Westwood Baptist Church at 419 County Road 5231 will be contributing to the seasonal festivities by offering a production of The Greatest Story Ever Told. The Westwood Baptist Church Choir and Drama Team will do one show on Saturday at 7 p.m. and another on Sunday at 10:15 a.m.
“We hope to share this play as a blessing and an encouragement to everyone,” said music pastor Steven Stembridge.
Westwood Baptist does a Christmas production every year. Past productions have included: Cards for Christmas, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and Searching for a King.
This year’s play tells the conversion story of an elderly atheist who experiences Christ through the witness of a child.
“We feel this story simply and clearly articulates the Christmas spirit and we wanted to share it,” said Stembridge.
While Stembridge is directing the musical portions of the performance, Westwood Baptist Academy’s high school English and drama teacher Leslie Collier is directing the dramatic portions of the play.
This is the first time the church has put on this play and there is another first associated with this production. Senior Pastor Steve Proctor is breaking church tradition. He usually has a supporting role in the church’s productions, but this time he is playing the lead part of Mr. Fritz. Lauren Collier will be sharing the center stage with him as Lizzie.
“Their interactions drive the storyline,” said Stembridge.
Past productions have always had their share of pre-production difficulties, said Stembridge. This year has been different.
“Things have gone very smoothly,” Stembridge said.
He encourages everyone to show up when the door opens 45 minutes prior to performance. The play will take place in the church’s main auditorium and there will be balcony seating, but seats fill up fast, he said.
The Greatest Story Ever Told is a free event open to all.
Anyone with any questions about the performance can call the church at 573-686-1260.