Grace United Methodist offers Passion play
Grace United Methodist Church in Coal Center is offering its annual Passion play to the community at 8 p.m. today through Good Friday.
The production is called “God’s Masterpiece” and based on the Leonardo DaVinci masterpiece “The Last Supper.” Grace Church, located at 420 California Drive, has offered this particular production for the past five years but always updates it with new scenes and music.
“This year’s theme is ‘Follow Me,’ and the new scenes will have to do with Christ calling us to follow him as his disciples,” said the Rev. John Smith, pastor, who explained there will be seven musical numbers in the new production.
“God’s Masterpiece” recreates the famous is painting with the actors portraying Jesus and his 12 apostles frozen into positions. The apostles are then called out of the painting by someone portraying DaVinci, who is the narrator, to tell stories about Christ.
Smith said the first act deals with Christ’s life, including his teaching and miracles, while the second act deals with the Crucifixion.
About 120 actors and singers are involved in the production, which is directed by Todd Reagan of Connellsville. There are 62 speaking parts, a 40-member adult choir and 20-member children’s choir.
The church offers the Passion play as a ministry to the community. Admission is free. Smith said there are many people who don’t know the basic story of Easter.
“It is a teaching event but it’s also a worship service, so it’s educational and inspiring,” he said.
The production is also bittersweet for Smith, who is retiring in July after 45 years as a pastor — the last five at Grace Church.
“I’d never attended a Passion play before I came here and now I produce this,” Smith said. “I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of it.”
Smith is planning to move to Chambersburg to be near his family and will continue to be involved in mission work.
The Rev. Kenneth Custer from Saegerstown, located near Erie, will become the new pastor of Grace Church. Smith said Custer came to a preview production last week to become familiar with the Passion play.
Grace Church will open its doors at 6 p.m., with videos and music showing before the production begins at 8 p.m. An overflow room is available to show “God’s Masterpiece” on a large projection-screen television if necessary.
For more information, call 724-483-4448 or visit online at www.come-to-grace.org.