strong>7. Think about the service beyond the songs. </strong></p>
<p>And I don’t mean simply videos or whatever. I am grateful for worship leaders who think about the worship order as a whole, who think about the story a worship order tells. Every church has a liturgy, even if they don’t like that word or they’ve never even heard of that word! Your worship elements and their order communicate something about God about his Word and about your church. I love it when it’s clear the worship team hasn’t just busied themselves picking good songs but has also thought about the progression of song content in relation to the different elements of the service (confession, prayers, communion, sermon, and so on) and how all the pieces together point to God in Christ as our hope. </p>
<p><strong>6. Aren’t afraid of silence. </strong></p>
<p>Not every space has to be thick with sound and visuals. I know silence between songs can sound like awkward transitions, but not every square inch of the worship service has to be “produced.” Is that fuzzy synthesizer ambiance in between songs and during prayers there to create a mood? Why? What for? I love it when worship leaders “embrace the real.” One thing my church’s worship leader does—after the sermon has been preached and before he leads us in the closing song—is give us a time to silently reflect on the message. It’s not a long time, but it’s long enough to start to feel awkward to those who are new to the practice. But there’s no ambient music. No vocal prayer. Just silence. You can hear those scattered coughs. Kids whispering. A Bible hitting the floor. The rustling of paper. But mostly just stillness and quiet. In our daily lives we are awash with noise. We are hurry-sick. Even when we’re alone, we’re taking in the “noise” of the internet or something else. I think it’s wonderful to take this into account in our worship services, not feel inclined to mirror the constant noise of the world, and give us some time to hush. It’s good for our souls. </p>
<p><strong>5. Pray for real. </strong></p>
<p>I love it when worship leaders are God-conscious and their prayers sound like they’re actually talking to their Father. Sometimes it is easy for worship leaders to lapse into “stage prayers,” where the prayer is simply filler, a way to introduce the next song, or full of verbal tics that don’t make it sound like the leader is well-versed in prayer outside the worship service (“FatherGod we just love you FatherGod and we just FatherGod just want to just…”). When you “pray naked,” even in your skinny jeans, I am inspired and encouraged to bring my true self before God. I am led to cry out to God myself when it sounds like my worship leader is crying out to God. </p>
<p><strong>4. Prioritize the Word. </strong></p>
<p>Feelings are great. It is unChristian to deny the importance of feelings. But it is unChristian to prioritize (idolize) our feelings. Our life is not to be dictated by our feelings—even spiritual feelings—but by the inspired, infallible Word of God. So I love it when worship leaders choose songs that reflect biblical truths, echo the full-hearted human experience of the Psalms and other biblical texts, and read or recite Scripture in their introductions and transitions. I love it when worship leaders being the gathering not with a rockin’ song to loosen (or wake) everybody up, but with a Scriptural call to worship. This is a reminder that our worship gathering is a response to God’s active work in the world and his specific summoning of us through the gospel of Christ. I also love it when worship leaders remind me that the worship time doesn’t end when the songs do, and that the preaching of the word is both the continuation of—and the apex of—the worship gathering. </p>
<p><strong>3. Lead with serious joy. </strong></p>
<p>I always feel like I’m on a cruise ship or at a cocktail lounge—not that I frequent either one of those places!—when the worship leader is up there constantly cracking jokes and treating his banter like practice for his improv class. You don’t need to treat the service like a funeral, of course, and about the only thing as annoying as a constantly silly worship leader is a constantly humorless one—but I love it when worship leaders capture both the gladness and the gravity of responding to the Lord’s call to worship. So instead of taking on the personas of gameshow host on one hand or “I’d rather be alone in my room with my principles” artiste on the other, I love it when you are both happy in and humbled by the holiness of God. </p>
<p><strong>2. Don’t try to out-preach the preacher. </strong></p>
<p>Okay, this is just a minor point, but I’ve heard this additional critique from enough folks in response to the previous post to know that it’s not just my own “pet peeve.” I love it when worship leaders shepherd the congregation well by introducing songs by giving theological context, praying in transitions, reciting Scripture, and of course using non-singing time for equipping the congregation. But sometimes you guys just talk too much! This is especially notable after a sermon, when a worship leader will sometimes try to re-preach a particular point. The subtext sometimes appears to be “Let me take a crack at this, because the preacher whiffed it.” Worship leader, I love it when you leave the sermon to the preacher (and when the preacher leaves to the songs to you). </p>
<p><strong>1. Point me to the gospel. </strong></p>
<p>This is why I’m there, whether I remember it or not. This is what I need. I need the announcement of the historical work of Christ on the cross and out of the tomb more than I need oxygen! So I’m very, very grateful when your song choice, banter, worship order, and everything else makes it clear that the grace of God given to sinners through Jesus is your reason for being. I love it when you take care not to distract from the gospel, whether by content or creativity. I love it when you take care that your artistic efforts adorn the gospel and don’t obscure it. And I love it when you rehearse the gospel with us. It is the greatest gift you have, and it’s the greatest gift you can share. </p>
<p>For all those who labor faithfully in these things—including many, many friends of mine who serve their churches so well this way, some perhaps in the face of weekly criticism and complaints—I am eternally thankful for you. I love you.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4334063
2016-08-20T12:11:49+02:00
2020-10-20T14:12:27+02:00
TOP 10 THINGS I WISH WORSHIP LEADERS WOULD STOP SAYING
Many of you will be extremely busy tomorrow, putting your musical gifting to good use. However, it would be worth taking note of this article written by <a contents="Jared C. Wilson" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jaredcwilson.com" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">Jared C. Wilson</span></strong></a>, who is the Director of Content Strategy for Midwestern Seminary, managing editor of For The Church, and author of more than ten books, including Gospel Wakefulness, The Pastor’s Justification, and The Prodigal Church. This article and more can be read at <a contents="The Gospel Coalition" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/gospeldrivenchurch/2016/08/18/top-10-things-i-wish-worship-leaders-would-stop-saying/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;"><strong>The Gospel Coalition</strong></span></a> but it is reproduced in full below. Read on and maybe add your own phrases to the list:<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/51a47bdd78cc1c772b9196a4918c059d2274a684/medium/worship-300x200.jpg?1471687896" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br> <p>In which a crusty old curmudgeon rants a little about annoying songleader banter. Don’t take this too seriously, except maybe do. </p>
<p><strong>10. Are we ready to have fun this morning? </strong></p>
<p>The answer is, “Probably not.” The truth is, when this is your welcome at the start of the music time, it tells me where your head’s at. Nobody goes to church to have a bad time, of course, and I’m sure plenty of people go to “have fun,” but is this the point of worship? Is “having fun” where you want hearts directed as you lead people to exalt God? No, it’s where you want hearts directed when you’re just trying to “crush your set” or “rock it out for Jesus” [see #5]. “Are we ready to have fun?” is just slightly worse than this next common opener: </p>
<p><strong>9. How’s everybody feeling? </strong></p>
<p>If I wanted to stretch to justify this statement, I could say that what you’re asking the congregation to do is self-reflect on their spiritual condition and present their real, whole selves honestly and submissively to the glory of Christ as you lead them in adoration of him. But my guess is that 9.9 times out of 10 what you’re really trying to do is get people to say, “Woooooooo!” </p>
<p><strong>8. You can do better than that! </strong></p>
<p>Or some other form of nagging about how we’re not singing or participating to your liking. It’s never really on my mind at a church service to think of ways to impress the worship leader. Similarly shaming is: </p>
<p><strong>7. I can’t hear you! </strong></p>
<p>Well, maybe turn the volume down. We can’t hear us either. </p>
<p><strong>6. [Introducing a hymn] Here’s an oldie we dusted off. </strong></p>
<p>Please don’t apologize for leading us in the rare song that is theologically rich and doctrinally solid. Apologize for not leading us in them more often! </p>
<p><strong>5. “Rockin’ worship.” </strong></p>
<p>Please stop. I know you’ve got a good drummer and amps that go to 11, but referring to church music as “rockin'”—or using the phrase “rockin’ it out”—is somewhere in the category of fanny packs and duck-face selfies. </p>
<p><strong>4. Lord, we invite you to be here. </strong></p>
<p>This is the worship leader’s equivalent of “asking Jesus into your heart.” I think I know what the phrase means, but it reveals something about our thinking related to worship. For instance, is it true that God is summoned by our worship? Or is it actually the other way around? He calls us—we then respond in worship. God isn’t a genie and worship isn’t like rubbing a golden lamp. Nor is he a cosmic butler to be summoned. Don’t invite the Lord into a space like he doesn’t already own it and isn’t already there. </p>
<p><strong>3. God showed up. </strong></p>
<p>Again, I think I know what is meant by this phrase. It can be a way of saying “we felt emotionally touched during the music time,” which can be an okay thing—it would be weird for Christians to never feel engaged emotionally in worshiping God—but it can also be a way of equating emotional reactions with God’s presence in an unhelpful way, in a way that inadvertently communicates to people that when they don’t feel good, God must be absent. </p>
<p><strong>2. Let’s give God a hand. </strong></p>
<p>Translation: I would like to hear some applause. </p>
<p><strong>1. Turn to your neighbor and _____________. </strong></p>
<p>There’s really nothing wrong with this approach, but as a socially awkward introvert, this kind of instruction is a huge heaping bowl of panic attack soup.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4326918
2016-08-16T10:24:28+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:11+01:00
Mission Worship Conference
<div>I am looking forward to being at this event in November and teaming up with my good friends Chris Bowater and Dave Bilbrough. This video is just a little taster of what is in store and you can get all the info. and book online at the <a contents="Mission Worship website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.missionworship.com" target="_blank"><strong>Mission Worship website</strong></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Mission Worship website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.missionworship.com" target="_blank"><strong><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="hWD43bfKwtk" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/hWD43bfKwtk/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hWD43bfKwtk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/36d3bfed1a26a886e1c5367bbba54b05bab464b7/original/screen-shot-2016-08-16-at-10-23-35.png?1471335857" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></a></div>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4323523
