By Staff
BEARING THE CROSS n Jerome Hembree, as Jesus, walks past John Gamber and Cheri Hembree as he carries the cross in "Eight Days That Changed the World." Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Ida Brown/The Meridian Star
April 7, 2001
Have you ever considered how Jesus must have felt his last days on Earth?
Although a divine being, he spent more than 30 years as a human experiencing emotions and thoughts unfamiliar to him before. Knowing one's life is coming to an end is traumatic for anyone. For Jesus, in his human persona, the thought must have been overwhelming.
As a tribute, McElroy, who serves as minister of music at Briarwood Baptist Church, has written a Biblically-based drama titled "Eight Days That Changed the World." The production will be presented this week in four acts.
McElroy was motivated to write the drama after viewing a similar production at the church of a friend.
The story is presented from a human perspective.
The production features a 40-member cast, plus the church's adult choir. It also includes special lighting, sound effects, a slide show and audience participation. The four one-hour acts and dates presented are as follows:
Act I, "Palm Sunday," Sunday at 10:45 a.m.
Act II, "The Last Supper," Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. The Lord's Supper will be served.
Act III, "The Crucifixion," Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Act IV, "The Resurrection," April 15, 8 a.m.
McElroy said he hopes the audience will be spiritually motivated by the production.
Free tickets are available for each act of the production. A nursery for children ages 3 and under will be provided.
For more information, call the church office at 681-6615, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Briarwood Baptist Church is located approximately 5 miles north of Meridian, just off Highway 39 North on Hillview Drive.