God Sighting: Holy Week Reenactment

I never thought twice about becoming involved with the Sheridan Lutheran Drama ministry years ago and its production of Jesus’ last days.

The first two years I was involved, I played a member of the crowd and struggled with yelling, “Crucify Him.” It made me feel guilty and I thought deeply about what else I could yell during our scene.

Being a part of this ministry, I feel like you have an additional family as everyone gathers together each week to work through scenes, assisting each other in making it possible for each person to be their best. Going through lines at rehearsal and productions, I feel that I gain another son, especially the last
few years portraying Mother Mary. This mother-son relationship seems to fit since we both are around the same age of the characters we are portraying. As we live through our characters with each scene, I feel like the mother who let her son go off to war. It is hard to let your son go when you know that he is/was a gracious gift from our Father God. This is what is felt during the scene with Mother Mary and Jesus as well as the crucifixion scene. The scene of lashing Jesus makes me shudder and sets my emotions for what I know is coming up in the crucifixion scene. Watching Jesus (Mike) give all that he does makes the whole cast want to give their very best.

I have seen the care that is added when we ladies, set the Passover Meal for Jesus and his disciples with Seder Meal items as it was set years ago, by those setting up our scene props. The care comes from everyone involved on and off the stage. This can also be seen in Molly’s careful search for the right music to be sung by the Celebration Choir and the musicians. The time and work that is put in by those folks is certainly seen & heard, when they give the actors that extra energy that we so need. Especially when it is time to deliver God’s message to all worshipers and who are ready to take it in.

Sheridan’s pastors share in worship how Jesus took care of all-it becomes true with the drama team. Each member feels the passion come from each other as we are going through each scene with Diane giving direction to us on how to pull out our strengths to make each character shine.

The disciples can be seen loving our Lord and not ready to understand how they will lose him. We see Pontius Pilate (Pastor Greg) go through turmoil as he toils with his position and the truth he saw in Jesus and his wife’s (Rose) dream.

Being part of the Sheridan Drama team draws each member closer to each other. Each actor begins to feel as if they are truly there when Jesus went through those last days. We pray and ask the Lord, please let us honor you and deliver the whole salvation story to all those who come to worship.

By Janette Drohman