Community Corner
Drama Troupe to Perform “The Journey, Cross and Crucifixion” at Churches of Various Denominations
Effort to Share Message of Easter through Unique Dramatic Presentation
“The Journey, Cross, and Crucifixion”, a prayer service dramatizing the Stations of the Cross will be performed at churches across the region in the days leading up to Easter. Three troupes, with over 100 volunteer actors, singers, dancers and musicians, tour throughout Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, and Queens during the Lenten season to bring the story to life. For those who perform it each year, and the hundreds who witness it, it has become a walk of faith.
According to Reverend Marc Herbst, Assistant to Bishop Robert Rimbo, the bishop of the Metropolitan New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), “It is important for religious messages to be shared with potential 21st century worshipers in as many ways that resonate with them, and offer them as many portals of entrée into a Church as possible. The Lutheran Church is very pleased that this dramatic presentation is being warmly received by members of many Christian denominations.”
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Through music, narration, dialogue, and dance, worshipers will witness the devastation of Mary, the frustration of Simon, the loneliness and desolation of John, Pilate’s indecision of politics over justice, the Soldier’s struggle between duty and reverence, and Jesus’ agony, betrayal, and love.
Director Noel Ruiz initially created “Journey” to enhance the understanding of the Scriptural story of the Youth Ministry at his church. It has evolved from mime to music, and then to a play format. “Journey” is more than history dramatized; it brings worshipers into direct contact with the emotions of those in the biblical story, their shock, anger, pain, grief, and loss. It invites worshipers to become part of this experience at the moment it is occurring.
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Schedule of Performances:
Fri. 4/11, 8:00 p.m., St. Mary's – East Islip
Mon. 4/14, 8:00 p.m., St. John’s University Campus - Jamaica
Wed. 4/16, 8:00 p.m., St. Peter of Alcantara – Port Washington
Good Fri. 4/18, 12:00 noon, Creative Ministries – Oakdale
Good Fr. 4/18, 8:00 p.m., St. Patrick Church - Huntington