Moses was a fierce, wise and strong leader. But it was because he gave himself totally over to God that he became one of the most iconic figures in the Old Testament.

The tale of Moses is a timeless story whose message is especially appropriate at this time of the year.

Zion Church, 18 Quarry Road, Leola, will show a stage/screen production of "Moses" in all of its glory as a way to make the Easter season even more festive. The presentation is also in keeping with Zion Church's mission of reaching out to the community in an effort to make it a better place to live.

" 'Moses' is a story of perseverance and his trust in God," said Keith Shetter, a member of Zion Church's evangelism committee. "It's a great testament to someone who trusted in God and was seen through during some trying circumstances. We really want people to know it's important to have faith in someone greater than themselves. It makes it very poignant at this time of the year."

"Around the Easter season, we try to do something that's faith-based in the spring," continued Shetter. "It's just a great community offering. It's an opportunity to introduce Jesus in the church setting. There will be opportunities to engage further in the church. That's our hope - that it will speak to someone on a grander scale."

Zion Church will project "Moses" on a big screen in its sanctuary on Saturday, March 23, at 2 p.m. The two-hour presentation is a 2023 recording of Sight & Sound Theatres' stage play of the same name.

The presentation is free, and everyone is welcome. Light complimentary refreshments will be available, and no registration is required to attend.

"It's just an open invitation to join a celebration," said Shetter. " 'Moses' is really engaging. It's a wow experience. You don't even realize you're being exposed to God. Hopefully, 'Moses' would stir in people a desire to know more and speak to them in a way that makes them want to learn."

Shetter is hoping that at least 70 people will attend.

"It'll be a mix of people from church and people from the community," he said.

Zion Church routinely stages a handful of outreach events for the community throughout the year, things like a community meal, a water slide day and Trunk or Treat. But none are quite like "Moses."

"We were looking for something to engage with the community," said Shetter. "We do different things, not necessarily for the congregation, but for the community. We're open to opportunities as they present themselves. The events kind of find their places."

Zion Church, whose pastor is Karen Larson, is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. With a congregation of over 200 members, the church was founded in the early 1900s and moved to its current location in 2000.

"We gather to grow, and we live to serve," said Shetter. "It's not just serving ourselves on Sunday. It's taking the Word and what we know and sharing it with our neighbors and community. It shouldn't be an inward look but an outward look. We're called to serve others around us. In this case, it's a movie."

For additional information on Zion Church, go to http://www.zionleola.org/.