That First Passion Week
An "eye-witness" account of events surrounding 
the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Scroll down this page for more details. 

A Concert of Scripture
Selected scriptures, recited "in character." 
And Life everlasting
The resurrection to come, as it might have been 
explained by a 1st century itinerant missionary. 
Support for Worship Services
Preaching 
Scripture Recitations and/or Readings
Presentations, Here are three examples:
Workshops.
   Ways to Effectively Recite or Read Scripture in a Setting
   Ways to Memorize Scripture
That First Passion Week
And Life everlasting
A Concert of Scripture
Workshops
IN BRIEF:  This 22-minute account of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has been seen more than 300 times in churches and schools across the upper Midwest. 

It is told from the perspective of an "eye-witness" to help us feel what His followers might have felt: their joy as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, their wonder as He cleared the Temple, their anguish at His trial, their grief at His death, and their overwhelming joy at seeing the risen Christ! 

That First Passion Week is presented year-round, with the peak season occuring between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.  Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.  During the peak season: Sunday mornings and evenings, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday are typically highest in demand. 

PROMOTIONAL COPY (for your bulletin or advertisement)   
Every year at this time, people around the world think back to events of  2000 years ago.  What is it about Jesus Christ that stirred the people of the first century and of every generation since?  And how do those events of the past relate to our present -- and to our future?  These questions are answered in a live, dramatic, and insightful account of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that will be presented (where) on (day & date) at (time). 

We invite you to see this account that will be told from the perspective of an "eye-witness" to help us feel what his followers might have felt: their excitement as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, their wonder as He cleared the Temple, their anguish at His trial, their grief at His death, and their overwhelming joy at seeing the risen Christ! 

IN BRIEF:  This 20-minute "eye-witness account" takes us back to the days when the Gospel of Jesus Christ was first preached among the gentiles. Back to when New Testament writings were circulated as letters among the churches. And back to when itinerant missionaries traveled throughout the Mediterranean region to teach, edify, and encourage the new first-century gentile believ ers.The account draws heavily from Paul's Epistles and concentrates on two themes: God's wisdom and the resurrection to come. 

PROMOTIONAL COPY (for your bulletin or advertisements)   
Every day, people from all over the world think back to events that happened nearly 2000 years ago. Jesus Christ came into the world, died, and rose from the dead -- to give us new birth into a living hope.  He also sent many witnesses into the world.  What might it have been like to see and hear one of these witnesses?  What are some of the things they said? These questions are answered in a live dramatization that will be presented at (where) on (day & date) at (time). 

We invite you to see this dramatization that will take you back to the 1st century.  Back to when the Gospel of Jesus Christ was first preached among the gentiles. Back to when New Testament writings were circulated as letters among the churches. And back to when itinerant missionaries traveled throughout the Mediterranean region to teach, edify, and encourage the new gentile believers. 

IN BRIEF:  These concerts feature scripture, recited "in-character".
Some recitations are interactive -- like Acts 2, Acts 17, and 2 Tim 4.  Others are particularly moving -- Like Gen 1, Psalm 27, and Psalm 51. 

A concert can be as short as a single recitation (to lead into your sermon) or multiple selections (like the one below) which becomes the sermon.

SAMPLE CONCERT:  
  • Opening announcements, choruses, prayer  
You and your worship leaders plan and lead the congregation in these. 

  • Concert of Scripture, Part 1 -- 15 minutes 
Peter's Address at Pentecost... (Acts 2:14-41) 
The Creation Story... (Gen 1:1-2:3) 
David's Psalm of Repentance... (Psalm 51) 

  • Break -- 3 minutes 
Brief time for you or a designate to make announcements, or lead a hymn.

  • Concert of Scripture, Part 2 -- 15 minutes 
The Incarnate Word... (from John 1) 
Paul's Last Recorded Words to Timothy... (2 Timothy 4) 
Medley of Praise... (From Job and Psalms) 

  • Ending activities 
You plan and lead these. During less formal services, some churches 
use a portion of this time to discuss tips on memorizing scripture. 


PROMOTIONAL COPY (for your bulletin or advertisements)   
The Bible is the most widely distributed book in the world. It is filled with wisdom and instruction, passion and inspiration, encouragement and revelation. What Apostle Paul wrote long ago still applies today: "Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance and encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope." 

We hope you'll join us at (NAME OF CHURCH) on (DAY), (DATE) at (TIME) for A Concert of Scripture -- featuring dramatic, "in-character" recitations of selected passages from the world's most treasured book. 

