Christian Center Puts On Elaborate Easter Play

Remember those big-screen Bible epics? A huge cast, elaborate sets, Charlton Heston?

One Valley church is doing its best to squeeze that same kind of Panavision-sized excitement down small enough to fit inside its building. And it’s live.

New Hope Christian Center, 1108 N. Argonne, is hosting its third annual all-out Easter extravaganza, “Reflections of Calvary.”

The church held performances on Thursday and Friday. Tonight’s 7:30 p.m. showing is the production’s last of the year.

The play has a cast of 65 actors. Elaborate backdrop sets roll around on wheels, portraying the angry sky overhead the crucifixion or the interior of Middle Eastern buildings. Roman centurions gleam in golden armor. Everyone wears very convincing period costumes.

The crucifixion scene is especially realistic, hole-in-Christ’s side and all.

But to pull it off, the church didn’t have to spend a mint.

“Everything was made by people in our church,” says the Rev. Leo Hunt, pastor of the church.

Fortunately, they didn’t have to start from square one. Over the past three years, the congregation has collected quite a collection of props and costumes. They add a few things each year, but the uphill battle is over. The first time the play was staged at New Hope, it took three months to make everything.

Donnella Hunt, Leo’s wife and director of the play, says she’s proud of the production both because of its realism and the enthusiasm of everyone working on it.

“The staging is nice. We have some very nice touches which make it a very dramatic production,” she says. “I like it particularly because all the people are in our congregation.”

The show isn’t an all-out musical, she says, but does feature a few numbers.

Admission is free, and you might want to show up early. Having a crowd of 400 per night is typical.

“It’s a first-come, first-serve kind of thing,” Donnella Hunt says.

If all else fails and you can’t find a seat, tell them Charlton Heston sent you.

Easter Sunday services

Berean Bible Church, 10910 E. Boone. Easter Celebration, 9 and 10 a.m.

Christ Lutheran Church, 13009 E. Broadway. Youth-sponsored breakfast, runs from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Easter fanfare with brass and organ, followed by Holy Communion, 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Grace Harvest Fellowship, 24th and Sullivan. Easter message, 10 a.m.

Valley Open Bible Church, 905 N. McDonald. Services at 8:30 and 11 p.m. Breakfast at 9:15.

Millwood Community Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite. Sunrise services at Arbor Crest Winery Cliff House, 4705 N. Fruithill Road, 7 a.m. Pancake breakfast at the church, 8 a.m. Easter service at the church featuring children’s message and and Chancel Choir, 10 a.m.

Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 10422 E. Main. Service, 8:30 and 11 a.m. Also: Holy Saturday service tonight, 7 p.m.

Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines. Special message, 8:30 and 11 a.m. No Sunday school classes.

Opportunity Free Methodist Church, 1313 S. Pines. Worship, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Egg hunt for kids, 10 a.m.

Valley Fourth Memorial Church, 2303 S. Bowdish. Services at 9 and 10:30. Nursery care provided.

Valley Assembly of God, Broadway and Sullivan. Services at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Also: “By The Way of the Cross” drama tonight at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo