Over Easter weekend, the choir and orchestra, directed by Gary Riler, presented the musical “Believe.” There were several soloists, and narration was read by Catey Hinkle and Hunter Cripps. Video clips on a screen behind the orchestra and choir showed actors portraying key witnesses who were there during the final week of Jesus’ life--Pilate, Caiaphas, Jesus’ mother Mary, Thomas, and John. The program was divided between Good Friday and Easter Sunday morning.

The Good Friday service was a somber remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice. It began with a piano prelude by Kristi Riler playing “Lamb of God.” After a welcome and prayer by Pastor David Lambert, the congregation sang “The Old Rugged Cross.”  The orchestra played “Jesus Paid it All,” and then the lights dimmed, and the narrators described the political situation in Israel leading up to Jesus’ ministry.

The first choir song was “Save Us,” followed by “Here at Your Table,” a song about the Last Supper that featured Diana Baros as soloist. Caleb Copko was the soloist in “Love Divine,” which spoke of Jesus’ motivation for laying down His life, and Ashley Morgan was featured in the “Jesus, Hail the Lamb Medley,” telling of His death. The final number declared, “Hallelujah, What a Savior.”

At that point the musical ended, and the service continued with the congregation singing “There Is a Redeemer,” before Tony Boyce, visiting from Dallas, Oregon, brought the message. He read Matthew 27:1-4, which speaks of Judas’ regret after betraying Jesus. Brother Tony talked about how Jesus was innocent but condemned. Judas was guilty, but Jesus took the punishment for his sins and for the sins of all of humanity. Brother Tony closed by encouraging all who were present to consider the sacrifice Jesus made, reach out to Him, and let Him change their lives.