Europe in 2010

2009-09-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

In 2010, visitors will flock to the Bavarian village of Oberammergau to see the renowned Passion Play, held once every 10 years

While most tour operators haven’t finalized their Europe programs for 2010 yet, recent booking trends are changing the way people will travel across the pond next year.

On the Rise?

The biggest emerging trend, operators agree, is waiting till the last minute to book trips. “People used to book six months in advance, then four months…Now they book three weeks in advance,” says Ady Gelber, president and CEO of IsramWorld. “It’s a very impressive booking trend, but it drives me crazy because the figures look different from month to month.”

“Even as we see more last-minute bookings to Europe for 2009, we are also seeing an upswing in 2010 bookings,” says Trafalgar Tours President Paul Wiseman, adding that the company is currently up almost 10 percent for future bookings compared with last year. “Many travelers who chose not to travel in 2008 or 2009 will be traveling in 2010 as the overall economic situation improves globally.” Wiseman believes that the company will see growth from 10 to 20 percent next year—“if not more.”

Gelber agrees, adding, “The first half of the year will be same, and we’ll see some improvement of 10 or 15 percent in the second half of the year.” Steve Born, vice president of marketing, Globus, sees an even brighter future. “Early indicators are already showing a gain of over 25 percent in year-over-year advance sales and deposits. Great pricing, good offers and—best of all—a resurgence in use of a travel agent to guide the way will put Europe back on the upswing in 2010,” he says.

Oberammergau’s Passion Play

For almost 400 years, the Bavarian village of Oberammergau has presented a medieval-style Passion Play once every decade. Every 10 years, from mid-May to early October, pilgrims arrive to witness the performance (about 2,000 townspeople take part in the play)—but with the recent trend of last-minute bookings, many tour operators still have space available on tours that include Oberammergau. Acknowledging that sales are slower than they were in 2000, the official Passion Play Office has extended tour operators’ payment-in-full deadline from September 30 to January 31 and relaxed cancellation charges.

“The market for Oberammergau has been severely affected by the global financial crisis and the subsequent crisis of consumer confidence,” acknowledges Trafalgar’s Wiseman. “As with the main European market, late bookings are the norm; so what we will see with Oberammergau is a very late booking pattern, which, for a product normally with an 18-month window, now means six to 10 months. So, sales will be hot in the months to come.” Trafalgar has 14 tours featuring one- or two-night stays in the village and tickets to the Passion Play.

2009-08-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

Princess 2010 Cruisetour to Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany

Princess Cruises has announced a special cruisetour in the summer of 2010 that includes the opportunity to see the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany, which is only produced every 10 years.

The new 18-day "Oberammergau & Highlights of Germany" tour features two nights in the southern German town of Oberammergau, and includes tickets to the event. Passengers will also visit a variety of other top German destinations during the eight-day land tour, including Frankfurt, the Black Forest, Munich, Nuremberg and Berlin. In addition, the tour will connect seamlessly with a 10-day Scandinavia/Russia cruise aboard Star Princess. Two departures are offered on August 2 and August 12, 2010.

Princess 2010 Cruisetour to Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany

Star Princess Photo Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Oberammergau Passion Play Added to YMT Vacation's "Must-See" List

2009-04-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

Decennial event added to YMT Vacations' European tours. The Passion Play in Oberammergau is the main focus of the 11 day vacation package.

YMT Vacations has introduced a new vacation to their affordable travel options, featuring the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany. Although a year to a year and a half away, the specific departure dates scheduled between May and September of 2010 are an opportunity for guests to enjoy an inspirational event that occurs once a decade in addition to exploring great European highlights.

Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany

YMT has planned many trips to Europe over the years. However, this trip is truly special and unique as compared to our current European vacation itineraries.

It's not every day that an opportunity like this presents itself. The interesting tradition and amazing production surrounding the Oberammergau Passion Play is simply incredible, making YMT proud to take our guests to witness a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this.

"YMT has planned many trips to Europe over the years. However, this trip is truly special and unique as compared to our current European vacation itineraries," commented Frank Channel, Vice President of Operations for YMT Vacations.

At the beginning of this 11-day tour, guests enjoy time to explore Munich, Germany and Salzburg, Austria before traveling into picturesque Oberammergau. An event that takes place once every decade, the highlight of this unforgettable vacation is attending the day-long Passion Play performed by over 2,000 local musicians, actors, and stage technicians depicting the life and death of Jesus Christ. The play originated when the villagers of Oberammergau vowed to hold it every decade if God would spare them from the bubonic plague and now attracts more than half a million visitors during its showing.

"It's not every day that an opportunity like this presents itself," said Frank Channel. "The interesting tradition and amazing production surrounding the Oberammergau Passion Play is simply incredible, making YMT proud to take our guests to witness a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this."

Following the Oberammergau Passion Play, guests will continue on to explore the sights of Italy. Highlights of the remainder of the vacation include time in Verona, commonly known as the setting to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet; Florence, a gem among beautiful Tuscany region; and the "Eternal City" of Rome.

