Tag: resources

Perform The Jesus Story

The Jesus Story tells, in words and music, the story of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as recounted in the New Testament Gospels. Inspired by the stories of Jesus, I wrote these songs at different times over the last 40 or so years. They are now brought together, along with the narration, to enable people of all ages to experience the power of the Gospel narrative in a fresh way.

I hope that The Jesus Story will be performed widely by choirs belonging to churches, schools and other groups. The score and soundtrack are freely available, and choirs are also free to make their own arrangements, as long as the words and melody line remain as written, and copyright is observed.

As the musical covers the whole story of Jesus, you may wish to use the whole or part of the score in your production. Individual songs may be chosen to be used at a particular event or seasonal church service. There are several songs suitable for children.

The Jesus Story has been used by churches in the past for fundraising. I do not require any royalties, and so all of the profit from any concert you put on will go to your designated charity.

Friends have contributed to The Jesus Story. In particular I would like to thank Janet Roberts, Sue Glover, Stephen Buckman, Julian Watson and my dear wife, Sylvia.

Writing these songs has been a blessing from God to me over the years. I hope and pray that singing them will be a blessing both to you and to those you share them with.

Resources for performing The Jesus Story

Register to perform The Jesus Story

The Jesus Story

The Jesus Story is a musical journey, written by the Revd Richard Rice-Oxley, through the birth, life ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The choral arrangements have been made by Sue Glover and Janet Roberts.

The 24 original songs are all based on the New Testament, are in different styles, and take a varied approach. Some are a straight retelling of the Biblical narrative; others offer an insight into the meaning of key events, such as Christmas, Good Friday and Easter Day.

The songs are suitable for soloist, duet and chorus (choir and congregation or audience). Richard hopes that his musical may be widely used by churches and schools.

A selection of eighteen of the songs have been performed by a local choir formed from various churches in South Lincolnshire, under the leadership of Janet Roberts. Recordings made at one of the performances, together with narrative text, are available on this website: Listen to The Jesus Story.

Vocal scores with three-part harmony musical arrangements for the songs are available as pdf downloads from this website: Perform The Jesus Story.

A CD has been produced from local performances of The Jesus Story. If you could like a copy please email sylviariceoxley@gmail.com. Copies of the CD cost £3 with post and packing an extra £2. Please make cheques payable to Sylvia Rice-Oxley.

Summary of the songs, including bible references

These include the songs and narration used in the original performances, as follows:

  1. Dayspring (Based on Zechariah’s prophecy of the coming of Jesus; Luke 1:68-79)
  2. Come and Worship (The birth of Jesus; see Matthew 1:18 – 2:12 and Luke 2:1–20)
  3. Here is Love (Reflections on the birth of Jesus; see Matthew 1:18 – 2:12 and Luke 2:1–20)
  4. The Baptism of Jesus (Jesus is baptised by John the Baptist; Matthew 3:13-17)
  5. What Sort of Saviour? (Jesus is tempted in the wilderness; see Luke 4:1-13)
  6. The Beatitudes (Jesus’ teaching; based on Matthew 5:3-10)
  7. The Prodigal Son (Jesus’ teaching; based on Luke 15:11-32)
  8. The Sea of Galilee (A miracle of Jesus; Mark 4:35-41)
  9. The Healing of Ten Men (A miracle of Jesus; based on Luke 17:11-19)
  10. Hosanna (Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday; Luke 19:28-40)
  11. The Last Supper (The first Holy Communion; based on 1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
  12. Peace (Jesus’ words at the Last Supper; based on John 14:27 and 15:11)
  13. The Moon Shines (Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane before his betrayal; based on Matthew 26:36-46)
  14. Peter’s Denial (A friend of Jesus is all too human; Luke 22:54-62)
  15. Lord, What Have They Done? (Reflections on Good Friday; based on Mark 15:16-39)
  16. Hallelujah! (Reflections on Easter Day – Jesus is alive; based on Luke 24:1-12)
  17. We See Christ (Reflections on the whole story)
  18. Follow, Follow (The call to mission; see Matthew 4:18-20 and Acts 4:8-12)

The scores for six additional songs are also available, two of which (See His Light, and Face to Face with Jesus) may be particularly suitable for children:

  1. Sleep Tight (The birth of Jesus)
  2. See His Light (The birth of Jesus)
  3. Come to Me (Words of Jesus)
  4. Blood on His Hands (Good Friday)
  5. God has Spoken (Easter Day)
  6. Face to Face with Jesus (The Ascension of Christ)