2016-08-13T12:13:57+02:00
2017-02-28T11:59:48+01:00
Why I Don't Want America To Come Back To God
<p>I stumbled across this article a little while ago. It was written by an <a contents="American Theologian - Brandon Andress" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://brandonandress.com" target="_blank"><strong>American Theologian - Brandon Andress</strong></a> - and certainly the title got my attention. Having read the article, I believe that the points Brandon raises, would apply to any nation, not just the USA. So this is for all of us, no matter what our nationality. It makes for a challenging read. I have reproduced it below in full. You can read other posts at <a contents="brandonandress.com&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://brandonandress.com" target="_blank"><strong>brandonandress.com </strong></a><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/77e4e80afc3fbc194b61cca0b0a1d46d00743f34/original/america-god.png?1471083074" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I write this in an attempt at promoting a culture of dialogue and civility, even though both are in short supply these days. It seems as if most people have their heels dug in and their minds made up on every issue already, so what’s the point of attempting dialogue? It’s a great question that deserves a serious answer in a time when most people talk passed each other, only thinking about what can be said next to win the argument, rather than taking the more humble and disciplined postures of listening and contemplating. </p>
<p>While I am still but a student in the disciplines of listening and contemplating, the greatest areas of growth in my life have come as a result of being able to listen and contemplate thoughts and ideas that I had previously and whole-heartedly rejected. It is only when we can take a humble posture and being to open ourselves to hearing a new position or idea that we may begin to evaluate what we already believe and why we believe it, and then also begin to understand how and why another has arrived at a different position or idea. It costs nothing to be civil and listen to another’s perspective. We may even learning something new- whether it be a new idea, belief, or perspective, or maybe even something new about the person with whom we are speaking. </p>
<p>When we are able to have civil dialogue with one another, it honors each person’s humanity. We no longer see a person only for the idea or belief they represent, which we may have viewed in antagonism. We begin to see them as brothers and sisters who have been walking a different life path with different experiences or perspectives. And it is in that place where each side may begin to learn, grow, and broaden their appreciation for others. It begins with each one of us. May we each look inward at our hearts and move toward a more humble and disciplined posture of listening and contemplating, while honoring each person’s humanity. </p>
<p>With all of that being said as a proper foundation for discussion, it seems that one of the most contentious topics within American Christianity is the role followers of Jesus should or should not play within politics and government. The reason this topic is tantamount is that there are very different perspectives that have significant, profound, and very different effects and consequences in relation to a follower of Jesus. </p>
<p>In particular, there are those who believe that America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, that our country has turned its back on God, and that our country needs to come back to God, or that God will remove his blessing from our country. To that end, they believe that Christians ought stand up, be heard, and be involved politically so that Christian politicians will pass legislation that they believe will preserve Christianity in America and help our country turn back to God. </p>
<p>There are others, like me, who believe that whether the United States was founded upon Judeo-Christian principles or not is inconsequential, because Jesus was not trying to redeem countries by legislating morality from the top-down, he was inviting all of humanity into a different and alternative country (the Kingdom of God) with values and principles that completely contradict the values and principles of every man-made country on earth. To that end, we believe that this way moves forward, not by standing up against others, fighting for our principles or values to be imposed on others, or seeking the power of political rule to bring our country back to God, but rather by becoming the servant of all mankind so as to express and extend the grace and love of God and then inviting others into this “alternative country.”. It is a perspective that is not about “Christianizing” countries, but rather inviting all races, ethnicities, and citizens of the world to relinquish their inferior allegiances and inferior value systems, and enter into the transcendent ways of mercy and forgiveness, peace and reconciliation, and unconditional love of all. </p>
<p>The two perspectives could not be any different. </p>
<p>One moves forward in hopes of redeeming and restoring man-made governments and political systems, while the other understands that all man-made governments and political systems (no matter how well-intentioned) are built upon values and principles that will always be antithetical to the ways of Jesus. </p>
<p>One is built upon power, force, and law, while the other is built upon meekness, peace with all, love of friend and enemy, and the gentle ways of the Spirit. </p>
<p>One works to legislate morality through political means, which never changes a person’s heart, while the other moves forward humbly in grace and forgiveness, serving and demonstrating the love of God through example and relationship, changing hearts in the process. </p>
<p>One takes a very vocal approach that stands up for that which they believe to win the argument, while the other remains silently powerless in truth, even in the face of accusation and persecution, because the argument-battle does not have to be won. </p>
<p>One has a conditional view on which lives matter, babies in the womb, and which lives do not matter, enemies foreign and domestic, while the other views all life as God-given and worth saving. </p>
<p>One seeks retaliation and justice against aggressors and enemies through capital punishment and war, while the other will go down every peaceful path in love and forgiveness in the hope that tomorrow he or she will be a changed person. </p>
<p>One uses Scripture selectively, and out of context, to support a hybrid Judeo-Christian patriotism, while the other seeks to only pursue the way, life, and teachings of Jesus. </p>
<p>One is bent on judging the sins of special sin groups of the world, while the other extends a welcoming and loving embrace to every person in the world and humbly walks alongside them demonstrating and teaching the best and highest ways of Jesus. </p>
<p>One lives in fear of anything or anyone that threatens their vision of their country, while the other is never threatened or fearful because the country in which we are citizens, the Kingdom of God, will never fall and will always prevail, even when faced with violence or death. </p>
<p>One is perpetually unhappy and angry when cities, states, countries, and governments move away from their Judeo-Christian ethic, while the other finds happiness, joy, and peace in any worldly form of government, whether it be a republic, democracy, authoritarian state, communist state, or even in the midst of suffering under horrible governmental oppression. </p>
<p>Granted, these are big brushstrokes of the two perspectives, but is generally indicative of how both perspectives are so distinct and different. </p>
<p>If the whole point of being a Christian is to model the life of Jesus while he was here on earth, isn’t it crazy that one of the perspectives almost goes out of it’s way to not look or act like the example of Jesus at all? As if Jesus is only good for saving people’s souls, but not having any bearing on what we think or how we live our lives or what we put our hope, faith, and trust in. The entire life of Jesus, not the least of which was his sermon on the mount, centered around the ethic of how his followers should live and conduct their lives and daily affairs. To me, it is utterly confounding and perplexing and sad how a large portion of American Christianity has lost the Christ. </p>
<p>One is in pursuit of an abstract “God” in which nationalistic and patriotic values and characteristics have been cut-and-pasted onto that “god,” while the other recognizes that the values and characteristics of God have been fully demonstrated in the life of Jesus. One perspective pursues a god that has been made in a powerful, retributive, violent, and tribal image, while the other perspective seeks to become the image bearers of God, which looks exactly like Jesus. </p>
<p>This is the reason why many Christians in the United States are more comfortable talking about God than Jesus. When one creates an abstract god made in our image, one can cut-and-paste any value and belief system onto that god without having to account for any of the specifics. That god simply becomes a projection or expression of the people who have created it. That god has the same values and principles as the sinful and broken people who have constructed it. And that is precisely why I have no interest in our country “turning back to God.” Because the god to which this perspective wants us to turn back… doesn’t look like Jesus at all. </p>
<p>I would rather invite every person in our country to follow the way, life, and teachings of Jesus, because that is where real life and true freedom are found. </p>
<p>What do you say? Let the civil conversation begin. </p>
<p>Next week I will be asking the question, “Was Jesus a Repuplican or Democrat?“</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4321588
2016-08-12T09:55:01+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:11+01:00
God Be In My Head
<p>These lyrics were written in 1558. Tricia remembers singing them when she was at school. Earlier this year, she suggested that we might be able to write a new melody for the lyrics. This is the result. The video is a simple live recording, taken by a smartphone at a house gig in April. Apologies for the odd bad note but hopefully, it will enable you to learn the song. <a contents="Download Chord Chart" data-link-label="God Be In My Head" data-link-type="file" href="/files/244718/God%20Be%20In%20My%20Head" target="_blank"><strong>Download Chord Chart</strong></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_center" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="72gv_oahxlk" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/72gv_oahxlk/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/72gv_oahxlk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/f1815bed031b36aedcd7fb538df139f30cbf5b46/original/house-gig-newbiggin.jpg?1470990200" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4320274
2016-08-11T19:01:30+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:11+01:00
Website Update
We have just finished working on some additions to the website. There is now a complete list of my albums, together with an online store and some free downloads. You can also listen to some of my 'Classic' songs from the back catalogue. Enjoy!<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/f13127f5f737f87d82caed0973769cbbc42b779b/original/noel-4-hungary-copy.jpg?1457736913" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4304232
2016-08-01T16:33:31+02:00
2022-04-14T12:59:03+02:00
Worship Etiquette