About YMT Vacations:
Since 1967, YMT Vacations has offered affordable travel packages to value-oriented adults. With itineraries to Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe - as well as specialty tours featuring the Canadian Rockies or Autumn Leaves - all guests enjoy a unique vacation experience while YMT handles the details behind hotel accommodations, included day activities, and transportation.

Only Once Every Ten Years - Passion Play in Germany

2009-02-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

The world-famous Passion Play is performed only once every decade by the townspeople of the Bavarian village of Oberammergau, Germany and tickets for the 2010 performance are in high demand.

In 1634 the Bavarian Mountain village of Oberammergau, Germany was facing the devastating plague called the “Black Death” that had decimated large parts of Europe. The citizens of Oberammergau pledged to perform a play every 10 years, portraying the “passion” or suffering of Christ, if their town would be spared from further casualties. The first play was performed on a stage set up in the cemetery, above the graves of those already lost to the plague. The town’s chronicles relate that, from this day on, there were no further victims of the plague.

In 1680, the play was moved to the first year of each decade. In the early 1800’s, music was added and today a choir and orchestra enhance the performance. A special theater was constructed in the center of Oberammergau. More than 1500 adults and 500 children are typically involved, with elaborate costumes and stage settings. In 2010, the residents of this small village in southern Germany take to the stage once again for this grand production portraying the Passion of Christ.

With performances only once every ten years from May through September, the demand for tickets to the Oberammergau Passion Play is extreme. Tickets go on sale two years in advance. Michigan-based Image Tours Inc. still has availability for select Europe tour departures including the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play. Clients can choose from the 15-Day Heart of Europe® Tour, 22-Day Heart of Europe® Grand Tour, 14-Day Germany-Austria-Switzerland Tour, 13-Day Treasures of Italy Tour, or the 9-Day Scenic Alpine Tour. For prices, dates and more information on these Europe tours, contact a travel agent, go on line at www.imagetours.com, or call 1-800-964-3170.

Image Tours was founded in 1939 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The company began U.S. operations in 1960, with the belief that everyone, at least once in their lifetime, should experience the rich beauty, culture, and history of Europe. The company designs, markets, and operates escorted tours of Europe, with the Oberammergau Passion Play as one of the most anticipated events of each decade.

According to Justin Osbon, Image Tours Inc Sales Representative, “Clients interested in the Oberammergau Passion Play should purchase their tickets early in 2009 for the best pricing and selection of dates. Oberammergau Passion Play tickets have been known to sell out a year in advance.”

As it has been from the beginning, all the actors in the Oberammergau Passion Play are local townspeople. One year prior to the performance, the actors start rehearsals and begin growing their hair to ensure that the characters in the play look as realistic as possible. The theater seating is under cover, but the stage is in the open air with the beautiful Bavarian mountains to complete the backdrop. The actors will perform come rain or shine, with the exception of extreme weather conditions. This is truly an extraordinary event taking place in an idyllic setting.

Oberammergau is a storybook village of southern Germany, in the state of Bavaria, renowned for its natural alpine splendor, convivial atmosphere, and warm hospitality. Oberammergau lies about 45 miles to the southeast of Munich. This is a romantic setting, situated in a wide valley surrounded by unspoiled mountains, lakes, meadows and forests. The village has succeeded in preserving its medieval character, complete with farmsteads, lovely chalets adorned with pastoral paintings, and woodcarver’s workshops. Craftsmanship is a tradition in Oberammergau, where, for almost 1000 years, the inhabitants have produced wood carvings, wax figures, and cut glass.
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Website: http://www.ImageTours.com

A European adventure: Remembering a vow made to God

2009-01-02T07:23:00.001-08:00

In 1634, the Black Death decimated Europe’s population. In the small village of Oberammergau, as the plague began taking lives, the villagers joined together and made a vow to God. They offered to perform a play every ten years depicting the life and death of Jesus if their village would be spared. The death rate subsided and the villagers knew God heard their plea and honored their vow.

The first Passion Play of Oberammergau was performed in 1634. It is now performed over the last five months of every year ending in zero, and will be performed again in 2010.

The Oberammergau Passion Play involves over 2,000 people, all of whom are residents of the village. Rehearsals begin at least one year before the event. The Passion Play Theater has an open-air stage framed by magnificent alpine scenery. The covered auditorium has almost 5,000 seats.

The play portrays the Passion of Christ, from the entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection. Performances run over seven hours and are held in the afternoon and evening and include a dinner break in between.

Oberammergau is a modest, humble alpine village, where hotels are more like country inns, cozy and comfortable. Many tour operators do not offer rooms in Oberammergau, and most of those who do required double occupancy. In other words, if you are traveling alone you will be required to share a room for an overnight stay in Oberammergau.

In order to maximize this once in a lifetime opportunity, your viewing of the Oberammergau Passion Play should be combined with a tour of the region.

The European Reformation Tour begins in Geneva and also visits Zurich, Heidelberg, Worms, Mainz, Rhineland, Coburg, Erfurt, Wittenberg, Eisenach, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, and Augsburg with a grand finale in Oberammergau touring the town and viewing the Passion Play. This is a 12-day tour.

