The congregation of New Life Church on Yonge Street north of Churchill has planned a special Easter treat for Innisfil residents.
On Good Friday, March 21, the church is hosting a day-long event titled, “In Search of Jesus.”
Ruth Sinclair, a member of New Life’s outreach committee, says the idea for the event “started last year. It was a dream of one of our church members. He was excited by the ‘Journey of Love’ he had seen in Stayner. In part, that was the inspiration. There are other groups who take us back in time to Christmas, but to my knowledge, nothing that really focuses on Easter.”
A cast of 14 actors and actresses from the New Life congregation, along with a support group of more than a dozen other church members, will stage a variety of scenarios depicting Good Friday.
Small groups of people, accompanied by a tour guide, will journey back in time to encounter costumed characters at 14 stations. These historic stops take place over several acres over a time span of approximately half an hour. It’s an interactive, dramatic recreation of some of the events surrounding the first Easter.
New Life held a similar event last year for members of their congregation and friends. It was so well received, the church members decided, “We have trees and property – let’s invite the community,” Sinclair says. “We wondered if it would work for a larger audience. The purpose is to provide a meaningful and family-friendly Easter event for residents and to create an opportunity to introduce people to the real meaning of Easter.”
Tours start at 9 a.m. on Good Friday, Mar. 21. It’s suitable for groups of six to 10 people at a time.
Sinclair reminds people the tours are outdoors so dress for the weather. Parking is available at Sunset Speedway across from the church property on Yonge Street just north of the 6th Conc.
Children must be accompanied and supervised at all times. She says the soldier scenes are non-violent, but possibly could appear threatening to very young children.
“This is good news,” Sinclair says. “Easter is a message of hope – one we want to share in a family-friendly way.”
To reserve a time for your family or group, call 436-5413.