There seems to be much confusion these days, about the correct use of hands, when engaged in contemporary worship. <a contents="Martin Saunders" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.christiantoday.com/reporter/martin-saunders" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">Martin Saunders</span></strong></a> has written a simple guide to hand-raising on the <a contents="Christian Today" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.christiantoday.com/article/lifting.holy.hands.a.spotters.guide.to.worshippers.arms/92012.htm" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">Christian Today</span></strong></a> website. I am reposting this article in the hope that it will encourage, enlighten and excuse the pun, uplift those of you who read it. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/cf12abedbd23daf8aa80a6b60b1ef1fb0480a816/original/worship.jpg?1470062000" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> <p><span style="color:#008080;"><strong>Lifting Holy Hands - a spotters' guide to worshippers' arms</strong></span><br><br>If there's one thing I found really hard to understand when I became a Christian nearly 25 years ago, it was the hand-raising thing. I came to faith in a moderately charismatic church, and spent most holidays during my teens at one Christian festival or another. So from an early (spiritual) age, I was always surrounded by people who meaningfully express themselves in worship using their arms... and if I'm really honest, I never quite understood it, or why there seemed to be such a wide variety in style. <br><br>It turns out though, after a bit of investigation, that it's all very biblical. There are tons of mentions of 'lifting holy hands' (1 Timothy 2:8), especially in the Old Testament where it seems to be a natural aspect of prayer and worship (Nehemiah 8:6 for example). But since – Good News Bible apart – Scripture doesn't come with illustrations, this phrase is obviously open to interpretation. And perhaps this explains my confusion: as the following guide demonstrates, those interpretations are wide, varied... and often vividly flamboyant. <br><br>Now, this is all intended as an affectionate tribute. It's a fantastic thing to see anyone fully invested in offering praise and worship to God. In fact, I dare say that our diversity of expression even in this relatively trivial thing is another beautiful illustration of our individual uniqueness... <br><br><strong><span style="color:#008080;">1 The One-arm Straight Raise </span></strong><br>The simplest and safest version, and the one most often seen in the average church, especially when the words of the song being sung include "so we raise up holy hands". Especially handy during a long worship set because you can switch arms when you get tired (it's also fun watching people attempt to disguise this changeover).<br><br><strong><span style="color:#008080;">2 The Funky Push </span></strong><br>Popular among people with a keen sense of rhythm, and turns the lifting of a hand into a gentle dance move. This is often also accompanied with a very earnest facial expression, which demonstrates to onlookers that you're definitely worshipping, not just rocking out to Rend Collective. <br><br><strong><span style="color:#008080;">3 The Half-way House </span></strong><br>If you don't want to fully commit, either because it might not be that kind of church or because you've suddenly remembered you're British, you can employ this half-mast option. The hand is raised, but only to about chest-height, as if one is discreetly waving to someone in the opposite pew. Also really easy to pull out of if the worship leader throws in a very dull hymn. <br><br><strong><span style="color:#008080;">4 The Clenched Power Fist</span></strong> <br>An innovation of the younger generation, the raised fist (often accompanied by a slight head bow) is a great way to signify commitment and allegiance to the cause. Its sister variant, the heavenward point, does much the same thing, introducing a bit of urgency into the gesture. I imagine some older congregants could find this a bit threatening, but it's all the rage at Soul Survivor. <br><br><strong><span style="color:#008080;">5 The Nervous Nelly </span></strong><br>Novice arm-raisers can often fall into this trap - an arm which keeps briefly emerging before being withdrawn, as if the worshipper is doing the Matt Redman Hokey Cokey. Sometimes this is also employed by people who think very carefully about what they're singing and only want to affirm certain statements, at which point it stops becoming the Nervous Nelly, and is transformed into the Penal Substitutionary Atonement Lyric Discomfort Protest. Which isn't half as snappy. <br><br><strong><span style="color:#008080;">6 The Rapid Switcher </span></strong><br>This one's basically just a dance. Again only employed by pro-level charismatics, this sees the left and right arms being used interchangeably, perhaps swapping at the end of each song line. Anyone showing this level of Holy Hand prowess is almost also employing a rhythmic foot tap and a religiously-appropriate level of bum-wiggling too. <br><br><strong><span style="color:#008080;">7 The Full Monty </span></strong><br>Both arms aloft, and no hiding place if you start to get tired during the fifth chorus repeat. This is usually the preserve of the holiest and the fittest among us. It's also co-incidentally seems to be a fave among people with really active underarm sweat glands.</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4290117
2016-07-22T12:58:29+02:00
2017-10-17T17:49:47+02:00
I Have A Vision
<p>I have just read a blog which was recently posted by American teacher and writer <a contents="Charles Strohmer" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wagingwisdom.com" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">Charles Strohmer</span></strong></a>. It reproduced the Rev. John Peck's "I Have a Vision" statement for the church, which has influenced many people around the world. <br><br>John Peck was a Baptist minister who co-founded the <a contents="Greenbelt Arts" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.greenbelt.org.uk" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">Greenbelt Arts</span></strong></a> festival and has been described as “The Least Known Best Theologian in the World”. He was minister of Framlingham Baptist Church in Suffolk (1978 – 2003) and Thaxted Baptist Church, Essex (1959-65). He died on 1 July, aged 92. In 1974, as one of the great thinkers who helped to shape the festival, he co-founded Greenbelt, the Christian arts, faith and justice gathering which has run every year since.<br><br>I have reproduced Charles' blog in full below but you may also want to take some time to explore more of his writings at <a contents="Waging Wisdom (uncommon sense for a world in conflict)." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wagingwisdom.com" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">Waging Wisdom (uncommon sense for a world in conflict).</span></strong></a><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/83f0b55df4ecea8ba698482c3ab8f62ffd2d94f4/medium/john-peck-at-his-desk-smiling.jpg?1469184890" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Someone has said that a sunset on earth is a sunrise in heaven. Last week the Rev. John Peck passed away peacefully in his sleep, three days into his 93rd year. A godly, noble man who overflowed with wisdom. A true mensch. A dear friend. I knew John closely for thirty-three years and we collaborated on a number of projects. Since receiving news of his death I have been thinking: how strange it will be not to have this unique outlier in the world with us. </p>
<p>John, who has been called “The Least Known Best Theologian in the World,”* had an exceptional passion for the church. It would be hard to top his lovely and concise picture of a healthy church. It has been printed and framed and hangs on the wall of pastors’ offices. Part of John’s enduring legacy is being experienced today in churches who have taken his vision to heart and found ways to live it. Here is it is in his own words. </p>
<p><strong>I Have a Vision </strong></p>
<p>Of a church whose worship seeks out all the resources of its members and utilizes all their skills. </p>
<p>Where the hymns are sung with zest, perception, and expression, and accompanied by every instrument anyone can play, including hands, and feet, and smiles. And where the unfamiliar music of another generation is learned until it is loved. </p>
<p>A church with liturgies that are never mechanical, and spontaneity that is never trivial. </p>
<p>Where the least of its meetings are conducted like royal appointments, and its greatest days are marked with solemn hilarity. </p>
<p>Where organisational efficiency is always at the service of caring love. </p>
<p>Where even poor efforts are done with painstaking diligence, and commended with tolerant hope. </p>
<p>Where brilliance of mind or skill only serves to light up Jesus Christ and His Gospel; where no one can hog the limelight, no one gets too much attention, and no one gets left out. </p>
<p>Of a church were outsiders get as much welcome as old friends; were no one stands alone unless they need to; where the awkward ones are accepted, and the pleasant ones are disturbed by hard realities. </p>
<p>Where the first to hear a complaint is the offender, and the last to air it is the sufferer. </p>
<p>Where people’s interests are worldwide, without being worldly, and personal without being petty. </p>
<p>I have a vision of a church which shares an invincible passion for learning and giving, whose life is energised by a glad acceptance of the Cross as a way of life. </p>
<p>Whose self-critical humor puts people at ease, and whose self-denials disturb and brace them. </p>
<p>Whose sympathy is so warm and imaginative that no one has the nerve to indulge in self-pity; and whose ideals are so high that slightly soiled notions are shamed into silence. </p>
<p>Whose convictions are firm without being rigid; whose tolerance extends even to the intolerant; whose life is an admonition, whose love learns even from its opponents, and whose faith is infectious. </p>
<p>I have a vision of a church that is like that because from time to time it hears its Redeemer’s voice speak with such authority that nothing will do but obedience, nothing matters but God’s love, and others coming in can only wonder, and wish, and ask. . . </p>
<p>John R. Peck, B.S., A.L.B.C. <br>March, 1979 <br>Earl Soham, Suffolk, England</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4282988
2016-07-18T11:23:57+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:11+01:00
You Laid Aside Your Majesty
This was the second congregational worship song that I ever wrote, back in early 1985. I was at home one evening, taking care of our son, while Tricia was out. I was sitting playing my guitar when the melody popped into my head. As always, the tune inspired the lyrics and the song was finished by the time Tricia got home. I was not convinced that the song would work so a few weeks later, played it to my good friend Ishmael (Ian Smale). He told me that the lyrics were a bit twee, cliched and needed some tweaking. After looking at how the song could be improved, we both concluded that it worked just the way it was, so I did not make any changes. I never imagined that the song would become so popular in the UK and further afield. More than 30 years later, this song remains a favourite for so many people and we are still performing it at all our concerts.<br><a contents="weareworship.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.weareworship.com" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">weareworship.com</span></strong></a> is highlighting the song this week and you can get hold of the chord sheet for free at the <strong><span class="font_regular"><a contents="weareworship.com website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.weareworship.com/uk/songs/song-library/showsong/536" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;">weareworship.com website</span></a><span style="color:#008080;"> </span></span></strong><br>The sheet music is also available there<br>You can watch us performing the song in Budapest last year, in the video below.<br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/49cdf0cac7dd9d101f244b674007ec21033f61de/original/song-of-the-week.jpg?1468833633" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><div style="text-align: center;">
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Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4279990
2016-07-15T11:15:31+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:11+01:00
All over this world....