Catholic Germany and the Alps begin with arrival in Munich. Your group will visit Neuschwanstein, Oberammergau (two night stay here so you can experience the Passion Play and tour the town), Innsbruck, Liechtenstein, Einsiedeln, Lucerne, Karlsruhe, Trier, Aachen, Cologne, Rudesheim, and Frankfurt This is a ten- day tour.

Grand Catholic Italy is a 14-day tour beginning in Rome, and touring Montecassino, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant’ Angelo, Lanciano, Loreto, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Padua, Venice, Innsbruck, and the grand finale, Oberammergau.

Of course you may also enjoy Oberammergau as part of a secular tour, such as the 14-day Enchanting Europe, or 13-day Imperial Splendors. Munich, Salzburg and Vienna include Oberammergau in the 11-day tour, and The Best of Austria includes it in the 16-day tour. Oberammergau is included in an 11 day German Highlight tour and a 16 day Alpine Countries Tour. The 13-day European Charm Tour begins in Amsterdam, ends in Paris, and includes Oberammergau.

With so many ways incredible to experience the once-every-decade Oberammergau Passion Play, you need to begin your research now and book early. 2010 will be a great year to add the Oberammergau Passion Play to your life story.

Tauck Announces Four Oberammergau Packages For 2010

2008-12-03T13:26:00.000-08:00

Tauck World Discovery has announced that it will include performances of the historic "Passion Play" in Oberammergau, Germany, on four of its European packages for 2010. Each of Tauck’s four Oberammergau packages will include premier reserved seating for the "Passion Play" in the theater’s best section, Tauck says.

Three of the four Tauck programs will also feature luxury accommodations within the heart of the alpine village of Oberammergau at the five-star Hotel Maximilian. The fourth package offers accommodations in a nearby village, at a historic property that has been family-owned and operated since the early 1600s.

"The Passion Play" recounts the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and is performed in Oberammergau every 10 years. The play was first performed by Oberammergau’s citizens in 1634, after the village escaped a local plague epidemic. Today the play is major cultural event involving over 2,000 Oberammergau residents as actors, singers, musicians and technicians.

“For most people seeing the Oberammergau Passion Play is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar. “We recognize that this is a very, very special occasion for our guests, and each of our four Oberammergau packages has been crafted to deliver that same high level of authentic, engaging experience throughout the entire itinerary. While the Passion Play is certainly a high point, it is just one of many special memories our guests will take away from their journey.”

As an example, Mahar pointed to a private four-course dinner at historic Castel Katzenzungen in the Tyrolean Alps, where Tauck guests are greeted with a medieval trumpet fanfare. Mahar also cited a private tour of Linderhof Palace near Munich, which was inspired by the Palace of Versailles, and a cog railway trip up to the Jungfraujoch, a 10,500-foot saddle between two peaks in the Swiss Alps, for stunning views of the surrounding terrain.

Tauck will include performances of the "Passion Play" on two existing escorted land tours, in a third new escorted tour, and as part of an optional non-escorted extension package for guests on Tauck’s Blue Danube river cruise departures.

Visit www.tauck.com.

Scenic Tours releases Oberammergau brochure for 2010

2008-11-19T17:53:00.000-08:00

The Passion Play occurs only once a decade, in Oberammergau, a village of Bavaria, and Scenic Tours are giving travellers the opportunity to witness the historic European event.

The release of their 2010 Oberammergau brochure describes details of the Passion Play, performed by over 2000 locals, actors, singers, musicians and stage technicians, for the 41st time.

The tradition grew from the early 17th Century, where the village of Oberammergau swore to regularly perform the “Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ’ to stave off the Black Death.

Scenic Tours have managed to secure some scarce Category 1 tickets to the play, and incorporated the event into several of their itineraries.

The tours involve a 14 night river cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest, onboard the Australian own Scenic “Space-Ships.”

A collection of regional highlights tours are available in conjunction with the cruise and the Passion Play.

Scenic Tours traveller will be accommodated at the visually stunning Riessersee Spa Resort, which is set by the idyllic Lake Riessersee and features panoramic views of the Alps.

The Scenic Tours Oberammergau brochure also includes a collection of unique events that will enhance customers immersion in local culture, ‘Scenic Enrich’.

Collette Vacations Launches 2009-2010 Program

2008-10-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

Collette Vacations just introduced its 2009 season, offering more guaranteed departure dates than ever before. Customers can look for many new types of programs and new destinations―Turkey, Morocco and Jordan. The destination roster spans seven continents and Collette’s three brands, including its small tour division, Explorations by Collette, and its Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures learning tours, both of which have been expanded due to increased consumer demand.

“In response to travel trends we saw developing in the escorted tour market,” says Melissa Famiglietti Snape, vice president of product, “we’ve developed four new tours that feature a rail component, including Eastern Rail Odyssey – which travels the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. – and Beautiful British Columbia which features the Rocky Mountaineer Train’s Fraser Discovery Route."

