Portrait of Life

In 2005, three years before we met Madison, our church did a recreation of the painting, "The Last Supper." This is a screen shot of that performance, and as you can see we even had a ginormous frame up there on the stage. Inside are twelve apostles and Jesus, who is wearing a robe that Mommy created. Second from the left is Ye-Ye, and two seats to the right of Jesus is Daddy - both of us looked shocked as Jesus has made the announcement, "One of you will betray me." Each of us asked the question, "Is it I?"

Ye-Ye is playing the part of James, brother of John - and Daddy is playing the part of James the Lesser. It was a big moment for us all, and a very moving illustrated sermon that we'll reproduce in just a few days. Thousands got to see it, and the idea was so successful that we've reproduced it a few times over the years. We haven't done the frame in a while, but this year they are building one in the main sanctuary - right now as I type this out.

I'll be back as a disciple, one with an edge. I'm portraying Simon the Zealot. Not much is known about him, but the "zealot" part of his name tends to make us believe this guy was a bit fiery. As I walk up to the portrait and take a seat, I'll have a sort of intense look about me - which is something I'll have to figure out before Sunday. But that's the least of our worries.

This year, Daddy has been busy getting cast and costumes and a few props and make-up for a new version of this production, so he's been pretty busy. And slightly stressed to be honest. It's not very easy to find a guy who looks like Jesus. Or Kenny Loggins.

But we may have found favor, because it just so happens there's a teacher that has the look we need, so I'll be hopefully nailing down that lead in a bit. In the meantime there are so many other little leads to chase, and of course the typical children's ministry labors as well. Daddy and Mommy have suddenly found ourselves quite busy!