Schaumburg church's 'First Fruits' teaches stewardship

Five Northwest suburbanites are cast in an original play based on the biblical concept of First Fruits at Our Redeemer's United Methodist Church, 1600 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.

The play, presented during 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services on Sunday, Oct. 15, is directed by Peggy Gire, a retired music teacher in Schaumburg District 54 and a church member since 1983.

"As we talk about in the play, First Fruits isn't literally fruit," she said. "It could be the first portion of your harvest, or the first money you earn. First Fruits is about giving to God before you have taken care of all your other needs, then trusting that God will bless all your other endeavors."

In the play, actors dressed up as fruits and vegetables come together to determine who among them deserves to be God's First Fruits. The cast includes:

John Jepson of Bartlett as Apple, a polished speaker stemming from his confidence and enthusiasm.

Sue Zimberoff of Elgin as Grapes, a true group thinker, sweet, yet distracted by the chatty grape nuts surrounding her.

Dann Gire of Hoffman Estates as Banana, given to going bananas with emotional highs and lows while being excitable, argumentative, yet loyal to his friend, Apple.

Mary Stehlin of Hanover Park as Sweet Pea, a nurturing, loving, well-rounded character who always finds the best in others.

Jamie Addams as Carrot, an insightfully nerdy intellectual whose natural smarts seem at odds with her personal insecurities.

The First Fruits play is sponsored by the Our Redeemer's Stewardship campaign chaired by Schaumburg resident Dan Murray. The First Fruits characters will also attend both services on Oct. 29 for the church's annual Celebration Sunday drive.

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