“Four new programs were developed featuring U.S.-based destinations, fulfilling a demand for travel closer to home,” Snape added. “Domestic travel is really surging, though there is still a strong demand for international destinations – especially to exotic places like Morocco and Jordan. Also, we’ve launched an all-Australia small group program this year, which affords travelers more time for in-depth exploration and discovery in one of our top destinations.”

Daniel Sullivan, Jr., president and CEO of Collette Vacations, emphasizes India’s growth this year as well. “Last year, we launched our first program to visit India, and as the 2009 season takes off, more and more people want to go there; it’s really on the map now.”

Sullivan also notes that Oberammergau, famous for its once-in-a-decade Passion Play, is being featured in five 2010 European itineraries centered around the performance. “It’s already selling incredibly well; the limited engagement of this historic event is one of the driving forces for customers in the coming travel season.”

New Collette Vacations tours:
• Eastern Rail Odyssey, 8 days • 10 meals Starting at $2149*
• Cruise the Bays & Railways of New England, 10 days • 16 meals
Starting at $1899
• Colors of New England, 8 days • 10 meals Starting at $1899
• Historic Trains of California, 10 days • 14 meals Starting at $2099
• Beautiful British Columbia, 11 days • 15 meals Starting at $3299
• Coastal Ireland, 13 days • 18 meals Starting at $2399
• France and Bavaria, 10 days • 12 meals Starting at $2049

New Explorations by Collette tours:

• Journey through Jordan & Egypt, 15 days • 24 meals
Starting at $2899*
• Treasures of Spain, 11 days • 17 meals Starting at $2849
• Australian Adventure, 18 days • 23 meals Starting at $4199

New Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tours:
• Crossroads of Sicily, 11 days • 15 meals Starting at $2299*
• Mediterranean Spain & Morocco, 13 days • 19 meals
Starting at $3449
• Classical Turkey, 12 days • 19 meals Starting at $2199

To view day-by-day itineraries and available departure dates, visit Collette’s website at www.collettevacations.com.

*Prices are starting at, per person, land only, based on double occupancy.

Let's Go / Best Bets

2008-10-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

The famous Oberammergau Passion Play — presented every 10 years in the southern German town — is scheduled to be performed on 102 days in 2010, with the first show on May 15.

According to its Web site, www.passionsspiele2010.de, the famous play was the result of a vow made by the townspeople after they had suffered through a plague and the destruction of the Thirty Year’s War. They promised to put on a "play of the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ" every 10 years if they survived.

In a change for 2010, the first part of the performances will be 2:30 to 5 p.m. and the second part from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Previous performances had been in the mornings and afternoons.

Oberammergau is offering one-night packages for performances on Friday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, the price depending on the hotel category. It starts at 199 euros per person (about $275) and includes one night’s accommodation, lunch or brunch, dinner, shuttle to the play, admission ticket, program book and admission to the Oberammergau Museum. A two-night package is good for Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday performances. It begins at 275 euros per person and includes an additional night’s accommodation and dinner.

Tickets without the package run from 49.50 euros to 165 euros. The Web site includes a complete schedule and further details.

Kiwanis Travel/Adventure series starts tonight with Bavaria

2008-10-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

Little Venice, Bamberg, is one of the exotic sights in the digital show "The Best of Bavaria," which kicks off the Kiwanis Travel and Adventure Series tonight.
The Kiwanis Club of Phoenixville's first program of its Travel and Adventure film series will be held Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Center for Arts and Technology, Pickering Campus, Charlestown Road, Phoenixville.

For the 36th year, the Kiwanis has offered this series as a community service promoting international understanding and an appreciation of our world's many cultures. All profits from the series go directly to support Kiwanis service projects in the Phoenixville community.

The Oct. 2 program is titled "The Best of Bavaria,'' presented by award-winning filmmakers Fran and Brooke Reidelberger, the program will offer a fun-filled digital show focusing on food, festivals, fantastic mountain scenery, fascinating history and story-book towns. Using archival footage, they show the re-birth of Munich after World War II and then capture the spirit of Munich today at the city's renowned Oktoberfest. Highlights of the program will feature the Bavarian Forest, the "Romantic Road," Mad King Ludwig's castles, and the tourist trilogy towns of Mittenwald, Oberammergau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Join us as we visit Regensburg, Bamberg, and view a children's festival, woodcarvers, beer makers and German craftsmen.

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The second program in the series will be "St. Vincent and Grenadine Islands'' on Nov. 6. Two programs will be offered in the spring of 2009. Spring programs will be "America's Pacific Northwest," March 12, and "From Scotland to Provence," April 16.

All programs are held at 7:30 p.m. at CAT Pickering Auditorium. Tickets for individual programs are $7 for adults and only $2 for students. A season ticket good for four admissions is available for $23. Tickets may be purchased at the door for each show or in advance by writing to Kiwanis Club of Phoenixville, P.O. Box 622, Phoenixville, PA 19460. Checks should be made payable to The Kiwanis Club of Phoenixville.

