New Around the Mission

Light-hearted Epiphany Drama Is Enjoyable for All

February 13, 2012

With the stress of the holidays behind them, the parishioners at Christ Anglican Mission in Millville, New Jersey, were ready to celebrate the climactic end to the season of Advent and Christmas. And celebrate they did at a special Epiphany dinner and drama on January 6.

“Our church has done an Epiphany drama for several years, and it’s part of our tradition,” says the Rev. Patrick Kelly. “It’s light-hearted — it’s not Shakespeare — but there’s a Gospel message in there.”

Penned by one of Christ Anglican’s parishioners with a gift for writing dramas, the material is slightly different each year, but always sticks close to the biblical story of the Magi coming to Jerusalem, visiting King Herod and finding the baby Jesus. Each play offers a variety of simple roles with minimal memorization that children and adults can easily perform. For the past two years, Patrick has played King Herod. This time he added a humorous twist by gnawing on a chicken leg while the three Magi stood before him.

The drama took place in the fellowship hall of Central Baptist Church where Christ Anglican rents worship space. The Baptist church also shared some of its costumes for the play, and combined with costumes Christ Anglican assembled in previous years, all 20 actors were dressed to the hilt, some in dazzling finery.

“My kingly robe was a formal gown with gold trim,” Patrick says.

The children, who always play a big role in the drama, appeared as shepherds.

“As the shepherds come to adore the baby Jesus, we give them a little time to sit there and do a little private worship as part of the drama,” Patrick says. “They respond even though it’s a baby doll — they take it seriously. This is Jesus. That’s a very touching moment.”

Despite the actors not having a lot of rehearsals, the drama proved a great success. The team enjoyed themselves, and several visitors came up afterward and thanked Patrick for putting on the event. Some people from the Baptist church even showed up to support their Anglican counterparts. The drama concluded with a big covered-dish supper where people could fellowship, laugh and reflect on God’s presence in the New Year.

“It’s always fun and laid back,” Patrick says. “It’s a time for everyone to enjoy.”

Learn more at Christ Anglican Mission.

Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
Categories: Drama