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"God On Broadway" Summer Worship Series First Presbyterian Church
Come enjoy great music and a message of hope as we explore favorite Broadway musicals and deeper spiritual themes
What does God have to do with "Les Miserables" or “Rent” or “Man of La Mancha”?
This summer Rev. Cynthia Cochran-Carney, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in San Rafael, will explore meaningful and humorous connections between Broadway shows and biblical stories. The series starts in July 7 and runs through August.
Sparking people’s imagination is really the point. “Jesus used stories to convey deeper truths and move people toward lives of faith, hope, and compassion,” said Rev. Cochran-Carney. “Explicitly connecting popular culture with people’s faith is always a sound idea. The arts inform all aspects of our lives, including our spiritual lives. We are a creative congregation, so there is a great deal of latitude."
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The community is invited to come to the church as the congregation sings, laughs and learns valuable life lessons by way of Don Quixote and Jean Valjean. Each Sunday’s worship theme is tied to a musical. First Presbyterian Church’s pianists John Steiner and Alan Choy will perform songs from the each production.
Many of the musicals look at challenging social issues, including “Rent.” According to Rev. Cochran-Carney, “Jesus hung out with outcasts and outsiders. He reminded his followers that God’s table is big and welcoming and inclusive. Biblical stories and Broadway musicals can shake us up, transforming our perspectives on the world and ourselves. In this time of polarization and division, the arts can open us up to see joys and challenges from someone else’s perspective.” Shows in the series include "Rent," "Wicked," "Man of La Mancha," "South Pacific," "Phantom of the Opera," "Into the Woods," "Les Miserables," and "Come From Away."
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Worship services are held on Sundays at 8:30 am in the chapel and at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary. First Presbyterian Church is located at 1510 Fifth Ave in San Rafael, across from the public library. For more information, visit www.fpcsr.org or call 415-456-6760 or contact office@fpcsr.org. The building is handicap accessible.