Ways to Memorize Scripture

   Among the things discussed in this interactive workshop are: 

  • Why we should memorize scripture 
  • Common methods for memorizing scripture 
  • Why many people find it difficult to memorize 
  • Things that can make memorization difficult 
  • How the mind seemingly works 
  • Putting your brain in gear to better assimilate scripture 
  • Getting more out of scripture without memorizing 

Support for Worship Services
REPERTOIRE:  The following is a partial list of recitations for Sermon Support or 
for a Concert of Scripture. Contact me for additional passages or for special requests.  

Gen 1:1 - 2:3 ---- "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth..." 
       The story of creation. Excellent for introducing a sermon on creation. 

Exodus 19:16 - 20:21 ---- "On the morning of the third day..." 
       The giving of the Ten Commandments 

Psalm 8 ---- "Oh LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the Earth..." 
       David's prayer of praise and thanksgiving. 

Psalm 23---- "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want..." 
       Often quoted Psalm of comfort. Recited in the KJV. 

Psalm 27 ---- "The LORD is my light and my salvation..." 
       A Psalm of David -- presented from the perspective of one who is in need. 
       Excellent for introducing a sermon on our tribulations AND joys! 

Psalm 30 ---- "I will exalt you, O LORD..." 
       A Psalm of David -- presented from the perspective of one whose need has been met. 
       Excellent for ending a sermon on our tribulations AND joys! 

Psalm 37: 1-15 ---- "Do not fret because of evil men..." 
       Coping with those who do wrong. 

Psalm 51 ---- "Have mercy on me, O God..." 
       David's confession and plea for mercy. 

Psalm 73 ---- "Surely God is good to Israel..." 
       Concerning the temporary prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. 

Psalm 91 ---- "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High..." 
       Concerning God, our refuge. 

Psalm 139 ---- "O LORD, you have searched me and you know me..." 
       Concerning God, our creator. 

Psalm 150 ---- "Praise the LORD!..." 
       An exuberant Psalm of praise. Excellent for opening up a service! 

Ecclesiastes 12 ---- "Remember your creator in the days of your youth..." 
       Solomon's "conclusion of the matter." 

Isaiah 6 ---- "In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne..." 
       Isaiah's encounter with the glory of the Lord. 

Isaiah 40:21-31 ---- "Do you not know? Have you not heard?..." 
       Concerning God, who gives us strength. 

Isaiah 53 ---- "Who has believed our message?..." 
       Concerning the suffering Messiah. 

Matthew 5:3-14 ---- " Blessed are the poor in spirit..." 
       The Beatitudes... and being salt and light. 

Matthew 6:25-34 ---- " Do not worry about your life..." 
       Jesus' words concerning worry. 

(from) LUKE 1, 2 ---- " Many have taken to draw up an account..." 
       Luke's account of the birth of Jesus. 

John 1: 1-18 ---- " In the beginning was the Word..." 
       Concerning Jesus, the incarnate Word of God. 

Acts 2-14-41 ---- " Fellow Jews and all of you who are in Jerusalem..." 
       Peter's address to the crowd after the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. 
       An interactive and powerful scripture portrayal for Pentecost ! 

Acts 17:22b-31 ---- " ...Men of Athens!..." 
       Paul's address at the meeting of the Areopagus. 

Romans 5:1-11 ---- "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith..." 
       Our peace with God through Christ. 

Romans 8:1-39 ---- "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..." 
       Set free from the law of sin and death. 

Romans 12:1-21 ---- "Therefore, I urge you brothers... to offer your bodies as living sacrifices..." 
       Being transformed by the renewing of your mind.

1st Corinthians 13 ---- " If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels..." 
       Concerning love. 

1st Corinthians 15: 35-58 ---- " But someone may ask, 'How are the dead raised?'..." 
       Concerning the resurrected body. 

2nd Corinthians 12:2-10 ---- " I know a man in Christ ..." 
       Concerning Paul's revelations and thorn in the flesh. 

Ephesians 1:3-23 ---- "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ..." 
       Paul's energizing words of joy and encouragement in light of what God has done
       for us through Jesus Christ. 

Ephesians 6:10-20 ---- Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in his mighty power..." 
       The armor of God. 

Philippeans 3:4b-21 ---- " If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh..." 
       Concerning works of God and works of the flesh. 

2nd Timothy 4 ---- " In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus..." 
       A dramatization of Paul's touching letter to Timothy. 

Hebrews 11:1 - 12:3 ---- " Now faith is being sure of what we hope for..." 
       Concerning faith.

Sample Recitation on Youtube
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Sample Recitation on Youtube

Do Not Worry (from Mt 6:25-34)

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Ways to Effectively Recite or Read Scripture in a Setting

    An interactive workshop that explores and rehearses
    effective ways to present scripture in a setting.
Preaching
Scripture Recitations and/or Readings