First Baptist has completed Phase 1 of its multi-building renovation.
WINNFIELD – First Baptist has completed Phase 1 of its multi-building renovation. A building dedication took place Sept. 16 for the sparkling-new Christian Life Center and education facilities. Phases 2 and 3 are not yet calendared.
That’s not all that’s going on:
Practices have started for the Judgement House dramatic production, which is set for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, Wednesday, Oct. 24, Saturday, Oct. 27, Sunday, Oct. 28, and Wednesday, Oct. 31 at the church. Reservations are required for space considerations. Call 318.628.3544 to reserve a place. A $2 donation per ticket is requested.
First Winnfield has staged Judgement House for seven times in the last 11 years, most recently in 2005. A new script is presented each year. This year’s title – Web of Lies – plays off an internet theme. Co-directors: Brandon Lewis, youth pastor, and John Holland, minister of music and senior adults.
Judgement House is a walk-through dramatic presentation of seven scenes that makes plain the choice between heaven and hell, and closes by providing the opportunity to make that choice, Lewis explained. The website www.judgementhouse.org provides a more complete description.
The annual cost – probably about $1,000 for everything – is offset by members’ donations of needed items such as lumber or clothing material.
First Winnfield continues with this production for two reasons, Lewis said. It impacts the eternal destination of many people’s lives, and it draws the church body closer together.
“We see people come to Christ through it, many each year,” Lewis said. “It does in fact require all the age groups of our church to participate. … You have the opportunity to see teens interact with adults or senior adults they may or may not interact with on a day-to-day basis. … It strengthens the body…
“The students are able to hear and see the leadership of the other adults,” Lewis continued, nonstop like many youth leaders. “The adults experience the energy and excitement of the teens.”
Jerold McBride is interim pastor of First Winnfield.