Prior to each show, the Culinary Arts Department of the Center for Arts and Technology will provide a dinner themed to the evening's program. The dinner will be served beginning at 6 p.m. The dinner charge is $12 payable at the door. Advanced reservations for the dinner must be made by calling 610-948-1278 by the Sunday prior to each show. The reservation deadline for the October show is Sunday, Sept. 28.

Offered as a community service for the past 36 years, the Travel and Adventure Series has been both informative and a great evening of family entertainment. For additional information or to receive a brochure about the series, call 610-948-1278.

Celebrating 125 years of grace

2008-09-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

Ask any member of Grafton’s Emmanuel Lutheran Church what they think about first when considering their building and they’re likely to mention the intricate hand-carved woodwork behind the church altar — the reredos.

It was carved in 1936 by Alois Lang, a German woodcarver, when the distinctive stone structure was built.

The Emmanuel Lutheran congregation will celebrate its 125th anniversary today and Sunday.

The ecclesiastical woodcarving, believed to be in oak, depicts the Last Supper. Below it are the words, “This do in remembrance of me.”

“We know there’s three or four (similar reredos) in the United States,” the Rev. Wayne Ellingson, church pastor, said.

But Emmanuel Lutheran’s is special.

Whereas Lang based other similar woodcarvings on the famous painting of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, the Grafton reredos differs in that the Christ figure is standing, rather than sitting.

“It’s an extremely special piece,” Ellingson said.

Lang, who died in 1954, came to the United States from Oberammergau, Bavaria, a village noted as a woodcarving center as early as the 11th century.

Although the type of wood he used has not been documented, it is known that Lang preferred to work in chestnut, which is more difficult to find, and oak, including white Appalachian oak, Ellingson said.

Lang also carved the church’s decorative pulpit, lectern, communion rails and small altar tables.

In recent years, the woodcarving has gained more attention from outside the congregation, Ellingson said.

“We’ve had two or three bus tours since I’ve been here. We’ve had other people stop in and ask to see it.”

Irmgard Hein Ellingson, associate in ministry, said the woodcarving has made “a profound impact” on church members.

“Perhaps because of it, they got in the habit of doing live re-enactments of the Last Supper,” she said. “You have a sense of being a participant in an ongoing event.”

About the weekend celebration:

Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, will celebrate its 125th anniversary today and Sunday.

Events begin this evening at the Grafton Community Center and City Park.

The 130th birthday of Grafton will be celebrated at a 5 p.m. picnic with a free-will offering to defray expenses. Historical displays will be on exhibit through Sunday at the center.

At 6 p.m., a PowerPoint program entitled “Heimatkirchen: Emmanuel’s Ancestral Churches in Germany and Poland” will be presented at the Community Center by Irmgard Ellingson, associate in ministry at Emmanuel.

Sunday events begin with 9 a.m. coffee and fellowship at the church. Festival worship with Holy Communion begins at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Steven Ullestad, bishop of the Northeastern Iowa Synod of the ELCA, as guest preacher and the Rev. Wayne T. Ellingson as officiant. Ryan Hulshizer of Northwood will be the guest organist and special music will be provided by 7th generation, the congregation’s contemporary Christian band.

A catered noon meal will be served at the Grafton Community Center. There is no charge for the meal, but a free will offering of $10 per person to defray expenses would be appreciated.

At 2 p.m., an organ recital will be presented at the church followed at 2:30 p.m. by a community choir concert. A reception will follow.

“Stories of Emmanuel — God with Us,” the congregation’s 125th anniversary book, will be available today and Sunday. Donations of $5 per copy would be welcome to defray printing costs.

The book “Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, Iowa: 1895 Family History Register,” also will be available. It was compiled by the Rev. C. Ide and translated and edited by Ellingson in 2003.

Proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to help with repair and renovation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Schwennenz, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, one of Emmanuel’s ancestral churches.

More about Emmanuel

The present clerestory-style building is the second Emmanuel Church. Built of Kasota stone in 1936 in the depths of the Great Depression, it seats 500 and measures 110 feet by 48 feet.

The sanctuary interior features a stunning hand-carved reredos and matching pulpit, lectern and pews and richly colored antique glass windows.

Emmanuel is a partner in the Mission Unity Lutheran Parish with St. John’s Lutheran Church-Rock Township and Faith Lutheran in Mitchell, both located in rural Osage. All are members of the Northeastern Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The Grafton Community Center and Emmanuel Lutheran Church are both air conditioned and handicap accessible.

German town to present passion play in 2010

2008-08-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

The renowned Oberammergau Passion Play is coming in 2010. The re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ began in this German town nearly 400 years ago, when its war-torn, plague-ridden residents pledged to perform the play every 10 years if they survived. Little did they know: The 41st edition runs May 15 to Oct. 3, 2010.

You can buy packages online from the Office of the Passion Play 2010 (011-49-8822-92310). One-nighters range from $316 per person for a room in a private house to $912 per person for a hotel room. The price includes theater tickets, admission to the town museum and three meals. (If you'd like to arrange your own lodging, some theater tickets will be available online next spring.)

