The other day I had the great opportunity to participate in a webinar with Mike Adams from the official office of the Oberammergau Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany.For those of you who don't know, the village of Oberammergau performs a Passion Play every 10 years as an act of thanks to God for sparing the village from the Plague.
In 1632, more than 20 percent of the village had perished due to the plague. One year later, the townspeople pledged to perform a passion play every 10 years if God would save their town. Not another person died, and the town has been performing the play for more than 375 years.
The next performance comes in 2010. More than 500,000 visitors are expected for the 102 performances between May and October.
I had the great fortune to attend the play in 2000, and I can't say enough about it. It's not just "a play," it's a very intense emotional and spiritual experience. Imagine up to 1,000 people and animals on the open-air stage at one time as Jesus drives the money lenders from the temple, or as he makes his triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey.
The play begins in mid-afternoon and runs for 2 1/2 hours before a three-hour dinner break. After dinner, there's another 2 1/2 hours, culminating in the crucifixion.
If you have the opportunity to attend, you won't regret it.
I'm organizing an informational meeting for anyone who would like to learn more about Oberammergau or who is considering attending.
Please join me at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 at First Baptist Church of Indianapolis (8600 N. College Ave.).
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