by Max Brennan, United Methodist Pastor of
St. Matthew and Eastern Hills United Methodist Churches
St. Matthew -- Sunday 11:00 A.M. -- Thursday 6:00 P.M.
off Meadowbrook - 1 short block east of Sandy, turn right to 2414 Hitson
Eastern Hills -- Sunday 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.
off Meadowbrook - Jenson to Wilson - 1509 Wilson Road
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As I write this, we have three week to get it ready.
As you read this, it is a little over one week away -- Saturday, December 11. We're working very hard to get ready -- building the sets, selecting the costumes, rehearsing the music.
We're getting ready for the Renaissance Nativity Play, a drama depicting Luke's story come to life. The words are the easy part. I memorized those years ago -- the first two chapters of Luke -- the beginning of "the greatest story ever told." It's building the manager scene that is taking time -- and finding some wings for Gabriel -- and figuring how to get an angel in and out without running him up and down the aisles.
Angels in the Bible appear without warning, you know.
We are taking the visual images of the drama from the great paintings of the Renaissance. They are not "Biblically accurate," -- but they are the way we've seen our Lord's birth all our lives -- through the eyes of the Great Masters of art.
This is one of the biggest thing we have ever done, really. But we're not looking for a Christmas spectacle. No live donkeys. We have one cherub, but he's earthbound. (His mama wouldn't want to see him dangling from a wire!) We just want to tell the most beautiful of stories in a beautiful way. We want people to hear the great King James translation of the Bible spoken like normal speech, and watch the great drama unfold in images that do honor to Luke's words.
We would like to have you present. You will hear the scripture in a new way on this evening, finding unexpected delights in a familiar story. If you are not yet in the Christmas spirit, this should put you there. This is worship as well as drama, so admission is free. And plan to stay after to share some "Christmas goodies" in the fellowship hall.
Remember the time -- one week from this Saturday -- December 11, in the sanctuary of St. Matthew -- 7:00 p.m.
Look above for directions to the church, or call 817-451-6980. You will have one chance to see this, Saturday, December 11, 7:00 p.m. And be in worship somewhere this Sunday. God bless! |
Created and maintained by Chuck and Terry Mencke
This file last modified April 27, 2001
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