When we were preparing for the event at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin Germany, people asked if there would be a song written specially for the occasion. I have never been one who can write to order, so it was not on my list of things to do. However, on the Monday before the event, I was at home with Tricia and our good friend Wayne Drain from Arkansas, when inspiration struck. One of those "right brain burst" moments. Together, the three of us worked on the melody and lyrics and wrote <strong><a contents='"All Over This World"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/all-over-this-world/id570160416?i=570160451" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;">"All Over This World"</span></a></strong>; the refrain of which was sung in several languages at the end of the event. We had people attending from more than 40 nations and the intention with the song, was to send everyone home with this prayer ringing in their ears. To see the Kingdom of God lived out on a daily basis. To make the love of Jesus known to those in our villages, towns and cities. It is one thing to gather in a stadium and have a wonderful day of prayer and worship. But it is far more important to express our worship, in our communities, through daily acts of love and care. <br><br>As once again we wake up to the news of yet another attack on ordinary people going about their everyday lives, it is right to feel saddened by the tragic event. But let's not forget that the power of Christ and His love dwells within us. These are days when the fruit of the Spirit can be demonstrated to others: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. <br><br>The final verse of this song says:<br>All over this world where darkness reigns<br>Your people will go, your love proclaim<br><br>Let's continue to be the ones who bring the love, hope and compassion of Christ, to our communities.<br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/ec681f56f0853cce6c8a0129e0f8a46a6696af93/original/after-the-event-by-holger-schirrmeister.jpg?1468573815" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4274752
2016-07-12T11:41:10+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:11+01:00
Ten Years After
This weekend, on 15th July, will be the 10th anniversary of the "Calling All Nations" event at the Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany. After many years of planning and some false starts, around 25,000 people gathered in that famous venue, from more than 40 nations. Those taking a part in the programme, came from Canada, France, S. Korea, Spain, USA, UK, Germany, South Africa, Australia and Holland. All of them gave their time and energy freely, to participate in this very special day. If you were there, maybe these images will bring back some special memories for you. The journey continues with the <a contents="Ezazanap" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://ezazanap.hu/?lang=en" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">Ezazanap</span></strong></a> team in Hungary, who are continually working towards a great European stadium event in Budapest, once the venue there has been renovated.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/03ce8283ffd5b545ba4d9cc80fb713d9e15f74bc/original/crowd1.jpg?1468316424" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/98d88bc0a7b6515f797780f76f3152fd333297a8/original/crowd3.jpg?1468316438" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/340ae8a9d328a7c7c0f804b4685c7f60a6f1bd3a/original/people-arriving-by-urs-marty.jpg?1468316710" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/90d391cc7f7ccca280f42448a3c0cd23014bfe98/original/crowd-urs-marty.jpg?1468316847" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/fbb8cdb8b5c7cac96fb0bdb635333da9f76b86e8/original/dancers-michael-bosche.jpg?1468316886" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/71c4f79aed704bfd09ead8aea416a9639c88b888/original/banner-4-jesus-by-vincentia-amoako.jpg?1468316797" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/0efa9944c4adb3a34db078fd9cb6423815545789/original/faithful-god-by-mathias-muff.jpg?1468316937" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/97be39601439c584dcfc0d0ebcc9dc08b9131930/original/flags-urs-marty.jpg?1468316970" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/adbe1e63fee733bcb56860432749d14812669700/original/worshipper-by-marc-gilgen.jpg?1468317029" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/d941bdc79f98d550449939b7b6f57e4a6ce7eadf/original/from-hungary-by-czibula-andra-s.jpg?1468317076" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/cf440e59c96628dec28c8d0d05d29acabc1aa9c4/original/dancers-by-steph-leisten.jpg?1468317130" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/67c67701953edecd90549ae6d73c160465f555f7/original/img-9911.jpg?1468317187" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/0454f99a274fa4dbf3fae14fd537768c8436eb09/original/img-9915.jpg?1468317237" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/8b2cb62af60bf04b682de5b4a305cfb336a1de86/original/matt-redman-by-steven-bridge.jpg?1468317318" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/ff75f93e1a59c1f36ba1724278282eabdd279653/original/hands-raised-to-jesus-by-steven-bridge.jpg?1468317318" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/6e3bc0f6cc7f754748cb15f2538ec6395e8840ee/original/worshippers-by-steven-bridge.jpg?1468317319" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/75ad7ac7c48e5fafbeb7cebd22e470dd96166425/original/dsc00610.jpg?1468336948" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/1698efdfaca752545ac77353954d57d3514d1ecf/original/dsc00613.jpg?1468336949" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/460f1f4c58f68313127b8e59bf1dab5873914603/original/dancers-by-steven-bridge.jpg?1468337327" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4239660
2016-06-20T23:54:54+02:00
2018-02-21T03:24:57+01:00
The Hudson Taylors
Many of you have come to gigs by The Hudson Taylors, since we first started performing together in 2001. The combination of an Irishman - Brian Houston, A Welshman - Noel Richards and a Cherokee/Scot - Wayne Drain, has worked well in live shows and in recordings. After a short hiatus, the last album 'The Lord Bless and Keep You' is now available online once again. Click on the image to access it via iTunes. Enjoy!<br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/lord-bless-keep-you-feat./id1124015123" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/f3b0b2da3dd586040b6859120d0426a49926fc14/original/hudsonscover.jpg?1457634888" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4227111
2016-06-13T16:57:58+02:00
2020-06-23T13:41:07+02:00
Why WOULD Anyone Sing in Church These Days?
<p>Having been closely involved in the current, modern 'worship' culture since the 1970s, I am always interested in articles such as this one by <a contents="Jonathan Aigner." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/ponderanew/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;"><strong>Jonathan Aigner.</strong></span></a> This is an excellent article and it would be well worth your while to take a few minutes to read it. The full article can be accessed by clicking <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/ponderanew/2016/06/06/why-would-anyone-sing-in-church-these-days/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;"><strong>HERE </strong></span></a></p>
<p>Below is an extract to whet your appetite......... </p>
<p><em><strong>"..............See, when it comes to our sacred discipline of congregational singing, a lot has changed in our recent history. </strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>We began by changing our understanding of corporate worship. It’s not for the church, it’s for those who aren’t part of the church. The historic liturgy is out, and the 19th-century revival model is in. Instead of the entire service being filled with acts of worship – congregational prayers, affirmations, responses, and, yes, singing – we’ve decided that the singing alone is the “worship,” followed by preaching or teaching time (NOT worship), and then followed by a little more singing (again, worship) for good measure. </strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>So, while the congregation once had a vital role in the entire service, we’ve decided they really only need to participate during the music. </strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>But we didn’t stop there. </strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>At some point, we decided that corporate worship, especially the music, wasn’t about disciplined, regular reenactment of God’s story. Instead, we decided that the purpose of music was to usher in an emotional experience, a perceived intimate connection with the Almighty. Musical appeal became a substitute for the work of the Holy Spirit. If we felt something, it couldn’t just be the music, it MUST be the Spirit. (Funny how the Spirit always seems to time its biggest moves around the modulations.) </strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>So, while music was once simply a way to add dimension to our sacred storytelling, we began to exploit its emotional appeal, suggesting the feelings it could evoke to be authentic spiritual connection. The congregation’s work was no longer to sing God’s story, but to feel happy, jesusy feelings while music is played in their midst. </strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>But we didn’t stop there..............." </strong></em> <a contents="READ MORE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/ponderanew/2016/06/06/why-would-anyone-sing-in-church-these-days/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;"><strong>READ MORE</strong></span></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/952c9e6b652569523f7ee62a1e389adf00a95793/original/8546017650-4ff2da62b8-z.jpg?1465829830" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span style="border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIGhlaWdodD0iMzBweCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwcHgiIHZpZXdCb3g9Ii0xIC0xIDMxIDMxIj48Zz48cGF0aCBkPSJNMjkuNDQ5LDE0LjY2MiBDMjkuNDQ5LDIyLjcyMiAyMi44NjgsMjkuMjU2IDE0Ljc1LDI5LjI1NiBDNi42MzIsMjkuMjU2IDAuMDUxLDIyLjcyMiAwLjA1MSwxNC42NjIgQzAuMDUxLDYuNjAxIDYuNjMyLDAuMDY3IDE0Ljc1LDAuMDY3IEMyMi44NjgsMC4wNjcgMjkuNDQ5LDYuNjAxIDI5LjQ0OSwxNC42NjIiIGZpbGw9IiNmZmYiIHN0cm9rZT0iI2ZmZiIgc3Ryb2tlLXdpZHRoPSIxIj48L3BhdGg+PHBhdGggZD0iTTE0LjczMywxLjY4NiBDNy41MTYsMS42ODYgMS42NjUsNy40OTUgMS42NjUsMTQuNjYyIEMxLjY2NSwyMC4xNTkgNS4xMDksMjQuODU0IDkuOTcsMjYuNzQ0IEM5Ljg1NiwyNS43MTggOS43NTMsMjQuMTQzIDEwLjAxNiwyMy4wMjIgQzEwLjI1MywyMi4wMSAxMS41NDgsMTYuNTcyIDExLjU0OCwxNi41NzIgQzExLjU0OCwxNi41NzIgMTEuMTU3LDE1Ljc5NSAxMS4xNTcsMTQuNjQ2IEMxMS4xNTcsMTIuODQyIDEyLjIxMSwxMS40OTUgMTMuNTIyLDExLjQ5NSBDMTQuNjM3LDExLjQ5NSAxNS4xNzUsMTIuMzI2IDE1LjE3NSwxMy4zMjMgQzE1LjE3NSwxNC40MzYgMTQuNDYyLDE2LjEgMTQuMDkzLDE3LjY0MyBDMTMuNzg1LDE4LjkzNSAxNC43NDUsMTkuOTg4IDE2LjAyOCwxOS45ODggQzE4LjM1MSwxOS45ODggMjAuMTM2LDE3LjU1NiAyMC4xMzYsMTQuMDQ2IEMyMC4xMzYsMTAuOTM5IDE3Ljg4OCw4Ljc2NyAxNC42NzgsOC43NjcgQzEwLjk1OSw4Ljc2NyA4Ljc3NywxMS41MzYgOC43NzcsMTQuMzk4IEM4Ljc3NywxNS41MTMgOS4yMSwxNi43MDkgOS43NDksMTcuMzU5IEM5Ljg1NiwxNy40ODggOS44NzIsMTcuNiA5Ljg0LDE3LjczMSBDOS43NDEsMTguMTQxIDkuNTIsMTkuMDIzIDkuNDc3LDE5LjIwMyBDOS40MiwxOS40NCA5LjI4OCwxOS40OTEgOS4wNCwxOS4zNzYgQzcuNDA4LDE4LjYyMiA2LjM4NywxNi4yNTIgNi4zODcsMTQuMzQ5IEM2LjM4NywxMC4yNTYgOS4zODMsNi40OTcgMTUuMDIyLDYuNDk3IEMxOS41NTUsNi40OTcgMjMuMDc4LDkuNzA1IDIzLjA3OCwxMy45OTEgQzIzLjA3OCwxOC40NjMgMjAuMjM5LDIyLjA2MiAxNi4yOTcsMjIuMDYyIEMxNC45NzMsMjIuMDYyIDEzLjcyOCwyMS4zNzkgMTMuMzAyLDIwLjU3MiBDMTMuMzAyLDIwLjU3MiAxMi42NDcsMjMuMDUgMTIuNDg4LDIzLjY1NyBDMTIuMTkzLDI0Ljc4NCAxMS4zOTYsMjYuMTk2IDEwLjg2MywyNy4wNTggQzEyLjA4NiwyNy40MzQgMTMuMzg2LDI3LjYzNyAxNC43MzMsMjcuNjM3IEMyMS45NSwyNy42MzcgMjcuODAxLDIxLjgyOCAyNy44MDEsMTQuNjYyIEMyNy44MDEsNy40OTUgMjEuOTUsMS42ODYgMTQuNzMzLDEuNjg2IiBmaWxsPSIjYmQwODFjIj48L3BhdGg+PC9nPjwvc3ZnPg==); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 374px; left: 171px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Save</span><span style="border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 374px; left: 171px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Save</span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4221954
2016-06-09T21:55:27+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:11+01:00
Mission Worship Conference
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Mission Worship Conferences, hosted by Kingsway Trust. I was involved in many of these events and have been invited back to lead a late night event on Saturday 19th November, with Dave Bilbrough and Chris Bowater. We three guys have worked together many times over the years, so I am expecting that our set will be a special occasion for all the delegates. Tickets for the weekend are now available from the <a contents="WEBSITE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.missionworship.com" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">WEBSITE</span></strong></a>, so check it out and see who else will be taking part.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/bfb8bde1d49666430033c3ad90ea65bee6317cd6/original/banner-mw16-959x490.jpg?1465501953" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4215068
2016-06-06T12:34:50+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:10+01:00
The Boss
