Songs, scenes from ‘Godspell’ featured through Easter at Raymond Village Community Church

RAYMOND — In an effort to make Lent and Easter more accessible, meaningful and memorable for everyone, the Raymond Village Community Church, 27 Main St., will be bringing the most iconic moments from the beloved musical “Godspell” to Sunday services during Lent and on Easter Sunday; songs and scenes from the musical will run through April 12. Services begin at 10 a.m.
“Godspell is a colorful reimagining of the ministry of Jesus. Lent is the perfect time to reflect on the compassionate community that he brought into being – something that is vividly captured in the musical,” said the Rev. Nancy Foran, pastor. “Many churches have done full productions of ‘Godspell,’ but we haven’t found any that have brought ‘Godspell’ into worship and worship into ‘Godspell’ and done so over the course of a full church season.”
The first worship on March 8 included a pastoral reflection on the musical, followed by the Philosophers’ Prologue, the entry of John the Baptist (“Prepare Ye The Way of the Lord”) and the baptism of Jesus, ending with the song “God Save the People.” Each subsequent week, Foran will be commenting on the parables and songs that will be the focus of that week, incorporating elements of worship into the scenes.
The “cast” consists of church choir members and well-known area singers and musicians recruited by RVCC music director Patrick Martin. “I love ‘Godspell’ and have been involved in a number of productions before,” he said. “When Nancy (Foran) and I hit upon the idea of blending ‘Godspell’ and worship during Lent, we both got very excited” about the project.
The series of services will include the most memorable of Godspell songs, including “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” “Day By Day,” “Turn Back Oh Man,” “All Good Gifts,” “Side By Side” and others. Everyone who loves ‘Godspell’ and/or is searching to deepen their Lenten/Easter experience is cordially invited to come and be inspired by these unique worship opportunities.

PHOTO: Raymond Village Church choir members, from left, Rolf Olsen, Caryl Gilman, Nancy Yates and Brenda Olsen, portray the Philosophers’ Prologue from the musical “Godspell.” Scenes and songs are the focus of RVCC’s Lenten services this year. See and hear more from Godspell at the next service, Sunday, March 15, 10 a.m., at the Raymond Village Church, 27 Main St., Raymond. (Submitted photo)