Experiencing Hopewell Methodist's 50th Anniversary Presentation of The Passion Play

Last night several of us were attending the final night of Hopewell Methodist's (Downingtown, Pennsylvania) presentation of The Passion Play. Sherry knew one of the cast members, who wrote very engagingly about the experience in the church program.

What began as a small production in the church's Fellowship Hall has grown over the years. It is now performed in a 1000 seat amphitheater with a multilevel stage and dedicated sound booth and light system.. Drama ministry has become a vital part of Hopewell Methodist's efforts to spread the good news and to build their mission to help Christians grow and help grow Christians. I highly recommend to anyone reading this that they take advantage of this free drama in years to come. The passion play begins with the death and resurrection of Lazarus and concludes with the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is a moving experience that is well performed and well worth two hours on a night in June. The church lends blankets to the viewers in case they get chilly and a dinner is offered ahead of the play. The play takes place all around the audience, so prepare to move from time to time to take in what may be happening beside or behind you.

After the drama is complete, a moving communion takes place at the base of the cross at the back of the amphitheater at the top of the hill. It is a wonderful, short service that caps the evening and is well worth staying for (although this is not required).

For me, equally moving is the reflection of one of the members, who wrote about his family's involvement in the passion play for many years. His father and he both have played Jesus. His father played Judas against his Jesus on at least one occasion. He and his sister began participating as young children as members of the crowd, lamenting Lazarus, praising Jesus for Lazarus' resurrection, cheering Jesus into Jerusalem with palm fronds in hand, and demanded Jesus' crucifixion shortly thereafter. He stated that the Bible stories he and his sister knew came to life in fresh ways. Both of them learned many passages of Scripture by heart and would rearrange the back patio to play out various scenes as a variety of characters. It is impressive to see how much this drama ministry brings to the lives of the players, as well as to the lives of the audiences who see it. What a wonderful way to engage church families in active ministry.

It is wonderful to see what starting small can lead to with persistence and a desire to answer God's call to spread the good news far and wide.