“THE ROCK” – A Christian Drama

Written and directed by Elizabeth Boehm-Wilson

Choreographed by Micaela Manion

Performed by Members of Grace St. Andrews United Church, Arnprior,Ontario

If your congregation is looking for a chance to work/play together, then, you should consider a Christian drama. Thanks to the creative skills of countless people and the spiritual guidance from Reverend Meg Illman-White, Grace St. Andrews United Church members in Arnprior, Ontario experienced such an opportunity.

The book of exodus is filled with many startling scenes. Burning bushes, parting seas, rocks changing to water…Elizabeth Boehm-Wilson was able to capture so much of this story in a Christian drama performed by all age groups from our congregation. What a perfect way to make this historical liberation from slavery more real to the children, youth and indeed the adults of Grace St. Andrews. It was also a perfect opportunity for a diverse group of children, youth and adults to work together, on stage, with a common purpose.

Coinciding with the drama was a reenactment of the last supper. Members and friends arrived for a potluck meal on Maundy Thursday. Throughout the meal, rituals were performed, similar to those experienced by Jesus and his disciples. 

The audience had the opportunity to become part of the drama following the dinner. As the play unfolded, it became obvious that while the people of God fled and then wondered, there were many occasions for them to doubt God’s goodness.  The rocks, bricks and stone fragments woven throughout the play symbolized this block to faithfulness. The audience was reminded that we too struggle to be faithful and find ourselves “blocked” by many things.

  Children of the cast handed out rocks to the audience. After the prayer of confession, the rocks were offered to God for cleansing and forgiveness.

The audience followed the cast through the River Jordan and into the Promised Land. The drama culminated with an inspiring hymn and dance. Cast and audience alike were, indeed, left feeling forgiven and free.

(Karen Crozier gratefully accepted the opportunity to be a member of the cast and write this article.)