Greer First Baptist Church and New River gospel and bluegrass band have teamed to tell the Easter Story in a unique presentation Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m.
Following the success of Greer First Baptist’s Smoky Mountain Christmas this past December, the Worship and Drama Ministries are partnering with New River to tell the Easter Story. Using the popular music and music style of New River along with dramatic “eye-witness” accounts of those who were there at the death and resurrection of Christ. The musical and dramatic production is for all ages.
New River is a six-piece Greer band consisting of Barry Long (banjo and dobro), Mike Johnson (guitar), Dwayne Brown (bass), Mike Mullins (mandolin), Chuck Price (fiddle) and Andy Smith (guitar). The group’s song, “When I Look Back Down the Road” hit No. 1 on the Singing News’ Gospel Bluegrass chart in 2013.
“We are continuing to look for different and unique ways to share the gospel with our community,” Dave Dupree, Greer First Baptist Minister of Worship said. “We know how popular gospel and gospel bluegrass music is in our area, and with phenomenal local talent like New River already presenting their message in their signature style, we approached them to create an experience that combines the love of great gospel music, songs about the cross and the resurrection, and live eye-witness characters that tell what it was like to be there during that time.”
Characters like Judas, Mary the Mother of Jesus, Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas all share their unique perspectives as they recount what they experienced and witnessed during the days surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection.
Judas confesses that he wasn’t there at the crucifixion because he couldn’t face what he had done . . . he had betrayed his Lord for financial gain. He sorrowfully exclaims, “There won’t be anyone to mourn my death. My name will never be honored. No mother will ever again call her newborn son Judas.”
Mary recounts how she was not only there as they nailed her son to a tree, she was there from his first breath and saw his life unfold, somehow anticipating that some great drama ultimately lay in store for her son.
Greer First Baptist invites the community to the historic sanctuary to experience the music of New River, presented in this unique Easter presentation.
The church is located at 202 W. Poinsett Street. Call 877-4253 for more information.