About Phoenix Praise

Phoenix Praise is a Christian worship band based around the Cumbrian villages of Gosforth, Seascale and Drigg. Most weeks we meet on Friday evenings from 7pm to 8.45pm. Members may attend 'live' or 'online'. We also host regular evening services to which everyone is welcome. These usually take place on the fourth Sunday of each month. We also lead worship at other services on request.

Since the time of the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020 as many of our activities as possible have been 'hybrid': both 'live' and online. If you would like to join us online you will need to let us know or join our emailing list so that we can send you the relevant information. To attend in person, you can just turn up, but it's still best to join our emailing list to receive up-to-the-minute information about service times and details. (Please see 'Contact Us' page.)

Any services led by us - live, online or hybrid - last no more than one hour. They include songs and hymns: you can join in or just listen. There are always short readings from the Bible, read by different volunteers. There will usually be a short talk about an aspect of the Christian faith. At the end of the service you can leave straight away or stay to chat, interrogate the speaker etc.. We try to make our services accessible and enjoyable for everyone. You don't need to be a Christian believer to attend.

‘Out of the ashes we will rise again...our one desire, to burn for You.’

In Greek mythology, the phoenix was a bird which was constantly being reborn when it arose from the ashes of its predecessor. It was eagerly adopted as a symbol by the early Christians, because it could point towards rebirth in Christ, renewal, consecration, resurrection and eternal life. 'Phoenix' in Greek also means 'date palm'; according to John's Gospel it was branches from the phoenix tree that the people laid down in front of Jesus on Palm Sunday as they cried 'Hosanna!' ('save us!') during his 'triumphal entry' into Jerusalem. And thirdly, Phoenix is the name of a pretty little harbour on the south west coast of Crete where St Paul and his shipmates were hoping to shelter from the winter gales in Acts ch 27. So the name Phoenix Praise seemed just right for a new group which sprang from the ‘ashes’ of Waymark Youth Praise Band in 2014, and also exists to proclaim Jesus as Saviour and King. (see ‘History’).

We are completely inclusive and welcome participants of all ages (babes in arms - 98 years young so far), backgrounds and abilities. Most of our members belong to local churches (of various denominations) but some don’t; most members are Christians, but this isn’t essential so long as they are supportive of the Christian faith.

We sing mainly contemporary Christian worship music in 2,3 or 4 part harmony with a basic band line-up of keyboard, bass and drums, though we also have a large repertoire of traditional hymns and carols which we can perform with or without organ or piano accompaniment. Other instruments we have featured from time to time include guitars, tenor horn, saxophone, bassoon and English concertina. We can field a small team for an intimate acoustic event or a jolly festive crowd for a Christmas extravaganza. However, we don’t exist to showcase our talents, but to assist congregations to worship God; we lead services in many styles but we don’t give concerts as such or make recordings, nor do we regularly travel as a band any further than Whitehaven. We work chiefly with churches in Gosforth, Seascale, Drigg and Egremont.

Our red Phoenix logo was designed by a founder member, artist Ruth Waterhouse. Its bright red colour is highly appropriate, because in addition to its other meanings, 'phoenix' in Greek means 'rich deep red'.

Anyone interested in joining us is warmly welcome to get in touch. All you need is an enthusiasm for singing, playing an instrument or providing technical support, and a lively interest in the Christian faith.

The band is run by Keith and Jill Hudson, both experienced teachers and worship leaders. Jill studied Theology at Cambridge University, and Keith is a Methodist Local Preacher in the Western Fells Circuit.

‘You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you from darkness into His wonderful light.' (1 Peter 2:9)