After 25 years, Life Singers Ministries will disband after this Lenten season

Life has come full circle after 25 years for Life Singers Ministries of DuPage County.

The musical group of about 70 members began in 1983 when several founding members attended a local church presentation of a contemporary Christian musical, "The Witness."

That inspired their career of spreading the word of Jesus Christ through Christian musicals and dramatic expression during the Lenten season.

This is the last year they will perform, and they have chosen "The Witness" as their last presentation.

More churches have begun doing their own Lenten programs, so the nonprofit, interdenominational group of Christians from area churches is no longer in such demand.

"In 1983, when Life Singers Ministries began, there weren't a lot of churches that were doing this type of thing and now there are," said Lynn Scheimann, a member of Life Singers for more than 16 years.

Not only has it become harder to get volunteers to become involved in the Lenten season productions and hours of rehearsal, but many of the core members of Life Singers Ministries are getting more involved with their own churches.

"It's been a long, hard decision to make. It's been bittersweet," Scheimann added.

When some members of the group said this would be their last year, the decision was made to put on "The Witness" as a 25th anniversary program.

"The Witness," written by Jimmy and Carol Owens, portrays the life of Jesus from birth to resurrection, as viewed through the eyes of the disciple Peter.

In the musical, Peter, who was a fisherman before he walked with Jesus, recalls the good times of being a disciple of Christ. He also recalls the more tragic times, witnessing first hand the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

During the production, the man who publicly denied knowing Jesus becomes one of his most enthusiastic witnesses. The audience, along with Peter, rejoice in the glorious celebration of the resurrection of the Lord and his victory over death and the grave.

This production includes lighter songs like "Fishers of Men" and "My Boys," as well as more serious songs like "Make Me Like You" and "They Took Him Down."

It may be their last production, but members of the group are making every effort to get their message to their audience.

"My prayer is that people leave with the desire to want to strengthen their relationship with Christ and to share the Gospel with others," Scheimann said.

"The Witness" will be performed at area churches throughout the Lenten season. The musical runs a little longer than one hour, and the show is appropriate for junior high school age and older children and adults.

"A unique thing about this group is that we go from church to church and set up the production and then tear it down after each performance at a different church," Scheimann said.

Members of the 2008 season of Life Singers Ministries range in age from 25 to 80. About 70 active members are involved in various functions within the ministry, including singing, drama, costuming, stage makeup, theatrical lighting, audio reinforcement and the technical arts.

Members live in towns all across DuPage County, as well as Big Rock, Joliet and Milllington. Some of the members are in the choir of their church and represent Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist and Christian denominations.

Reservations are not needed for any of the programs; however, a freewill offering will be taken at each show to help offset costs.

For details, visit www.lifesingersministries.org.

If you go

What:Life Singers Ministries will present "The Witness" at these churches. Performances are free, but a goodwill offering will be taken:

• 7:30 p.m. today at Naperville Christian Church, 25W530 75th St., Naperville, (630) 983-5600

• 7:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 37 Army Trail Road, Addison, (630) 543-6909

• 4 p.m. March 8 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1310 Shepherd Drive, Naperville, (630) 961-9220

• 7:30 p.m. March 9 at Plano Christian Church, 9 Schomer Road, Plano, (630) 552-7640

• 7:30 p.m. March 15 at Living Christ Lutheran Church, 1402 Arlington Drive, Hanover Park, (630) 837-2100

• 7:30 p.m. March 16 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 4501 Main St., Downers Grove, (630) 968-6231