Kim C and John W were certainly people to get to know in and around Lakeview Baptist Church during…read morethe production of The Living Christmas Tree. The event was super and a time of fellowship was enjoyed by audience and cast alike. The show with costumes was in rehearsal since last August 2014. Kim C and John W really helped prepare the mammoth depiction of the Crucifixion, Death and Burial of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Ultimate Victory of our Savior Christ, the King. Furthermore, John Wiedman gave advice and meditation and hands on guidance to this reporter at the time of dress and composure. Transportation, was provident by Mark Lindemann and Clyde Hall. Both of these men provided extraordinary assistance and encouragement during preparation and execution of this most important project. Yes, the Living Christmas Tree extravaganza during this Holiday Season will stand as a hallmark of expression for the Christian World and in fact all creeds for years to come.
Pastor Branson Rogers opened and closed the happenings with prayer and interceded for many who are believers or non-believers. The eager crowd seemed to lunge forward and hang onto Pastor Rogers every word with expectation and anticipation. The parishioners today were tired and wanted to receive something new and this was about to happen. Yes, this will be billed as a historical event with purpose, as the audience crowd swelled to view the proceedings, pressed forward to, witness its innermost anticipation of the Biblical account of The Great Story. However, this past weeks performance is sandwiched in by the horror of the daily news events of today. We need prayer and more of it. Where are we going stated Pastor Rogers, in this world beset by wickedness? There is trouble everywhere, with masses of people taking the wrong path to a place of ultimate loss. But, bring on the "The Living Christmas Tree" says Pastor Branson as this play can be earmarked as a closing sign of 2014 where many people are steeped in enigmas, carry a sense of no hope.
Nevertheless, this is the scenario for the Christmas Story, with the character Mary, proclaimed near the performance end, tells that JESUS, IS ALIVE!!! Just as the Prophets predicted in the Old Testament teachings. Throughout the stage work, "The Great Pharisee" was constantly admonished early in the drama, by Nocademas, to handle Jesus carefully, very carefully. This "one" is different as seen a bit later. Without a doubt, the realization that Jesus Is Alive and paid it all for you and me as many believers acknowledge. It will be most tragic to lose one's salvation which is eternal separation from ALMIGHTY GOD. Satan is evil personified. He is a loathe-some , gruesome 'THING' and would surely desire a human soul, not just settling for a hand or a foot to feast on for he is a serpent that wants you whole. O, what a terrible place that is and nothing can describe it. In fact, Jesus is the ULTIMATE WARRIOR who already finished God's Plan. As seen in the drama, Jesus obeyed His Father in HEAVEN and went to His death, on the Third Day, He Arose, and said, "All Power, All Power, is Given unto Me in Heaven and in Earth. "I Am the Resurrection and Life, he that believeth in Me, shall never die."
However, as the drama revealed itself it, "take charge person," LuAnn Wilder, Drama Director, showed her broad talents through efforts, tenacity and skill. Her being present helped, to pull in a deep level of concentration and focus of the performing arts characters. Ms. Wilder even started costume design off by making and handing out gayly colored scarfs she made, for the guild. This was one of the many eye pleasing adjustments to Act I. Arts and Crafts person, Terry Fleshman provided, 32 pieces of hand made artifact objects of light weight wood design free of charge for family, friends and congregation. Moreover, a number of items were offered to staff and visitors at event closing. The show ran for five performances and in the last show in appreciation of Associate Pastor Tom Hudgins, was always available for counsel, uplift and direction for the group during the production from moving stage pieces, to moving people to delivering planned sound equipment effectiveness...that was Bro. Tom.
We pulled out all stops for this drama, as people need to know the Lord."
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Let the voices be heard!!! Let the people know! "the Director of Lakeview Baptist
"Living Christmas Tree," is Ministry Director is Roger Becks. His vision was made real and was sourced through, prayer, soul, heart, The Spoken Word and the Holy Spirit. Pastor Becks answered touchstones and let impossibilities be fielded with deep understanding and love. The TREE was his baby and he ran with it to the end. Pastor Becks never wavered in his resolve. The songs were sung and placed in thought for all to see. Peace -----.
The wrap up was done in prayer and praise by Pastor Rogers.