Clive Price's blogs are always so well written. He went to see The Boss last night at Wembley Stadium, London, UK and wrote this piece afterwards. Click <a contents="HERE " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://clivepricemedia.tumblr.com/post/145476615992/big-boss-i-always-thought-putting-on-a-rock" target="_blank"><span class="font_large"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">HERE </span></strong></span></a>to read.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/b67f6ecb59f278a97cd4da830dc5ae96ac3da010/original/tumblr-o8bmbjdm8p1qanai0o3-400.jpg?1465209282" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4194084
2016-05-24T10:42:44+02:00
2018-07-11T15:11:44+02:00
How do we view God?
I just saw this article on the Huffington Post, written by<strong><span style="color:#008080;"> </span><a contents="Scott Dannemiller " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://theaccidentalmissionary.wordpress.com" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;">Scott Dannemiller </span></a></strong>who is a speaker, author, blogger, worship leader, leadership consultant and former missionary with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The article is entitled 'The One Thing Christians Should Stop Saying' and it makes for a challenging read. As Scott asks, is The Almighty some sort of sky-bound, wish-granting fairy who spends his days randomly bestowing cars and cash upon his followers?<br><br>You can read the article in full at <a contents="The Huffpost Religion" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/scott-dannemiller/christians-should-stop-saying_b_4868963.html?" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">The Huffpost Religion</span></strong></a> or below. Feel free to share with others and make any comments.
<p><span style="color:#008080;">I was on the phone with a good friend the other day. After covering important topics, like disparaging each other’s mothers and retelling semi-factual tales from our college days, our conversation turned to the mundane. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">“So, how’s work going?” he asked. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">For those of you who don’t know, I make money by teaching leadership skills and helping people learn to get along in corporate America. My wife says it’s all a clever disguise so I can get up in front of large groups and tell stories. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">I plead the fifth. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">I answered my buddy’s question with, </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">“Definitely feeling blessed. Last year was the best year yet for my business. And it looks like this year will be just as busy.” </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">The words rolled off my tongue without a second thought. Like reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or placing my usual lunch order at McDonald’s. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">But it was a lie. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">Now, before you start taking up a collection for the “Feed the Dannemillers” fund, allow me to explain. Based on last year’s quest to go twelve months without buying anything, you may have the impression that our family is subsisting on Ramen noodles and free chips and salsa at the local Mexican restaurant. Not to worry, we are not in dire straits. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">Last year was the best year yet for my business. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">Things are looking busy in 2014. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">But that is not a blessing. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">I’ve noticed a trend among Christians, myself included, and it troubles me. Our rote response to material windfalls is to call ourselves blessed. Like the “amen” at the end of a prayer. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">“This new car is such a blessing.” </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">“Finally closed on the house. Feeling blessed.” </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">“Just got back from a mission trip. Realizing how blessed we are here in this country.” </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">On the surface, the phrase seems harmless. Faithful even. Why wouldn’t I want to give God the glory for everything I have? Isn’t that the right thing to do? </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">No. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">As I reflected on my “feeling blessed” comment, two thoughts came to mind. I realize I’m splitting hairs here, creating an argument over semantics. But bear with me, because I believe it is critically important. It’s one of those things we can’t see because it’s so culturally engrained that it has become normal. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">But it has to stop. And here’s why. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">First, when I say that my material fortune is the result of God’s blessing, it reduces The Almighty to some sort of sky-bound, wish-granting fairy who spends his days randomly bestowing cars and cash upon his followers. I can’t help but draw parallels to how I handed out M&M’s to my own kids when they followed my directions and chose to poop in the toilet rather than in their pants. Sure, God wants us to continually seek His will, and it’s for our own good. But positive reinforcement? </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">God is not a behavioral psychologist. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">Second, and more importantly, calling myself blessed because of material good fortune is just plain wrong. For starters, it can be offensive to the hundreds of millions of Christians in the world who live on less than $10 per day. You read that right. Hundreds of millions who receive a single-digit dollar “blessing” per day. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">During our year in Guatemala, Gabby and I witnessed first-hand the damage done by the theology of prosperity, where faithful people scraping by to feed their families were simply told they must not be faithful enough. If they were, God would pull them out of their nightmare. Just try harder, and God will show favor. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">The problem? Nowhere in scripture are we promised worldly ease in return for our pledge of faith. In fact, the most devout saints from the Bible usually died penniless, receiving a one-way ticket to prison or death by torture. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">I’ll take door number three, please. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">If we’re looking for the definition of blessing, Jesus spells it out clearly (Matthew 5: 1-12). </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>2 And He began to teach them, saying: </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#FF0000;"><em>12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. </em></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">I have a sneaking suspicion verses 12a 12b and 12c were omitted from the text. That’s where the disciples responded by saying: </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">12a Waitest thou for one second, Lord. What about “blessed art thou comfortable,” or 12b “blessed art thou which havest good jobs, a modest house in the suburbs, and a yearly vacation to the Florida Gulf Coast?” </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">12c And Jesus said unto them, “Apologies, my brothers, but those did not maketh the cut.” </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">So there it is. Written in red. Plain as day. Even still, we ignore it all when we hijack the word “blessed” to make it fit neatly into our modern American ideals, creating a cosmic lottery where every sincere prayer buys us another scratch-off ticket. In the process, we stand the risk of alienating those we are hoping to bring to the faith. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">And we have to stop playing that game. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">The truth is, I have no idea why I was born where I was or why I have the opportunity I have. It’s beyond comprehension. But I certainly don’t believe God has chosen me above others because of the veracity of my prayers or the depth of my faith. Still, if I take advantage of the opportunities set before me, a comfortable life may come my way. It’s not guaranteed. But if it does happen, I don’t believe Jesus will call me blessed. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">He will call me “burdened.” </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">He will ask, </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">“What will you do with it?” </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">“Will you use it for yourself?” </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">“Will you use it to help?” </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">“Will you hold it close for comfort?” </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">“Will you share it?” </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">So many hard choices. So few easy answers. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">So my prayer today is that I understand my true blessing. It’s not my house. Or my job. Or my standard of living. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">No. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">My blessing is this. I know a God who gives hope to the hopeless. I know a God who loves the unlovable. I know a God who comforts the sorrowful. And I know a God who has planted this same power within me. Within all of us. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">And for this blessing, may our response always be, </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">“Use me.” </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#008080;">Since I had this conversation, my new response is simply, “I’m grateful.” Would love to hear your thoughts. <br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thewaxgrid/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/99a8ef3fa03870932cad6314a1bc45c9fc329f4d/original/genie.jpg?1464079320" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></span></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4184184
2016-05-17T16:29:02+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:10+01:00
Coventry Cathedral Event
Last Sunday 15th May - Pentecost Sunday - saw huge gatherings in six major cathedrals across the UK - Canterbury, Durham, Exeter, Winchester, York and Coventry. We were invited to lead the sung worship at Coventry Cathedral. <p>1,200 people gathered in the Cathedral for the ‘Your Kingdom Come’ celebration. The evening began with a video message from the Archbishop of Canterbury, who ended his message by leading everyone in praying the Lord’s Prayer. The service went on to reflect on what the Lord’s Prayer means for us today with the help of ourselves leading the singing and with prayer guided by Ian Nicholson from 24/7 Prayer. Bishop Christopher baptised a number of candidates, some of them by full immersion. He was then joined by Bishop John, Bishop David and Bishop Jonathan for the confirmation of nearly 50 candidates. Perhaps the best way of summing up what was a truly unforgettable evening is to quote the final blessing: </p>
<p><em>May the light of the glorious gospel of Christ <br>shine in your hearts and transform your lives, <br>that you may bring his light to others; <br>and the blessing of God almighty, <br>the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, <br>be among you and remain with you always. <br>Amen.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/428cd7e7928fd021fc4a2ab468d7dffba3377a77/original/your-kingdom-come-gp-05.jpg?1463495203" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/e2eb06ff20d2d2b713ce7ae9534085125556c317/original/bishop-of-coventry-christopher.jpg?1463495193" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></em></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4179386
2016-05-15T00:33:00+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:10+01:00
This Is The Day
It is really good to see the line-up for this year's 'This Is The Day' event in Budapest, Hungary. The <a contents="EZAZANAP" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://ezazanap.hu/?lang=en" target="_blank"><span style="color:#008080;">EZAZANAP</span></a> team continue to host excellent events. If you are able to get along, you will have a wonderful time.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/c707a1796c382a9a6d003d111124bc4b77dbfb1d/original/thisistheday.jpg?1463150712" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4174280
2016-05-10T22:48:39+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:10+01:00
On BBC Radio 2
I'm always encouraged to hear my songs played on the radio, especially when it's BBC Radio 2. 'Heaven's King' which I co-wrote with Dutch singer/songwriter Kees Kraayenoord, was played last Sunday morning by Diane Louise Jordan on The Sunday Hour. You can listen to the entire programme <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b078xv5g" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">HERE</span></strong></a>. 'Heaven's King' was the second song played at around 6 minutes 30 seconds. <br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/5w7lBsxBV4DM6hQQ2QD2pK/diane-louise-jordan" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/3003c57516b5a69e3d277d749a99796ca188256f/original/dlj.jpg?1462913305" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4171134
2016-05-08T20:35:49+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:10+01:00
You couldn't make it up!
