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 For some in other countries reading this blog post, political leaders making public statements about faith or religion may not be something terribly surprising or unexpected, but in the UK - it is!
There has been a general sense in the UK for a number of years now that Christianity and those who practise it are facing ever increasing opposition, not violence or imprisonment as in some parts of the world, but in other ways. Although it must be said that Christianity is not the only religion to be effected. The UK is seeing a rise in secularism and humanism, belief systems that put humanity in the centre of everything divorced from a higher power or God. Indeed The British Humanist Association launched a billboard campaign in the run up to our recent census that read "If You're Not Religious, For God's Sake Say So" however, thankfully advertising companies who say they 'don't do God' refused to run the ads and a revised version which read "Not Religious? In This Years Census Say So" was used instead. Nevertheless, there are organisations in the UK that are actively pursuing the promotion of a godless society.
So it was with surprise and much admiration for their bravery in saying what they did in two recent public speeches, that David Cameron, the Prime Minister of the UK, and Her Majesty the Queen have both spoken in support of Christianity and its beliefs in one way or another.
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 After three years since his last album, veteran worship leader and songwriter in the UK, Dave Bilbrough is back.
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 The second volume of Christian Contemporary worship music double-disc compilation album is released.
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 Joey The Jerk changes direction and released EP under new name Joey’s Dream.
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 What do you think of when you hear the word 'Christmas'? Chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Snow? A big fat man in a red and white suit? Gifts (and lots of them)? Time with family? Exotic holidays abroad? Shopping? The list could go on and on . . .
Some of the things I think of are: What Christmas themed songs can we sing at chuch? What music am I going to play at the school Christmas disco? Oh help, I don't know what gift to get Dad!
Christmas is indeed a busy time, and an important time. It's pretty obvious that consumerism has cashed in on Christmas as well as it being pretty obvious that we need to keep Christmas about Christ - however this blog is not about that - well not entirely . . .
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 So, this morning Verity and I woke up in the early hours to prepare for our journey to Cambridge. The drive was very foggy and dark, but praise God, we arrived in one piece. However, two junctions before we got to the BBC studios in Cambridge the power steering in the car broke, so we limped in to the car park, but still pretty excited to be there.
The studio was toasty and warm and we were made to feel very welcome in the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. I began tuning my guitar while Veirty started taking a few photos (which can me seen on the photos page).
The time for the interview was soon upon us and I sung 'Essence Of All Purity' which is off the new EP (mini-album) and was particularly well recieved during the EP launch last weekend. You can listen to the show here http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00llcrl the inverview is right near the end of the show, in the last 15min. The link will be live for the next week.
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 A big thank you to all those who attended the launch of 'A Deepr Longing' EP at Octavia's Cafe on Saturday. It was a fantastic evening of music and friendship. Thanks also to all those who volunteered and gave of their time to help make the event happen - I couldn't have done it without you!
I have uploaded photos of the evening on the photos page - so click your way over there and have a look.
If you came, or would have liked to come and want to leave a comment about the event, please do so. It would be great to hear your thoughts.
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A friend of mine, Rob McFarlane, has written a book about Youth Ministry based on his experiences of being a Youth Pastor in Zimbabwe somw years ago. He has decided to make it freely available as an e-book (to download) so visit his blog by clicking on the link below and get yourself a copy - for Free!
http://www.robmcfarlane.co.uk/2011/youth-ministry-book/
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The King's Church in Wisbech, of which I am a member, as well as numerous other community groups are facing the closure of an extremely valuable community space in Wisbech - The Queen Mary Community Centre. The council is trying to quietly run it into the ground so that no one will notice that it is not being used, and then sell it off.
You can help! Please go to the 'Shape Your Place' website (where the council engages in dialogue with us mere mortals) and post messages of support for our campaing to Save The Queen Mary Centre!
https://wisbech.shapeyourplace.org/2011/10/15/save-the-queen-mary-community-centre/
Thank you.
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Get your advanced tickets for the launch of my new acoustic worship album 'A Deeper Longing' on Satruday 12th November 2011. They are available now from the online store on this website - only £4 when bought in advance (£5 on the day). Each ticket includes a free coffee / tea. Doors open 7pm - Octavia's Cafe, Wisbech.
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 Fourth Mission Worship compilation double-disc album hits the shelves.
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 Great Comfort records to re-release Lenny Smith album.
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 Missionary and church planter, Paul Wallington records second album.
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 Texas band release latest 12-track album.
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 Last weekend my wife and I travelled up to bonnie Scotland. We had a great time visiting friends and on the Sunday we joined up with the gang from Worship Academy 8 . . .
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 NEWS FLASH
A few weeks ago I got married to the love of my life, my beautiful wife, Verity. The ceremony was beautiful and God was in the centre of it all, as we had hoped. He was honoured and glorified and many people both from within the church and without have said how much they enjoyed it and were affected by it. A few may even be coming to church for the first time as a result!
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 It was a weekend in the middle of July when the gang from Worship Academy 8 met up for the final time at our graduation. The two year journey through life and worship together has been challenging, sad, exciting and fun. It's sad it all has to end, although I know many reunions will be planned in the years to come! Go well, and go with God, my fellow Academy 8 travellers!
Chris Bowater, in his graduation address to us mentioned something I have wanted to hear articulated for a very long time and is something that weighs heavy on my heart too - Celebrity culture has filtered into the church, and it shouldn't be there! . . .
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 Passion releases live album recorded at its 2011 conference.
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 Norwich-based Josh Bunce releases 6-track EP
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 London based band, MaLoKai release single on new independent label Nameless/Faceless Records.
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