On Friday the 4th October 2019, we gathered together at Niddrie Community Church in Edinburgh, to praise and glorify Jesus, who is the Saviour of sinners, the light of the world, and our certain hope in the dark and hopeless schemes of Scotland. In the room that night were believers from local scheme/council estate churches, and together we sang of Christ’s unfailing love.

For us as a 20schemes family of local church plants, the previous months had been the toughest I can remember. The most extreme, tragic circumstances imaginable had played out amongst us, and this brutal reminder of the reality of our fallen world and the sorrow of life on earth was in the forefront of our minds as we met to worship. 

Lord, from the depths I call to You
Lord, hear me from on high
And give attention to my voice
When I for mercy cry

We didn’t plan to record the singing that evening for an album. I had just set up a few mics and cameras so that I could spend time afterwards assessing how we can improve going forward as 20schemes Music, and by the second song, I realised I’d forgotten to press record anyway. It wasn’t until afterwards that I found out that Andrew, the sound guy, had remembered. No one in the room that night knew we were recording. For me, that makes listening to these songs all the more encouraging and real to listen to. 

‘Live At The Weekender’ is an album that has captured a genuine evening of sincere and unperformed praise and worship to God. These songs were sung by a room full of believers on their knees through weariness and sorrow, and yet defiantly singing together with joy of ‘The Man Of Sorrows’, who has conquered the grave and brought light and life to where there was once only death and darkness. In that room, many were grieving, many were struggling for joy; some, like me, were battling doubts about God’s kindness and goodness. Yet that evening we joined together and pointed each other upwards as we sang.

Our ‘Live at the Weekender’ album is out now and available to buy or stream online.