If you're interested in a longer visit, there are lots of tours out there. For example, MTS Travel, based in Lancaster, Pa., offers seven- to 10-day packages for about $4,000 per person double, including airfare, that add other cities.

Details: 800-874-9330.

Church offers chance for religious tour of Germany

2008-07-26T21:59:00.001-07:00

Pastor leads followers on fifth trip to acclaimed Passion Play

A local minister and his wife are leading an 11-day tour of Germany that promises to be both educational and unforgettable.

The Rev. Michael Lutz and his wife, Elizabeth, of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Macomb Township are planning the "Steps of Martin Luther" tour for September 2010. The tour will include visits to Berlin, Dresden, Munich, sites important to the Protestant Reformation and the world acclaimed Passion Play in Oberammergau. This is the Lutz's 16th group tour and fifth trip to the play.

"People from all over the world come to see this play, it really is amazing," Lutz said.

It is so amazing that the trip must be planned years in advance due to limited tickets.

"Tickets usually sell out a year before the date of the play," he said.

Staged every 10 years, from May through October, the Passion Play of Oberammergau is the longest running musical drama in history.

The play originated in 1634 during a plague that was running rampant through the village. The citizens of Oberammergau wanted to celebrate being spared of the sickness by telling the story of Christ, so they created the 5-hour musical drama.

"Initially, I thought it was going to be very drawn out. I was pleasantly surprised at how I was captivated the entire time," Lutz said.

Lutz is not the only one who was amazed by the production.

Emma Malget, a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran, attended one of the last tours and is still gushing over the experience.

"The play is absolutely wonderful because it is rich with tradition and history. The story of Christ is told beautifully," she said.

Lutz also emphasizes that anyone can benefit from this trip.

"Even if you are not a historian or a Luther enthusiast, you will no doubt enjoy the magnificent scenery of the German countryside," he said.

The setting of the play is in the picturesque village of Oberammergau, nestled in a valley amidst the Bavarian Alps. The performance is on an open-air stage with a covered auditorium that seats 5,000. The backdrop is a beautiful scene of towering Alpine mountains.

The cost of the tour is $3,869 per person, based on double occupancy. The cost includes round -trip transatlantic airfare, first-class hotel accommodations, most meals, an experienced English speaking escort, sightseeing of all major points listed in the itinerary and first-class seat tickets to the Passion Play.

Lutz is hosting an information session about the trip at 2 p.m. July 20 in the lower level of Immanuel's Worship Center at 21 Mile and Romeo Plank roads. During this, Lutz will share photos and DVD footage of previous trips to give potential travelers a true feeling for what they may experience.

For details, call Lutz at (586) 286-4231.

Interest meeting planned for trip

2008-07-08T13:58:00.001-07:00

SALISBURY -- Peninsula Regional Medical Center's 55-plus membership program, Peninsula Partners, and Collette Vacations, is sponsoring a 10-day tour of the "Imperial Cities" featuring Prague, Vienna, Budapest and the Oberammergau Passion Play. The tour departs in September 2010, and will be a part of the Peninsula Partners 10th anniversary celebration. The tour includes round-trip air from Baltimore-Washington International Airport, cancellation waiver, insurance, hotel transfers and taxes and 15 meals for $5,469 per person, twin occupancy.

Tour highlights will include admission to the Oberammergau Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany.

A travel preview will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at Avery W. Hall Educational Center on the campus of Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

Those planning to attend the meeting should call 410-543-7170 for reservations.

Passion Play coming back in 2010

2008-06-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Travel Diva: I've always wanted to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. How do I get tickets? -- Praying to Go

Dear Praying: The Passion Play, elaborately recreating the story of Jesus, has been performed in the village of Oberammergau once a decade since 1634 to commemorate the village's survival after the plague.

Luckily for you, it's coming up soon -- May 15-Oct. 3, 2010.

Individual tickets go on sale in 2009 (for updates, keep an eye on www.koenigsschloesser.de/ot_e/

However, you already can book package deals that include tickets, tours and transportation. One agency is Globus Journeys (www.globusjourneys.com/Faith/; 877-797-8793). Or talk to your travel agent.

Royal Travelers set meeting date

2008-06-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of the Fall River Royal Travelers will be held Friday at the Knights of Columbus Hall, starting at 1:30 p.m.

Plans are now being made to attend the passion play at Oberammergau in 2010. Anyone interested in hearing more about this event can attend a special showing at Venus de Milo on June 23. Reservations must be made with the main office.

There are openings for the Tennessee Country Christmas for Dec. 2 to 8. All one-day trips are still available.

Steps to Martin Luther’ trip being planned

2008-05-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

An 11-day “Steps with Martin Luther” tour, including Berlin, Dresden and Munich, as well as sites important to the Protestant Reformation and the world-acclaimed Passion Play in Oberammergau, is being panned.

“We must plan this trip so far in advance because of the limited tickets of the Passion Play,” Lutz said. “We also know that if you are not a historian or Luther enthusiast, you will no doubt enjoy the magnificent scenery of the German countryside.”

