By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Marlborough– Greater Grace Christian Fellowship, 187 Pleasant St., will celebrate Easter by transforming one of the most important Bible stories, Jesus” walk to Calvary, into an interactive presentation. The church, which has an average attendance of about 180, has enlisted more than 50 adults and 15 children to participate in the performance. In addition, there are more than a dozen participants from other churches.
James Morrison, pastor of the Greater Grace Christian Fellowship, explained.
“This performance is really a celebration of the life and death of Jesus Christ,” Morrison said. “We'se temporarily transforming parts of the church for this event to help make this reflect the period when Jesus and his disciples walked to Calvary.”
According to Morrison, “One could say that Easter is even more important in the Christian Gospel than Christmas is. Throughout the history of Christianity, “passion plays” have been presented to the public to tell the story of God's great love for the human race. It's in the crucifixion that he really showed us his love as the son took the judgment for our offenses against him.”
During the performances, groups of 15 to 20 guests will be led by two guides through seven different scenes of Christ's Passion Week, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with the resurrection. Other scenes include the Last Supper, Gethsemane, the three trials, the crucifixion and the burial. There will be actors and singers at each scene who weave together singing and re-enactments to bring the story to life. Following the performance, there will be a tent area for participants to gather and talk with others about the presentation while enjoying free refreshments.
“We are not professionals,” Morrison said, “yet we have discovered many hidden talents and gifts in this church-body.”
Morrison said the cast has worked tirelessly to bring the presentation together. They have learned to work hard and trust one another while enjoying much laughter along the way.
“The message is so powerful. Last week I went to listen to a small part of the crucifixion scene. I was standing outside the room, not even seeing the scene, yet I was completely overwhelmed just hearing the voices sing, “He Loved Me with a Cross.” I cannot imagine what it will be like to walk through the entire musical.”
There will be multiple Walk to Calvary performances Thursday through Saturday, April 5 to 7, starting at 7 p.m. Performances start every 30 minutes and last about an hour.
For show times and to reserve tickets, visit http://www.ggcfmarlboro.org/walk-to-calvary.
Parts of the presentation will be outdoors, so dress accordingly.
(Photos/courtesy of Stephanie Benoit/Greater Grace Christian Fellowship)