Palm Sunday Service Dramatic Reading, Choir, Robert Robinson

Sunday, March 24th, 2002

Steal away from the Jesus of judgment and hollow ritual and embrace Jesus as a human itinerant teacher, one who is both challenging and transforming. That was Pastor George Wertin’s evocative message for SJA’s Palm Sunday Service March 24. “Today we celebrate, not of glory, but of challenge and conviction . . .Jesus shows us the way.”

The SJA Choir opened the service with the alluring Afro-Brazilian chant “Lemanja (The Promise of the Fisherman).” They then led the capacity filled palm-waving congregation joyously with “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” and accompanied the extraordinary gift of gospel soul -- Robert Robinson with the moving number “Steal Away.” Passionately responding to this African-American Spiritual, Wertin interpreted the song’s “encoded message” of stealing away from the chains of slavery through “an underground railroad that would take (the people) to a world of freedom.”

Rather than preach a Palm Sunday homily, George preferred to deliver a simple commentary before “The Passion” reading. “Where is Jesus for you? Is he a figure of power and authority (like) the common understanding of a high christology where God becomes a cruel judge? This Jesus hardly comes across as human. There are flaws when (we believe) Jesus had to come and save us from our sins and (we understand) this as nothing else but a sacrifice.” Father Wertin wants us to embrace rather a low christology of understanding where we see “the human Jesus: itinerant teacher challenging the order; breaking down barriers of religion; rejecting social structure; (one who) calls forth women to be disciples; and touches people who are suppose to be unclean.”

Wertin challenged the congregation with “Which Jesus do you follow? Distinguish between a Jesus who came to save us (with only) concern for the hereafter, and a Jesus concerned with humans right now.”

Nancy Gormley	Julie Madden

“As we steal away, let us follow ‘The Passion’ of Jesus,” announced George as the familiar story began. Seamlessly directed by local theater director and SJA member Peter Rothstein, the reading was given a direct and somber presentation at the 9 AM Mass and a much livelier impassioned delivery at the 11 AM Mass. Narrated by Nancy Gormley, who gave a much more determined reading for the second mass, the superb cast also included Bob Hanson as Jesus, Matt Woodling as Judas, Daryl Savage as Peter and the Chief Priest, Maggie Vagle as the Slave Girl, Rik Murray as Caiaphas, Julie Madden and Michele Janson as Accusers, and Roger Dick as Pilate. Dan Chouinard’s piano playing and Anna Vagles’ work with percussion and recorder provided magical nuance with their pitch perfect musical underscore.

Robinson followed “The Passion” reading’s powerful conclusive silence with an absolutely transforming performance of “The Wondrous Day of Our God” accompanied with the SJA Choir. This truly wondrous marvel of a gospel singer brought people rapturously to their feet with rejoicing tears and exultation at both masses with this number. So richly gorgeous, powerful, and effectively commanding is Robbie’s voice, we at SJA are truly blessed by the riches of his wonderful presence. The SJA Choir and Robinson also beautifully sung Leon Roberts “We Remember You,” a perfectly appropriate communal closing hymn.

Visit our audio/video page for audio of the reading as well as audio and video of Robert and Fr. George.

Michael Reinbold is a professional photographer and banquet caterer with an extensive theatre background in acting, writing, and directing. He loves all aspects of the arts, staying fit, and helping and inspiring people. A passionate believer in St. Joan of Arc's mission of social justice, Michael is a continuing AIDS Ride participant, Grace House volunteer cook, mass reader, and Joan of Arc choir member. He looks forward to web reporting and photographing for the website.

Rick Spaulding is a photographer specializing in digital photography for the theater and works for National Camera Exchange. He is also an antique dealer and eBay afficianado who enjoys collecting marbles but his true joys in life are his two boys and his beautiful wife, Tinia.

Fred Vagle, in addition to his work as a musician, is in charge of the Audio/Video highlights section of the website and is a tremendous supporter of the webteam's efforts.