“The Living Bible” to be staged at First Presbyterian Church again
LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. — Bible stories will “come to life” as First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville presents “The Living Bible” again this October.
Church members will act out scenes from the Bible during a continuously repeating 20-minute show that runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, and Saturday, Oct. 5, outside First Presbyterian Church, 219 W. Maple Ave., Libertyville. Nearly 300 volunteers are working to stage the production, which the church presented annually from 1985 to 2000 before mounting a revival edition in 2012.
“Our congregation is thrilled to share the gift of ‘The Living Bible' with the community,” said the Rev. Brian Paulson, pastor of First Presbyterian. “It is an exceptional way for people of all ages to enter the story of the Bible.”
The realism of the narrated stories—including period costumes and live animals—may help “ignite a spiritual adventure” for Christians, Paulson said. He added the event also is “an open, inviting way for people who are curious about faith and church to explore Christianity.”
“The Living Bible” will focus on the New Testament story of Jesus' birth, ministry, death and resurrection. Scenes include “The Last Supper” tableau, whose actors duplicate Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting of the same name, in which Jesus Christ predicts one of his disciples will betray him. All the vignettes are laid out along a walking tour, with nonspeaking actors pantomiming to the accompaniment of prerecorded Scriptures and music.
New this year are two scenes brought back from the original “Living Bible” run — Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist and the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which modern Christians commemorate each year on Palm Sunday.
Church members have been preparing for the show for a year, according to event co-chairman Gary Holland of Libertyville. The 2012 revival drew total crowds of more than 1,000 people over the two-night, four-hour presentation. The production also represents a significant opportunity for the church's membership to join together to offer something to the community at large.
There is no admission charge. For more information, call 847-362-2174 or visit www.firstpreslibertyville.org.
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