The Passion Play of Oberammergau is a musical drama staged every 10 years from May to October and is the longest-running play in history. The setting is the small, picturesque village of Oberammergau, nestled in a valley amidst Germany’s Bavarian Alps. The play began in 1634 and the modern play takes place on an open-air stage with a covered auditorium seating 5,000 against a backdrop of towering Alpine mountains.

The tour is Immanuel’s fifth to the Passion Play and 16th group tour. Cost is $3,869 per person, based on double occupancy. It covers round-trip transatlantic flight, first-class or Superior Tourist hotel accommodations, most meals, an experienced English-speaking escort, deluxe motorcoach transportation, sightseeing at all major points of interest, entrance fees and first-class seating at the Passion Play.

An afternoon program explaining the trip - including photos of some of the sites - takes place May 18 at 3 p.m. at Immanuel, 47120 Romeo Plank Road, at 21 Mile Road in Macomb Township. Call 739-3568 or 286-4231.

Sherry celebrates 50 years in the ministry

2008-05-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

The Rev. Harry C. Sherry is celebrating his 50th year anniversary in the ministry.

He preached at Calvary United Methodist Church yesterday on the theme “It’s About the Gospel” to mark the occasion.

“I love the church. The church is changing and some of the change is good,” he said. “The big generation — my generation — was strong in the church. We’re getting less and less. Can the following generation carry on?”

He is married to the former Naomi Lowmaster and has three sons, two daughters — one deceased, 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

His interest in the ministry is life-long.

“I was always involved in the church. In 1956, I felt the call to the ministry,” he said. “The call is a conviction that God wants you to come. I wrestled with that for three years. I was always queasy about sickness and death. I had a family of three to support. But I thought the Lord would provide. His grace is sufficient.”

Sherry said his mother told everyone he would be a minister.

“She died at age 47. That helped me somewhat in dealing with the sickness and death,” he said. “Then we had a 9-day-old daughter who died. The people in the community were outpouring in their love.”

Sherry played football and was in the band at Punxsutawney High School, graduating in 1947.

“I give credit for my music appreciation and singing to Esther Jane Davis, my choir director,” he said. “I like to sing. Music is my strong suit. I’ve been singing 50 years in the men’s chorus.”

Sherry worked in coal stripping as a bulldozer operator. He served in the U.S. Army, starting at Camp Atterbury, Ind., where his first son was born. In November of 1951, he went to Germany, returning to the U.S. in 1952.

Sherry said it took him six years to finish college. He began studies at Indiana State College, driving 28 miles for morning classes and returning home to go to a coal stripping operation to run a bulldozer until midnight.

“My wife has said she married a stripper, not a preacher,” he said, laughing.

At the Western Pa. Conference in Wilkinsburg on May 15, 1958, he was appointed to East Freedom, a three-church charge near Altoona. He was advised to transfer to Penn State’s Altoona campus for one year, then continue to the main campus. He car pooled that 60-mile trip three days a week. But with church and family responsibilities, he was exhausted. He decided to take two literature courses while pastoring the churches.

Sherry was appointed to New Salem, a charge of four churches and he transferred to Clarion State College. He did student teaching in senior English at Clarion Limestone High School and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in education in January 1964.

Five months later, he was assigned to two churches in Lockington, Ohio. He commuted to United Theological Seminary and finished study in November 1967.

“I wanted to stay in Ohio. They were great farm people,” he said. “I ran a combine.”

He had financial trouble in his second year of the seminary and he was able to get financial aid.

“I don’t know how the seminary students do it today. Mine was just pennies compared to today,” he said. “The shortage of ministers and combined churches is because pastors coming out of seminary are $30,000 in debt.”

The Sherry family was reassigned to Rector on Dec. 1, 1967, and on May 15, 1968, he became an ordained elder.

Sherry served in three churches before retiring in 1994 and helped at churches in the Harnedsville, Listonburg and Silbaugh area until 2004.

“I’m still a traditionalist. I have the same faith in the one Lord,” he said.

He keeps a treasure chest with notes from people during his years in the ministry.

Betty McGee, a member of Calvary UMC and friend of Sherry’s, said she was impressed that he would go into the church early in the morning and sit in the pews the parishioners sat in on a regular basis or in the choir loft.

“He would pray for the people who sat there,” she said. “Especially if they had a problem going on in their life.”

She also remembers he was her secret prayer partner at one point in her life.

“I was going through a tough time and I had no idea he was my prayer partner,” she said. “He would call and we’d share our thoughts. I could feel prayers for me, but I didn’t know where they were coming from until the prayer partners were revealed.”

On balance, Sherry said his time in the ministry has featured more good moments than bad.

“After 50 years in the ministry, I can say there was more good, more joys than heartache and pain,” he said. “I overcame that fear of sickness and death over the years and I think ministering to people who are distraught is my strength.”

He said pastors are often reappointed to a new church in a new area, uprooting the family.

“If it wouldn’t have been for my wife, I never would have made it. She has been very supportive. The kids also put up with me,” he said. “The kids had some difficult times with moving. It’s an adjustment. But they’ve done well.”

