‘Hatching’ into a new phase
Since Nicki and Mandy became ‘Mums’ in 2007 it has become clear that national (or international!) Chrysalis tours were no longer so practical for them.
Some years ago they had felt a leaning towards presenting Chrysalis locally on a more regular basis in the Trusts home town of Chesham to establish a working reality of this type of relational evangelism. Now they feel God is again calling Chrysalis to engage more with the local community just as it did when it started back in 1992.
Nicki and Mandy got thinking and praying to see exactly what God had in mind for them and Chrysalis. Several ideas came out that were developed and brought to the Trustees to consider. The Trustees were encouraged by all the ideas, and after more prayer, they decided to proceed with the local choir proposal. (see separate item)
We do believe that Chrysalis is now ‘hatching’ into our next phase. We are all excited by the Community Choir, and other local projects. We believe God has great plans for Chrysalis. Thank you for your backing in the past and we would ask for your continued prayers as we take these new ventures forward.
Chrysalis Community Choir
The Community Choir is a new initiative for Chrysalis. The aim of the choir is for people from the local community who love to sing to get together, meet new friends and have fun whilst singing a variety of styles including Gospel and Musical Theatre.
Things are progressing really well, with over 100 singers signed up. Regular attendance figures are high with up to 85 attending on some rehearsal nights.
If you love singing and feel your voice hasn’t been used since those dim and distant school assembly days then why not come along. Please contact office@chrysalis.org.uk or 01494 581115 for an information pack and get warbling!
What?
Chrysalis is an evangelistic concept, with the vision to meet people "where they're
at", taking the Gospel beyond the four walls of the church and out
into the community in which we live.Professional performers use aspects of the performing arts including comedy, music and drama, in the relaxed, entertaining style of a cabaret. It is very much a first step introduction to the Gospel for those who have often never walked into a church before. Events can be performed off church premises or many churches use their own buildings and transform them into a relaxed inviting area with clever use of things like lighting and seating.
Why?
Chrysalis was founded in 1991 by Mandy Watsham and Nicki Matthews – 2 singers from non-churched backgrounds who met in the world of Musical Theatre. They recognised the popularity of their work and wanted to harness that so it could be used by the ‘local church’ as a non-threatening, outreach presentation – to break down barriers and misconceptions that people often have about Christianity.
What do people think?
Let the last word be from someone who has actually seen them recently: John Shepherd – Minister of Emmanuel Church said - “Chrysalis once again provided us with an evening of wonderfully high quality music. The music and images gently pointed the audience to the Creator who lies behind creation. This was a gentle bridge building event, rather than a full on evangelistic event. It was an event where guests would go away thinking ‘That was a great evening, I could come back to something else like that at church!’”
