Liquid 02

Newquay's surf rock band Narrowpath have been pioneering a new experience of worship across the county. Kernowyouth caught up with them at Truro College at the beginning of February...

The Mylor Building Theatre was full twenty minutes before the start. Over 100 were turned away from the event. Over 300 were inside. Around three sides of the stage images of stained glass windows were projected. We were encouraged to prepare our hearts for a divine encounter. Glen the DJ was on the decks until Sally Timms, the band's publicity officer, invited the audience inside to applaud those outside! Sally then clarified some of the statements carried in the county's press which had claimed Liquid was a church. "It's not," she said, "We are the church, you and I, we make up the body of Christ."

The evening opened with a prayer that we would realise that this event was not about a band, but all about Jesus. And then surrounded by text on the huge screens Gareth Dix read the creed declaring what he and the band members believe. The first song then thanked Jesus "for all you've done." As the band moved seemlessly into the second song "Holy, Holy," the audience stood, some arms raised.

The sound was full and rich. A powerful bass, strong drums, and Kris Lannen on lead vocals with Kate on female support.

Next came a Bible reading from Genesis chapter 1, read by Mike Lewis of Truro Methodist Church. One of the aims of Liquid is to bring together Christians in a non-denominational setting and to allow worship to flow. "One way, Jesus, you're the only one that I could live for," was the anthem.

This was followed by "I wanna sing a song for you, a song of your faithfulness." Kris breaks it down, and gently leads the worshippers back into singing "Holy, holy, holy."

Isaiah 61 v1-11 was read by Rob Graham of Truro Vineyard. Narrowpath then launched into the Matt Redman classic "Blessed be your name." The audience was probably at least 65% female. Ages ranged from 16 to 40. They were in good voice joining in freely.

Now it was time for "Light of the World." This was worship - a time of relection, release, joy, encouragement, wonder, awe and a shared experience. "Welcome into the courts of the king," sang Kris as he led the audience in the song "Face Down". Kate prayed a prayer of commitment. Kris said, "God has a desire to be intimate with us. When you invite God in you can't help but be intimate and fall flat on your face, fall face down because he is so amazing."

"God is about to do something awesome in Cornwall," declared Kris. "There is a new and growing unity in Cornwall. This song is a battle cry. God is sending out an army of believers." Narrowpath were then joined by Speaking in Drums from the Truro based Cowethas Worship Collective for a stirring version of the hymn "Be Thou My Vision."

George Smyth from All Saints Church in Highertown, Truro then read from Luke chapter 15. The band then performed a new song written for the occasion. "I owe everything to you, you are everything to me, you gave your life so everyone might know you, you gave your life so everyone might be free."

The final song was "How great is our God." With soaring guitars Narrowpath invited 300 Cornish worshippers to "Sing with me, how great is our God." They certainly did so.

So where did the concept for Liquid come from? Gareth Dix explained, "We have a heart to see praise and worship taken out of the church to the unsaved. As the ancient children of Israel had the praisemakers go before them, so Narrowpath wanted to take worship into non-church buildings & venues. Our first event was in Wadebridge in November, and that was encouraging. So we've booked a bigger venue, and obviously this is not enough."

"Our aim is to have an event in the Hall for Cornwall by the end of the year," said Kris. "There are also possibilities of an album growing out of the original worship material being written for the event."

The next Liquid is likely to be in May, probably in a venue in west Cornwall. It's certainly captured a wave amongst the Christians in Cornwall. Whether that wave will impact upon the wider community we will have to wait and see. We certainly pray it will. This is a quality event that deserves the backing of all the churches in Cornwall. And who knows where it will lead? I can remember seeing a little know band called The Cutting Edge Band once. But I don't think the Delirious boys talk about that much these days!!

For further information check out www.narrowpath.co.uk

Report & photos by Phil Hadley
(c) Kernowyouth 2006.

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