The God Cast - Religion - Football - Comedy - Music - Politics - Celebrities with Fr Alex Frost

Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne is President of the Iraq Britian Business Council (IBBC), Chair of the Ukraine Britain Business Council (UBBC) and Vice President of the Syria Britain Business Council (SBBC). She is a member of the House of Lords, former MEP for the UK South-East Region, former member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and of the Western European Union Parliament and former MP for Torridge and West Devon. She is at present a member of the UK/EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly and serves on the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee. She served for a number of years as the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Iraq, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. She has taken part in Election Observation in more than thirty-four countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Iraq, Russia, Moldova, Kenya, and Zambia and led International Observation international missions once in Armenia and twice in Yemen. She is founder and Chairman Emeritus of the AMAR International Charitable Foundation.Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne’s Parliamentary Profile: https://www.parliament.uk/biographies/lords/baroness-nicholson-of-winterbourne/1164

Order 'Return To The Shack' here https://www.eden.co.uk/return-to-the-shack/Order Fr Alex's book, 'Our Daily Bread, Argos To The Altar' here https://www.abebooks.co.uk/Daily-Bread-Argos-Altar-Priests-Story/32219953968/bdThe Shack is a novel by Canadian author William P. Young that was published in 2007.The novel was self-published but became a USA Today bestseller, having sold 1 million copies as of June 8, 2008. It was the No. 1 paperback trade fiction seller on The New York Times Best Seller list from June 2008 to early 2010, in a publishing partnership with Hachette Book Group USA's FaithWords imprint (Hodder & Stoughton in the UK). In 2009 it was awarded the "Diamond Award" for sales of over 10 million copies by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.The title of the book is a metaphor for "the house you build out of your own pain", as Young explained in a telephone interview. He also told radio host talk show Drew Marshall that The Shack "is a metaphor for the places you get stuck, you get hurt, you get damaged ... where shame or hurt is centeredRETURN TO THE SHACKThe long-awaited sequel to one of the world's most beloved and widely read books of the last twenty years: The Shack."Return to the Shack is one of the great soul adventures of our age. Read it, and you will be transformed." - Bear Grylls, adventurer, TV personality, and author of The Greatest Story Ever Told"I'm sure I won't be the only one to be delighted and challenged by Return to the Shack. This time our understanding of what justice looks like is a theme of the story; not punishment that fits the crime, but love and forgiveness where others can be made whole in the knowledge of the unconditional love found in Jesus Christ." - Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of YorkHow does life go on in the face of irreconcilable loss? How can the irredeemable find redemption? Unrivalled storyteller Wm. Paul Young leads us back to the great questions of human existence with profound compassion, honesty and ultimately hope.Ten years after the devastating events of The Shack, Mackenzie Allen Phillips is still living in the shadow of loss. Though life has moved forward, grief continues to haunt his family, his relationships, his faith, and his very sense of self. Nan, his wife, carries her own hidden sorrow. They are two people bound together by love yet often divided by pain.On what would have been their daughter Missy's sixteenth birthday, Mack and Nan confront the unthinkable when Mack is asked to visit death row to speak with the serial killer who abducted and murdered her. In the stark silence of the prison, Mack encounters not only the brokenness of another human being but also the raw weight of his own anger, doubt, and disappointment with God. Where is God when unbearable suffering endures? How can a shattered heart ever heal?In Return to the Shack, William Paul Young invites readers on a profound journey into the depths of grief, the complexity of trauma, and the surprising humanity of those we most fear. With honesty and compassion, he explores the devastating impact of mental illness, abuse, and violence, the strain of loss on relationships, and the staggering cost - and unexpected freedom - of forgiveness.This long-awaited sequel dares to ask the hardest questions:What does it mean to forgive the unforgivable?How do we live with God's silence when our wounds cry out for answers?Can even the darkest prison and the most desolate wreckage of broken dreams become places where grace and redemption take root?

Bob Alper, a unique figure in the world of comedy, has built an extraordinary career that combines both spirituality and humor in ways that resonate deeply and captivates audiences with his witty, sophisticated and clean material. His 38 years of experience in stand-up comedy are complemented by his background as an ordained rabbi, which has shaped his distinctive comedic perspective. He also earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from The Princeton Theological Seminary.Bob’s accomplishments are wide-ranging. He has performed alongside some of the biggest names in comedy, including Lewis Black, Susie Essman, Mo Amer and Freddie Roman. Most recently, he made headlines when he won two prestigious comedy competitions, with the next oldest contestant being half his age. He has performed at numerous notable venues, from the Montreal Comedy Festival to New York’s Chautauqua Institution, The World Bank, Hollywood’s IMPROV and The Comedy Store.He has appeared internationally in England, Israel, the Caribbean, Tasmania and New York City, where his guest sets at major clubs were met with widespread acclaim. Bob’s comedic versatility is further evidenced by his involvement in diverse performances before a wide variety of audiences, including over 100 college appearances.His solo 75-minute stand-up show blends humor with insight, and he also offers a second enlightening program called “The Spirituality of Laughter.” This unique offering, combining humor and thought-provoking spirituality, is particularly suited for religious organizations, civic groups, schools, and hospitals. Bob’s ability to touch people’s hearts through laughter makes him a standout figure in the comedy world, with his performances leaving audiences “convulsing with laughter,” as reported by The New York Times.In a world where many comedians rely on blue, edgy or divisive material, Bob has remained true to his mission of providing thoughtful, gentle and funny content with impeccable timing that appeals to a wide range of audiences. Whether performing at corporate events, synagogues, churches, conventions or private parties, Bob’s humor is as accessible as it is insightful.As a testament to his remarkable career, Bob has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The Tamron Hall Show, Good Morning America, CNN and The Today Show. For over 15 years his comedy has been heard regularly on SiriusXM radio, often playing between icons like Bob Newhart and Jerry Seinfeld. This widespread media presence further solidifies his place as one of the most respected comedians in the industry today.Bob’s journey from a rabbi to a stand-up comic is a rare and impressive one, setting him apart in the competitive world of comedy. His blend of humor, spirituality, and life experience creates a unique voice that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. His ability to find humor in the sacred and make people laugh while exploring deep themes continues to make him a beloved figure in comedy circles.With a career spanning several decades and a range of achievements in comedy, Bob Alper’s contributions to the world of entertainment are undeniable. His work continues to inspire and delight audiences, proving that humor can transcend generations, cultures, and faiths. Bob’s career is a testament to the power of laughter and its ability to bring people together.

