“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12
I love the “St. Luke’s on Broadway” sermon series. It is one of the most exciting and fun times of the year. It is a worship service that is uplifting. The music is thrilling. The sermons always have a powerful story and challenge. St. Luke’s on Broadway is truly a joyful time.
In part, I love the St. Luke’s on Broadway sermon series because I love music and the theatre. The first time I remember hearing music from a Broadway show was when I was in elementary school. I was not in a theatre; I saw it on TV. It was the Music Man, starring Robert Preston and Shirley Jones. I eventually recorded it on VHS and watched it over and over. I can’t remember how many times I watched this classic musical. As I grew older, I began listening to the Broadway greats. I loved hearing Michael Crawford singing in the lead role of the Phantom of the Opera. I was mesmerized by the cast of A Chorus Line. And, of course, my favorite musical is Les Miserable, with the amazing Com Wilkinson playing the role of Jean Valjean.
As I grew older, and was able to be part of musical theatre, I quickly learned that musicals were far more than just the few popular names I knew. To make an amazing show happen, it takes all kinds of people. We all seem to know the amazing leading men and women who sing and dance their hearts out on stage, but a musical takes a full cast. A show like Any Thing Goes (My oldest daughter’s favorite) has almost 30 cast members on stage. To make the show happen, there are producers, investors, writers, choreographers, set designers, costume designers, lighting and sound technicians, the theatre staff, and so many more. Each person does their part to make the magic of theatre come alive on stage.
The church is much this way. There are so many people who make up the family of faith, each with gifts and talents that help bring the church to life. The Apostle Paul knew this, long before Broadway ever existed. He taught us that for any production to be successful, it requires a host of people, performing many tasks, to make it happen.
God has given us particular gifts and passions to make a difference in God’s kingdom. When we join our talents with the rest of God’s family, we can bring a wonderful story to life for the world.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
