Presentation To Bring Scripture to Life

Some time ago, Drew DiNardo, pastor of St. Stephen Reformed Church, heard from Piercing Word Ministries, an organization that brings Scripture to life in dramatic form.

DiNardo thought it might be good to have the theatrical ministry visit the church in the future when he was planning to preach on the Scripture that was the subject of the presentation.

Since that time, the St. Stephen Women's Ministry began talking about bringing Piercing Word to the church. "Someone had seen (a Piercing Word production)," recalled Dana Snyder, a member of the women's ministry. "We've heard good things about them."

When representatives of the women's ministry approached the church session with the idea, DiNardo knew the time was right. "God's providence followed with the women's ministry," he noted.

Now the church is inviting the ELANCO community to experience "The Gospel of Mark," presented dramatically and word for word from the Scriptures in a one-man show as presented by Aaron House. The event will take place at the church, 249 E. Main St., New Holland, on Friday, July 18, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will follow.

DiNardo noted that a sermon series on the Gospel of Mark will begin on Sundays following the event. St. Stephen holds worship at 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. each Sunday.

Nathan Titus, pastoral assistant with St. Stephen, reported that he expects the presentation to offer a dramatic journey straight through the book of Mark. "It will be phenomenal to hear and see," he said, adding, "The book of Mark is short and punchy. It's action packed, but not at thriller movie level." Titus went on to explain that the production will focus on who Jesus is - the Son of God - and what He does. "If you want to see Jesus in action, it's one of the great Gospels to go to," he said of the evangelical text.

Piercing Word relays that the presentation creatively tells the story of Jesus by following him to the places He went and introducing audiences to the people who were called to follow Him. A goal is to move audiences by the "power of the Word of God."

"I think people will enjoy it," stated DiNardo. "We just want to be a blessing to the community."

A freewill offering will be received to help defray costs of bringing the dramatic interpretation to New Holland. Piercing Word is a Lancaster ministry that seeks to engage people in the Word of God by coming alongside local Christian leaders. More information about the organization may be found at http://www.piercingword.org.

Readers who would like to know more about St. Stephen may visit https://ststephenpca.org. Individuals who have questions may call 717-354-7871.