I’ve been meaning to post some photos from our recent Easter drama and today is the day!
Although the drama itself was a wonderful success that filled our sanctuary three times over, the best news is that we raised about $5,000 in offerings for two families who have children with serious illnesses.
One child attends our church—a six year old girl who just had a kidney transplant. (The donor was her mom.) The other one attends another local church; a 12-year old boy who has been in ICU since last August waiting on a lung transplant. The families were so overwhelmed and grateful for the gifts and we were thrilled to be able to make such a practical difference in their lives.
Here is the cast of the play. Several of them played more than one part; in fact, Steve played three parts.
You can’t have a dramatic production without some stage make up!
Sarah and I were involved in sound and media. Here are a couple of the views from our spot in the back.
After one particular rehearsal, I was stressed out over all the technical things that still needed attending to. (I set up all the video cues—there were around 70—and Sarah ran the cues during the performances.)
Sarah left me this little note on my computer. “Breathe in, breathe out.” Good advice!
A few miscellaneous scenes taken from rehearsals and performances.
Steve played a demon in one scene. This is during a rehearsal; in the performances, he had a black covering on his face.
He also did a great job as one of the Pharisees . . .
. . . and was in charge of the lighting system design. He put many hours into setting up the lights inside and around the tomb for the resurrection.
His hard work paid off!
An old story presented in a new way–we were so thankful to be a part of it.
Although we don’t have a large congregation (we average about 120 on Sunday mornings) we are passionate about not letting our size keep us from doing the arts with as much excellence as possible.(We were also joined by several actors/singers from the Source Church)
We believe that this most important of old stories deserves our very best effort; it was such a joy for our family to get to be a part of this wonderful production.
One day I hope to make it to your congregation for the Easter drama. What a beautiful way to share the Easter story with your community.
Courtney,
You just come by any ol’ time. We would love to see you–Easter or not!
Hi Becky: Love the pictures. How far in advance do you make the decision on what you are going to do for your Easter play for the church and how do you go about getting all of the people involved?
Hi Mel,
Since our associate pastor writes our dramas, we are usually looking at her rough drafts in December. That gives Steve and I several weeks to work with her on rewrites and edits and then rehearsals generally start in February.
As far as getting people involved, that can sometimes be a challenge when we’re competing with sports, dance recitals, travel, work, family obligations, etc. We just start with a sign up sheet (making sure everyone has a tentative list of rehearsals so they know what kind of commitment they’re making) and we add on from there as we go along. It’s a LOT of work but is so rewarding to put together.
Looks like the production was a beautifully done one! 🙂 So nice of your church to give the offering to two families in need! 🙂
Kristi,
We were so PUMPED to get to give those two families the gifts. The parents who’ve had their son in ICU for several months have both have to leave their jobs so they were very, very grateful for the extra help. It definitely is more blessed to give than receive!
This ESPECIALLY old Episcopalian enjoyed seeing the photos of your beautiful Easter drama.I like the way you join forces with other churches.
What a wonderful way to share your collections with those two children. Nine months in ICU….. shouldn’t he be at the top of the transplant list?
definitely praying for him to receive new healthy lungs asap, and for your little girl to grow and thrive with her mom’s kidney.
Mrs. Pam,
For being an “especially old Episcopalian” you are one of the perkiest people I’ve (never) met! 🙂
And yes, we are very intentional about joining hands with other churches on Roanoke Island, Steve and the other pastors meet for lunch on a regular basis and advertise each others’ special events and service.
Unfortunately the little boy in ICU has several other major health issues going on in addition to needing a lung transplant so he’s a very complicated case. His parents and sister live a couple miles from us but his hospital is in Philadelphia so you can just imagine what they’ve been through. Such sweet folks!
Becky, it looks like it was a wonderful production, I am sure you ALL worked many many hours preparing. I only wish I could have been there to see it. You didn’t by any chance record it did you. I know that many of us would love to have a copy if that were possible. I really hope one day to visit Manteo and visit your church. You have certainly made the island come alive for many of us. I look forward to your posts every day, it is a bright spot in my otherwise dull day (oops, I am at work, did I really say that?????) God bless you for all that you do for other people, you and your family are a testimony to God’s love.
Gail,
You certainly have a gift for encouraging words; thanks so much!
Yes, the drama was recorded; should be ready in the next 2 weeks or so.
Love the pictures of Jesus coming out of the tomb. The Baptist church I belonged to in Springfield, MO did a passion play at Easter, I always loved it.
Phyllis,
I loved those scenes,too. They were extra dramatic in real life with two vocalists singing and the audience’s response. I know you must miss seeing the play your church in Springfield put on!
That looks awesome!! Such a talented group of people! I wish our church did stuff like that, but we’re starchy old Episcopalians who (ESPECIALLY the older folks!!) don’t like change and our congregation is mostly older people. 🙂
LeeAnne,
We have met many wonderful Episcopalians over the years so don’t be toooo hard on your Episcopalian friends! ::-)
My personal goal in life is to turn 90 years old and still be ready for adventure and change!