Be careful if you are getting on a plane this week. It seems that fear and paranoia knows no boundaries these days among the travelling public. I just read this article on the BBC News website and was amazed that intelligent people behave in this way. I tend to do a lot of Killer Su Doku on long flights. I guess I will have to be careful when scribbling my workings-out on sheets of paper. Click on the image to read the article.<br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36240523" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/3db77e20d1e9afa1bcd0047c3c7818c498f2d253/original/89630239-maths.jpg?1462732449" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4170924
2016-05-08T12:28:38+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:10+01:00
Back in Berlin
On Friday, Tricia and I will be flying up to Berlin, Germany to perform at a concert with <a contents="Norm Strauss" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.normstrauss.com" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">Norm Strauss</span></strong></a> and Isabel Ment. Berlin became a second home to me between 1998 and 2006 and I have always enjoyed playing there. It will be good to meet up with lots of friends and I am sure we will have a great show. Full details and tickets are at the <strong><span style="color:#008080;"><a contents="ufafabrik website." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.ufafabrik.de/de/15736/norm-strauss-isabel-ment-noel-tricia-richards.html" target="_blank">ufafabrik website.</a> </span></strong>Here is a little taste of Norm and Isabel performing together to when your appetite.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/68dfe713e8375655c0ac842a14eddd90400ee214/original/berlin.jpeg?1462703923" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="NWxrEBhuQXQ" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/NWxrEBhuQXQ/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NWxrEBhuQXQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4162129
2016-05-02T16:28:58+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:10+01:00
Songs of Resistance and Comfort
I recently saw a flurry of activity on Facebook regarding a conversation between Bono and Eugene Peterson, on the subject of songs. Thinking about that, I remembered <a contents="Fugitive Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://fugitivemusic.blogspot.com.es" target="_blank"><span class="font_large"><span style="color:#008080;">Fugitive Music</span></span></a> in the UK, who produced a great album of original worship songs back in 2015.
<p>'Songs of Resistance & Comfort Vol. I' is a different kind of devotional album that wrestles with the connection between worship, justice, and creative expression. </p>
<p>It's a call to peaceful arms for practitioners of the Politics of Jesus, poured out into the world around them. It contributes to an emerging Songbook for followers of The Way. But it's also an attempt to ask questions and start a conversation. </p>The songs are fresh and it really would be worth your while to take a listen. You can download them for free. Click <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://fugitivemusic.blogspot.com.es/p/songs-of-resistance-comfort-vol-i.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#008080;">HERE</span></strong></a> to access the tracks.<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/c332037d2d4f450508c14c0fd9de26753294174a/original/songs-of-resistance-comfort-vol-i.jpg?1462199325" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4129232
2016-04-10T13:08:09+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:10+01:00
UK April Tour Begins This Week
Tricia and I will be touring the UK from 12th to 24th, with a series of concerts featuring our newest material, classic songs and conversation, in "An Evening with Noel & Tricia Richards". We start in the North East of England and work down the country, finishing in Leatherhead, Surrey on the 24th. For all the details <a contents="CLICK HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.noelandtricia.com/shows" target="_blank"><span class="font_large"><span style="color:#008080;">CLICK HERE</span></span></a><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/3e5b337c37fd45b0ce3048f3680385ceec5ec3dd/original/hungary-gig.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4119834
2016-04-04T21:05:12+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:10+01:00
Encouragement is so important.
I thought it would be an idea to write and share something really important. We all like to be encouraged and thrive when we receive appreciation. I have really been encouraged by the overwhelming messages of support for 'Our New Venture', which we posted on APRIL FOOLS DAY, last week. However, if you have not realised it by now, it was a spoof. We are not hanging up our guitars just yet, in order to run a wine shop/bar, here in Mallorca. We are still sticking with the day job. But if we ever change our mind, we know we can count on loads of customers :-)<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/e3eea76f8cbd71f9ccaab27c62c7f15c7f3af8d2/original/wh-middle-ages-jester.png?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4115966
2016-04-01T12:12:14+02:00
2017-01-13T14:55:10+01:00
My New Venture
Having lived in Mallorca, Spain for almost 6 years, I am delighted to announce that visitors to the island will be able to visit my new wine shop. As well as regular wine tastings and excellent wines for sale, I will also be performing concerts every Friday evening. Tonight is the very first one. If you are in Mallorca this weekend, Tricia and I look forward to welcoming you.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/38a8006866d302b758fcb4bdbaf91a39a3313c19/original/april-fool.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4106871
2016-03-26T19:48:30+01:00
2017-01-13T14:55:10+01:00
Acoustic version of ' You Laid Aside Your Majesty'
James Hargreaves Band from Darlington sent me this version of 'You Laid Aside Your Majesty', which they recorded for Easter. <strong><span class="font_regular"><span style="color:#008080;">Click on the image to play.</span></span></strong> A really nice version with the voices blending well. To listen to more of their songs, visit them on <a contents="youtube" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/flipsidejim" target="_blank"><span class="font_large"><span style="color:#008080;">youtube</span></span></a><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8aHLSgvYE0" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/17be4da6b9ee069b143ab56b092e6d9eb5982785/original/screen-shot-2016-03-26-at-19-40-54.png?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4106593
2016-03-26T12:18:00+01:00
2017-04-13T12:08:34+02:00
Easter Songs
Over the years we have written many songs which have an Easter theme. We have uploaded six of them to the website, so that you can stream them and be reminded of our timeless hope. Yesterday <a contents="Frederick Buechner" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://frederickbuechner.com" target="_blank">Frederick Buechner</a> posted these words from his book <a contents="The Faces of Jesus" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://frederickbuechner.com/page-group/book/genre/faces-jesus-life-story" target="_blank">The Faces of Jesus</a>.