Revd Kat Gregory-Witham has been appointed as the next Vicar of Accrington St John with Huncoat St Augustine, subject to the usual safer recruitment checks. Kat is currently Associate Priest of Burnley (Habergham Eaves) Saint Matthew the Apostle with Holy TrinityPlease do be praying for Kat and her partner Esther as they prepare to move house and as Kat prepares to take up her new post. The Bishop of Burnley intends to institute, and the Archdeacon of Blackburn intends to induct Kat on Sunday 22nd November 2026 - time and location to be confirmed."Esther and I are excited about this new opportunity and believe God has called us to this role. It will be incredibly difficult to leave Burnley though! You have welcomed us, taught us so much and loved us so wellMy final day ministering in this parish will be Sunday 1st November. You are all warmly invited to a Service of Thanksgiving for all that God has done in our midst in the last few years. The service will take place on Sunday 1st November at 4pm at St Matthew's and will be followed by a bring and share tea - Esther will be bringing ice cream, of course!Previous Role: Associate Priest at St Matthew the Apostle with Holy Trinity in Burnley (Habergham Eaves), where she previously served as the church's first female curate after being ordained a deacon in 2019 and priest in 2020Community Work: Known for running "Fun Church" gatherings, leading outreach and support for vulnerable families in Burnley, co-organizing local pilgrimages and fundraising walks, and co-hosting BBC Radio 4's Sunday Worship from St Matthew's"Fun Church" Group: Operating out of St Matthew the Apostle, Burnley, this initiative was specifically funded via a national Church of England grant to foster community in highly deprived estate areas. Gathering up to 55 parents and children every Monday afternoon, the project acts as an informal drop-in providing crafts, music, food support, mental health advice, and a free hot tea for familiesIn October 2026 Rev Kat was elected to serve as a member of the #churchofengland General Synod.

Guitar Virtuoso Dave Kilminster's radical techniques and mesmerizing sounds captivate fans and fellow musicians alike. Dave won the 'Guitarist of the Year' competition in 1991, run by 'Guitarist' Magazine.That recognition propelled him on a super-charged career as a multi-faceted guitarist, vocalist, engineer, producer, writer and instructor. Dave is a familiar figure worldwide to fans of progressive rock, having played with the likes of John Wetton (Asia, King Crimson, UK), Carl Palmer (ELP) and Ken Hensley (Uriah Heep). He later toured with one of his musical heroes Keith Emerson, and Keith credited Dave for inspiring him to go on the road again.In 2006 Dave was asked to join Roger Waters (ex Pink Floyd) band as lead guitarist and vocalist on the extraordinary global staging of 'Dark Side of the Moon - Live' and the subsequent (and even more successful) 'The Wall - Live' tour. In fact 'The Wall - Live' is the highest grossing tour by a solo artist, and the third highest grossing tour OF ALL TIME!!! In amongst these tours Dave still found time to collaborate with John Wetton and Geoff Downes on their 'ICon' Project (resulting in an album 'Icon 3' and a short tour), and remix/re-master his solo album 'Scarlet - The Director's Cut'. Not to mention perform at the special 12-12-12 concert for Sandy Relief, an event that was broadcast to over two billion people!!!Around this time Dave also began a unique collaboration with vocalist Murray Hockridge, whose soulful voice has been compared to Prince, Sting, and Stevie Wonder and spans over three octaves. Their unique blend of vocals & acoustic guitars has been dubbed "Acoustic Soul" but is truly indescribable. The pair recorded a special album of covers together entitled 'Closer to Earth', and have completed several successful tours in Europe.After 'The Wall' tour Dave went straight back into the studio.... the result is a brand new solo album for 2014 entitled '...and THE TRUTH will set you free...'Fans and critics agree that Dave's work is in a class by itself, encompassing technical mastery and enormous power. A favourite because of his likeable enthusiasm and unmatched on stage energy, Dave wins rave reviews from fellow musicians. Dave's unusual and unexpected techniques add new dimensions to their work. Kilminster is one of the most extraordinary talents to emerge from the UK, and is sought after as a collaborator, band member and solo performer. "He is the best guitarist since Hendrix," enthuses Qango member John Young, adding that Kilminster's technical proficiency seems effortless.