I realise that tags and labels mean little nowadays but this morning at Wrington Chapel was the first time that I had been invited to a United Reformed Church for a long time.

This mornings cafe style service was packed and although this was my first time there and I don’t think many knew either me or my songs, it did not take long before everyone was singing, laughing and listening whilst happily chewing on the banquet of food that had been provided.

So another great morning, another great opportunity to do what I love doing most (and I’m not talking about eating) and lots of new friends of all ages made.

I loved every minute of it!

Thank you Duncan for the invite and thank you Wrington Chapel for turning up this morning and making me feel so welcome.

Moving on…another week, and YES, praise God….another gig to look forward to next Sunday!

This time it’s a special ‘All Age Celebration’ on Sunday September 12th at Wrington Chapel, Ropers Lane, Wrington, Bristol, BS40 5NF We ‘kick off’ at 9.30am and it will last approx 1 hour.

Whatever age you are, if you live anywhere nearby do come and join in the fun. I promise you there will be no long sermons or long prayers, but there will be plenty of singing, teaching and laughter…which we all need at this time I think.

Oh and we did the keyboard overdubs for Scripture Praise Party 2 yesterday, this album really has some great tracks on it, you’ll love it! Nearly finished, just the mix to do, track order to work out and cover to complete then I’ll let you know when it’s available.

I cannot begin to explain the wonderful time I had at Holy Trinity Church in Wolverhampton on Sunday.

I so love being back with people and doing what I believe God has STILL called me to do.

It was a very large building and a very large all age congregation attended and praise God all ages included lots of children and families.

For me, the bookings have been so much better than before lockdown and the great thing is I feel more relaxed being in front of people than ever before. People seem to be enjoying me…. just being me!I am still praying for more opportunities to visit more churches, as (and I say this humbly) I really feel that God has given me so much to offer especially at this time.

I want to bring a bit of fun and life back into Churches after such a difficult year and a half.I’ve just returned back to Chichester and Gill the lovely organiser has just e mailed me these words of encouragement. Things just get better and better!

Hi Ish,Just to say a big, huge, gigantic “Thank you” for this morning. It was great – just like ‘old times’ and so good to see so many people – especially families – turning up for the service.You have always had such a wonderful ministry of teaching God’s Bible truths through song – and it’s a real blessing to see that God is continuing to use you in this way.

It was a wonderful time although I did feel a little ‘the odd man out standing on my lonesome’ as the rest of the day the stage was filled with great worship bands and excellent preachers.

And….what I did was ah sort of different! I think I was definitely the ‘light entertainment’ of the day as all the songs I sang were pre 1985!

I think I fulfilled an important role though as it was 3pm post lunch and a hot sunny afternoon. I think my job was to wake everyone up with dancing and marching songs…and I think I achieved that!

Just to prove how rather different my set was from everyone’s else’s….these are the songs I sang which in fact were very popular at the time we were doing the Glorie Company for many years at Grapevine.

The Glorie song (down in a noisy small valley)

We are in Gods army

Hebrews 11 verse 6

Lord you put a tongue

We will praise we will praise

I will wave my hands in praise and adoration

Father God I wonder

Nostalgic set…of course….lively set…you betcha…Did I enjoy myself…. Loved every minute of the 20 I was given!

Moving on (as one must) I’m now really looking forward to Saturday at Lincoln Showground to join in the 40 year celebration of Grapevine/ The One Event.

Lots of well known worship leaders will be taking part and on the publicity I’ve been called a worship leader!

Actually I can’t remember ever being classed as a worship leader before….I’m usually just classed as ‘Ishmael’….as no-one is quite sure what kind of songs I will be playing and singing once I get on stage … inc me!.

Anyway, I will be doing a short 20 minute ‘nostalgic’ all age Praise Party but I’m also there to honour my good buddies Stuart and Irene Bell who I have been best chums with over the past 50 years.

Wow! How God has wonderfully used this lovely couple over that time!

Can’t wait and feel so honoured to be invited and It will be fun trying to live up to the revered title of…..’worship leader’ whilst (attempting to) jump around the stage (a little less energetically these days) singing my 1980s/ 90s songs!