<p>Quote of the Day: Good Friday </p>
<p>GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD," John writes, "that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." That is to say that God so loved the world that he gave his only son even to this obscene horror; so loved the world that in some ultimately indescribable way and at some ultimately immeasurable cost he gave the world himself. Out of this terrible death, John says, came eternal life not just in the sense of resurrection to life after death but in the sense of life so precious even this side of death that to live it is to stand with one foot already in eternity. To participate in the sacrificial life and death of Jesus Christ is to live already in his kingdom. This is the essence of the Christian message, the heart of the Good News, and it is why the cross has become the chief Christian symbol. A cross of all things—a guillotine, a gallows—but the cross at the same time as the crossroads of eternity and time, as the place where such a mighty heart was broken that the healing power of God himself could flow through it into a sick and broken world. It was for this reason that of all the possible words they could have used to describe the day of his death, the word they settled on was "good." Good Friday. </p>
<p>-Originally published in The Faces of Jesus</p><a contents="" data-link-label="Easter Songs" data-link-type="page" href="/easter-songs" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/d6a73e8a3e4c7ee625d550227ff60ab2f25b8e33/original/tomb.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a><br><br><br><br>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4101140
2016-03-23T16:37:12+01:00
2017-01-13T14:55:09+01:00
Commissioning BBC One's 'The Battle for Christianity'
<p>BBC TV's The Battle for Christianity examines the reasons behind a rise in popularity in Christianity in the UK in a documentary which shows how confident, assertive faith is replacing traditional churches in the UK. BBC Head of Religion & Ethics, Aaqil Ahmed, reveals the thinking behind the programme here:<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/a092ac35d73ea702f993a42c4c5e3c22e770f911/original/aaqil-ahmed.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br> </p>
<p>Here in the UK we live in what is referred to as post-Christian Europe, that is a continent where Church membership and attendance is going down. Many people still think of themselves as Christian but, in Britain in particular, it’s clear that traditional Church attendance is down and that a drift into secularisation is for most of us nothing new. You could argue that this in itself should not be a problem. </p>
<p>There are two issues with this: one it’s not the only story in terms of Church attendance; second, the rest of the world hasn’t drifted into secularism and, as we now know, the rest of the world in some form or other is now living here right now across the Europe and the UK. </p>
<p>Migration to Britain from Africa in particular has brought versions of Christianity that are more assertive than the Christianity that most Britons have grown up with. The assertiveness of these different forms of Christianity are often at odds with more liberal beliefs around issues such as same sex marriage and blasphemy. </p>
<p>Alongside this growth in a more muscular Pentecostalism, immigration from Eastern Europe and from Poland in particular has also seen an upsurge in Catholic numbers, with some Churches now offering services in a variety of languages. </p>
<p>Across all denominations there is a growth in Christians from diverse backgrounds from Iranian converts to Sri Lankan evangelicals and the rapid growth of Christianity in China is something that will no doubt soon be noticed in towns and cities across the UK. </p>
<p>Of course a revival of Christianity is not just down to immigration. A growth of home grown churches such as Holy Trinity Brompton, has seen a younger congregation worshipping in a manner a million miles away from the worship we associate with the Vicar of Dibley. </p>
<p>Young dynamic churches such as Hillsong - who have a congregation of over 8000 each Sunday at the Dominion Theatre in London - use technology, music and presentation that wouldn’t seem too out of place on Saturday night TV. </p>
<p>Churches in inner city areas of the UK have numerous successful branches across the country. Congregations with strong ties often offer non-religious services from extra-school education, to English lessons and crèches to dating agencies. </p>
<p>This dynamic, vibrant and youthful Christianity is not reinventing the wheel. It’s fusing modern tastes with clever messaging that sits with both traditional Christian values and contemporary concerns about the world around us. </p>
<p>Whether it is feeding the poor, housing the vulnerable, caring about the environment or helping the persecuted, these are not new notions that traditional Churches don’t engage with. The delivery of the message though is fresh and new and that’s what we are experiencing now - a changing of the guard rather than a revolution. </p>
<p>There are many who would say there is a battle for the soul of Christianity in Britain. It’s a fair point to make but it must be said I don’t think it’s a battle that will necessarily result in a winner or a loser. </p>
<p>This is more about the arrival of more diversity in Christianity in Britain. It’s about people behaving more like consumers and choosing the styles and orthodoxy that they want and Churches reacting to this diversity of demand. </p>
<p>This doesn’t therefore mean that the caricature of the traditional Anglican Vicar is dead and that the only Church service available will involve strobe lighting and electric guitars. It means you can choose the one that you want and in the language you want. </p>
<p>What does this mean for the rest of society? </p>
<p>Well it means Christianity is not in terminal decline as many would have us believe, it’s just different now and it’s growing. It also means we have to confront two big issues. One is our chronic lack of religious literacy in society. If there are more diverse forms of Christianity growing alongside other faiths then can we continue with our blind ignorance and relegation of faith and believers? </p>
<p>Linked to this is the second point: if amongst this growth is a more assertive Christianity with conflicting views with society on homosexuality, for example, then how do we deal with this? </p>
<p>This battle between liberalism and orthodoxy is not just one confined to Christianity, it’s one that involves all faiths and because of that involves everyone whether you are a believer or not. </p>
<p>Christianity may have been pronounced to be at death’s door in the last century but now it’s firmly back in the public space and how we deal with that is the real battle for Christianity here in the UK. </p>
<p>Aaqil Ahmed is Head of Religion & Ethics </p>
<p> </p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4098121
2016-03-21T18:48:57+01:00
2018-08-10T08:43:47+02:00
In Love with Donald Trump
This is a very thought provoking article which seeks to explain why Evangelical Christians in the USA are prepared to support Donald Trump. Challenging and disturbing.<br>I have posted the article in full but you can also read it on the Tates Creek church website, by clicking on the image.<br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://tcpca.org/2016/03/17/in-love-with-donald-trump/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/1694d637e24a377f435e7c8e2abb513eb4ebe10d/original/screen-shot-2016-02-23-at-10-08-02-am-e1458180208958.png?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>
<p>When we began to see the surprising rise of Donald Trump, leading evangelical voice Russell Moore wrote an op-ed in the New York Times challenging evangelical Christians to rethink their support of a man so antithetical to the Christian faith that to vote for him would be to “repudiate everything they believe.” Well six months later it appears evangelical voters have repudiated everything they believe. But what if evangelicals (or any tribe, for that matter) aren’t primarily compelled by what they believe but instead by what they love? In fact, what if every one of us will gladly repudiate what we believe before we would ever repudiate what we love? And what if Donald Trump, though contradictory to evangelical beliefs, is the embodiment of current evangelical loves? </p>
<p>I think that’s what is going on. </p>
<p>Five years ago I read James K.A. Smith’s book Desiring the Kingdom, and it changed the way I viewed people. I knew enough Augustine to know that we are motivated by our loves. When I say love, I mean much more than romance, though romance is certainly a very powerful love. I use love to describe those deeper longing and desires of the human heart. Contrary to Western enlightenment that views us as minds compelled by our thoughts, the Bible views us as lovers compelled by our loves. Ideas certainly inform our loves, but ultimately we are what we love. Or to put it another way, we follow our desires more than our doctrine. </p>
<p>But what Smith helped me see is the way in which our loves are formed. Smith argues that loves are formed by our habits. Of course we know this is true with our personal habits, but what we often don’t see is the formative power of corporate habits, what Smith refers to as ‘cultural liturgies.’ Every culture shares common habits, and these habits form common loves.</p>
<p>For example, is it a coincidence that the vast majority of Americans are bent toward greed and overconsumption? Of course not. Our culture has trained us to be ravenous consumers. Take our elaborate shopping malls as an example. Your local mall is not a neutral ground, just a place to go and buy stuff. Instead your mall is doing something to you. The sights, the sounds, the routines, and even the architecture are all deeply formative, training us to love American excess. </p>
<p>Behind everything that a culture loves are cultural liturgies that have formed those loves. </p>
<p>Now consider Donald Trump. In one sense he makes no sense. From a character and even policy standpoint, evangelical support of Donald Trump is utterly mystifying, and countless articles are being written trying to explain this phenomenon. But all of them seem to come to the same conclusion: evangelical support for Donald Trump is a referendum on the current state of evangelical doctrine and convictions. I think these explanations are missing the point. I agree that current evangelical thought is woefully shallow, but it’s not like you need to be John Calvin to discern the mess that is Donald Trump. I think we aren’t giving the convictions of evangelicals enough credit. They know enough to know what Trump is saying and doing is wrong, and yet they are still supporting him.</p>
<p>Why? Because we are never compelled by our ideals like we are by our loves. And when you look at Donald Trump through the shared loves of the evangelical Culture, he starts to make perfect sense. </p>
<p>What happens when the liturgies of our greedy culture train evangelicals to love money and power? What happens when the liturgies of talk radio train evangelicals to love anger and paranoia? What happens when the liturgies of social media train evangelicals to love sensational sound bites more than thoughtful discourse? What happens when the liturgies of modern worship services train evangelicals to love novel, flashy, and glib emotional experiences that feel more like a rally than corporate worship? What happens when the conference culture of the church trains evangelicals to love the big celebrity leader? What happens when preaching that prioritizes relevant, shocking, and brash sermons trains evangelicals to love “tell it like it is” ranting? What happens when the liturgies from the days of the Moral Majority train evangelicals to love America as much as Jesus, which then leads to an incessant longing within churches to “make America great again!” </p>
<p>What happens? Evangelicals in love with Donald Trump happens.</p>
<p>Evangelicals don’t believe in Donald Trump as much as they love Donald Trump and all that Donald Trump represents. Watch these rallies and you will quickly see they have nothing to do with inspiring ideas and hopeful policies; they’re worship services. And standing on the stage before the great throng of longing souls is the manifestation of their common love feeding their hungry hearts with his nonsense. </p>
<p>Russell Moore closes his op-ed with a plea to evangelicals: “We ought to listen, to get past the boisterous confidence and the television lights and the waving arms and hear just whose speech we’re applauding.” But what if the boisterous confidence and the television lights and the waving arms are precisely what evangelicals have been trained to love? What if they can’t listen because they are enraptured? What if they applaud, not because Trump has given them a speech, but because Trump has given them what they love? </p>
<p>It is clear that evangelical support for Donald Trump serves as a humbling rebuke that we cannot ignore, but what is less clear is what needs rebuking. The easy answer is our doctrine and conviction, but the better answer is our loves. Indeed, Donald Trump is a clear indication that the evangelical Church is ignoring the Apostle John’s simple command, “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” Evangelicals in our day are in love with the world and things of this world, and that is why evangelicals in our day are in love with Donald Trump. </p>
<p>——————– </p>
<p>-Rev. Robert Cunningham (@tcpcrobert on twitter)</p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4092368
2016-03-17T11:55:53+01:00
2017-01-13T14:55:09+01:00
New Video
Take a few minutes to listen to this song from Bryn Haworth. Click on the image to play the video. Excellent!<br><br><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKMpWZ6oifw" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/6b27383fc9f22882f5f31f0dcfb124c568938daf/original/image125751.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4087119
2016-03-14T19:07:15+01:00
2017-01-13T14:55:09+01:00
Vintage Guitar
Some people buy and sell their guitars with great frequency. I have had a number of different ones over the years. However, one that I will never part with is my Martin 00028. I bought this guitar at Christmas 1976 and it has travelled the world with me over these last 40 years. It sounds better now, than when I first purchased it and is like an old friend. It has to be treated right - it does not like being thrashed!<br><br>I have a couple of regrets though. One, is that I traded in a beautiful Gibson J-45 in order to buy the Martin. Wish I had kept hold of it. Another, is that I threw away the original blue Martin case that came with my 00028. I should have kept it, even though it was pretty much beaten up, after all my travels. <br><br>What is the oldest guitar you have in your possession? <br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/645ec256222868905d0a0d54848915b4c3ef4cb1/original/2012-martin-guitar.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4085745
2016-03-13T14:12:15+01:00
2017-01-13T14:55:09+01:00
Holy Joke?
<a contents="Fred Buechner" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.frederickbuechner.com" target="_blank"><span style="color:#FFA07A;">Fred Buechner</span></a> always has a fresh way of looking at spirituality. I have always liked to hear those who offer a different perspective.<br><br>Fred Buechner writes: <p><em>"I suspect that Jesus spoke many of his parables as a kind of sad and holy joke and that that may be part of why he seemed reluctant to explain them, because if you have to explain a joke, you might as well save your breath". </em></p>
<p>- from Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale<br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/4bb1f2cf1ae86529aeed224bf32721527d0ffe36/original/parables.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><br><br>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4083604
2016-03-11T18:35:41+01:00
2018-05-28T10:54:58+02:00
Noel at Coventry Cathedral
<p>Coventry Cathedral - Your Kingdom Come </p>
<p>An informal celebration for Pentecost with baptism and confirmation, led by the Bishop of Coventry. Featuring Noel Richards and Ian Nicholson from 24-7 prayer. <br> <br>Over Pentecost 2016, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York are calling upon churches across England to join together to pray for the proclamation of Jesus across our land. <br> <br>‘Beacon events’ will be held at cathedrals across England during Pentecost weekend, May 14th to 15th. The events will provide an opportunity for Christians to gather to worship and pray for fresh passion and confidence in proclaiming the gospel. As thousands of people meet together to pray and worship, the Beacon events will act as a catalyst for transformation across the country. Inspired by the simple, powerful words of the Lord’s Prayer, Beacon events will be preceded by a national week of prayer for Churches to unite and pray together for the nation. Find out more: <a contents="www.thykingdom.co.uk&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.thykingdom.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#FFA07A;">www.thykingdom.co.uk </span></a><br> <br>Coventry’s Beacon event will also mark the climax of the 2016 Coventry Pilgrimage, drawing Christians from near and far to celebrate and pray together, echoing the holy joy and dynamic energy of the first Day of Pentecost. <br> <br>Tickets are free and seating is on a first come first served basis. Tickets cannot be held on the door. <br> <br>If you need step-free access, please contact the Cathedral via <a contents="www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/contact-us&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/contact-us" target="_blank"><span style="color:#FFA07A;">www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/contact-us </span></a><br> <br>Tickets are limited so book your ticket now. <br> <br>If you have booked more than one ticket, please ensure you print them all out separately. <br> <br>There is no cloakroom facility within the Cathedral so all clothing and bags must be kept with you at all times.<br><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/195335/42b285811490c3cf0e881b3fecb6706d5f0cd5ce/original/herbert-backstage-pass-cmglee-02.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Noel Richards
tag:www.noelrichards.com,2005:Post/4079852
2016-03-09T16:27:35+01:00
2016-03-09T17:07:24+01:00
The 90s worship songs I don't think we should bring back
<p>Twenty five years ago, we were the songwriters for a new worship movement in the UK. <br>Every movement has a musical soundtrack and gives birth to songs. Those referred to in <br><a contents="Martin Saunders' 2014&nbsp;article in Christian Today" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.christiantoday.com/article/power.in.the.name.10.great.90s.worship.songs.we.must.bring.back/42201.htm" target="_blank">Martin Saunders' 2014 article in Christian Today</a> were forged in the theological framework of that period. <br>The charismatic/evangelical churches were at the cutting edge of worship in those days. <br>Most of the songwriters were involved in these newer churches, or at least, being influenced by them. </p>
<p>Worship had been taken to the streets with March for Jesus (MFJ). In 1988, 60,000 people <br>gathered for the second MFJ event in London. By 1994 – MFJ was a global movement <br>with simultaneous events held around the world on a single day. On that occasion 80,000 <br>gathered in Hyde Park, London. I remember standing on the stage and thinking that we <br>could easily fill Wembley Stadium with worship. Already, worship/prayer events were filling <br>national arenas in the UK on a regular basis. </p>
<p>So it was not surprising that our songs were anthemic and contained lyrics of glorious <br>optimism. We believed that worship and prayer events would help pierce the darkness <br>over our towns and cities. Spiritual warfare and victory was a recurring theme of our <br>conferences and events. </p>
<p>When we organised the event at Wembley Stadium in 1997, our goal was to proclaim <br>Jesus Christ as the true champion of the world, in the place where the 'gods of sport and <br>music' had been worshipped. Very triumphalistic! </p>
<p>The 1990s saw a generation of pioneering hymn-writers such as Chris Bowater, Graham <br>Kendrick, Dave Fellingham, Dave Bilbrough, Martin Smith and many others. <br>Their ceiling became the floor for this current generation of writers - Tim Hughes, Matt <br>Redman, Chris Tomlin, Hillsong, to name just a handful, whose music has gone global in a <br>way that far exceeds what the class of the 1990s achieved. </p>
<p>The songs today, reflect what we think God is doing in this generation. As if we really know.......!!! </p>
<p>The church and the world of 2014 is very different to that of the 90s. Inspirational songs <br>that raised the roof, spoke of our victory in spiritual warfare and reaffirmed our identity in <br>Christ, were extremely necessary then. That need remains, but there is a greater need in <br>these days for the church to find a place of engagement within our society, for bridges to <br>be built into our communities, for our faith to be lived out in a different way to that of <br>previous generations. </p>
<p>My own thinking has shifted over these years. Whereas in the 90s I would have been <br>comfortable with the phrase “we are going to take the nation for Jesus”, I would not use <br>that language today. Why? How would we feel if a group of people were marching through <br>the streets of the UK singing about taking the nation for Allah? We would be extremely <br>unhappy to hear that proclamation. Most of us do not want to live in a Theocracy of any shape or form. </p>
<p>Equally, how do people of other faiths and no faith feel, when they hear our militant <br>declarations of Christian dominion. We have to view our evangelical language through the <br>eyes of those we are trying to reach. An example - we no longer use the word 'crusade' for <br>outreach events, for obvious reasons. What was acceptable in previous generations will <br>not serve us well today. </p>
<p>This present generation of songwriters have not lost the sense of victory. That is still <br>present in the newer songs. For example – Matt Redman's “Our God” says: </p>
<p>Our God is greater, our God is stronger, <br>God you are higher than any other. <br>Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, <br>Our God! Our God! </p>
<p>However, we songwriters realised several years ago that our modern hymnology was <br>very two dimensional – songs of praise/celebration followed by songs of intimacy. <br>Where, for example, were the songs that opened our hearts to the needs of the poor <br>or tackled the subjects of injustice and consumerism? If the role of our hymns is to <br>bring teaching to the church – we are what we sing – then we need songs that <br>address the real issues that our society and the Church is facing now. The world of <br>2016 is very different to the world of 1994 and our hymns and songs must reflect <br>that. Otherwise, we will be living in the safety of our Christian ghettos and not <br>engaging with our communities. Worship that is nostalgic rather than prophetic. </p>
<p>Yes, we had some great songs in the 1990s and we will occasionally take them out, <br>dust them down and give them an airing. But we also need to keep moving on. There <br>are great songs being written now and even better ones yet to come. </p>
<p>But let's not limit our vision to simply filling churches with new and better songs, <br>creating an alternative, cosy world to the one we live in. That makes us narcissistic. </p>
<p>Worship, without mission is self-indulgent. </p>
<p>There is a whole world out there for us to engage with and music is a wonderful way <br>of conveying eternal values. Music is the art of the prophets and connects with people at a spiritual level. </p>
<p>The other day, I watched the video of Robbie Williams singing “Angels” at Knebworth <br>Park in 2003. Over a three-day period, he drew crowds of over 375,000, and a further 3.5 <br>million who watched live on television and online. This was reputedly the biggest UK pop <br>concert ever. It gave me goose bumps to hear the crowd singing along. It was a worship <br>event (although Robbie is not God) and touched peoples' spirits. <br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="04wofd-rZtE" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/04wofd-rZtE/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/04wofd-rZtE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>So I finish by raising a couple of questions: </p>
<p>Could we see an even greater number of songwriters and artistes who are Christians, <br>choosing to focus their career within the mainstream music business, writing and <br>performing songs that are rooted in the moral values of God's Kingdom? </p>
<p>Will we see them filling bars, clubs, theatres, arenas and stadiums with music that <br>transports people into a place where they can hear the sound of Heaven</p>
Noel Richards