He’s involved in Camp Allegheny. He remembers being a counselor in the camp his second year in the ministry and one night after a candlelight service, a young woman committed herself to the Lord and became a missionary.

“I’ve enjoyed a lot of those kinds of experiences,” he said.

Sherry is a member of Somerset Ministeries and served as its president. He is one of the original members of the Meals On Wheels and Food Pantry boards. He is chaplain of the Pa. State Association Family Campers and RVers and is president of the Mount Davis Maple Leafs chapter. He has missed only two camp conventions since 1972. Sherry is part of an overseas travel with educational opportunity program.

“We’ve taken more people to the Holy Land in 30 years than anyone. We’ve never had an incident,” he said. “We don’t go into the hot spots.”

Sherry himself has taken 10 European trips, including three to Israel. His next journey is July 7, 2010, and will include the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany and an extended week in Israel.

Sherry enjoys golfing. He plays golf with the Northwinds Seniors and helps to coordinate with Marlin Miller, the Camp Allegheny “Saints and Sinners” Gold Tourmanent in July.

“My one disappointment is I have never met Arnold Palmer personally,” he said. He volunteered for last year’s U.S. Open and a couple years ago during a seniors tournament he got to drive Gary Player to where he was staying.

He also promotes himself as the “most rabid fan of University of Pittsburgh football and basketball and enthusiastic fan of the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates.”

A once in a lifetime event

2008-05-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

Oberammergau is a town in Germany’s Bavarian area with a name that has become synonymous with the “Passion Play” performed there every 10 years.

Performances are daily from May through September and the next event will be in 2010. Most tickets are sold through tour operators, and tours that include the “Passion Play” are forming now. It is not too early to make reservations for groups or individuals to attend this spectacular, extraordinary and rarely seen extravaganza.

Just what is this “Passion Play?” It depicts the last five days in the life of Jesus Christ, from his early entry into Jerusalem until his Resurrection. Many publications call it “a play of suffering, death, and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It has been performed since 1634, in Oberammergau, by its inhabitants of all ages (from 5 to 90 years). Originally, in the 1630s, during the time of the bubonic plague (Black Death), the town’s citizens vowed that if God were to spare them they would perform a play every 10 years depicting the life and death of Jesus. The villagers believed that they were rescued from the plague after they kept their promise when the play was first performed, at Pentecost, in 1634. The first play was enacted on a stage at the cemetery, over the graves of the Black Death victims.

From that rudimentary drama, almost 400 years ago, has evolved a five-hour (with a long intermission for dinner) theatrical work complete with dramatic text, and musical and choral accompaniment. Audiences come from around the world to witness this unique spectacle.

This remarkable event, in the year 2000, was presented for its 40th time with more than 2,000 citizens of Oberammergau participating. The preparation takes more than two years, and performances are held in a 5,200-seat venue in this small, southern Germany community.

Very often, tours including the “Passion Play” appeal to family and religious groups. Tours can be customized to a group’s particular interests and specifications, or groups and individuals may join a pre-planned and guided tour. These tours usually range from seven days to two weeks in length, with only 2 or 3 days being spent in Oberammergau. The remaining days would include visits to other parts of Germany or Europe. Also offered are Danube River cruises incorporated into a tour including the “Passion Play.”

The options are numerous, only limited to your imagination. Your travel professional will be glad to map out the tour that is best for you or your group. Please don’t wait, as the tickets are limited to the number of performances already scheduled for 2010. Remember that if you miss the “Passion Play” in 2010 you will not have another opportunity to behold this singular event until 2020.

Have a great holiday and see the Passion Play as well

2008-04-21T20:30:00.001-07:00

THE world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play, involving 2,000 villagers and set against the backdrop of the Bavarian mountains, is a spectacle which comes along only once every 10 years.

So theater fans will want to book early for the latest chance to catch a production first performed in 1634 in gratitude for the locals’ escape from bubonic plague.

It opens in May, 2010, with performances starting in mid-afternoon and running into the evening. They commemorate the last week in the life of Christ, his journey into Jerusalem, his death and Resurrection - and runs until October 3.

Youth come to understand Easter message

2008-03-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

By the time you get to today's writings and ramblings, my joy for this Easter Sunday will have been made complete by many things.
I hope to have been at the old Salem Oak early this morning for the sunrise service with its singing of hymns, spiritual messages and fellowship shared with a wide cross-section of good Salem folk.

Later this morning I will have spent time at St. John's Episcopal Church. There, the message of Easter will have been beautifully illustrated by joyous hymns, a gay profusion of spring flowers, stained-glass windows and the special scriptural readings and prayers of Eastertide.

Our world is rich with the imagery of the special love story of Easter. We are offered many different venues, signs and symbols to help convey the message of Easter.

Michelangelo's Pieta, the world's most beautiful example of man sculpting marble, breaks our hearts as we behold Mary, the mother of Jesus, holding her dead son in her arms as she gazes tenderly into his face.

Many artists have painted scenes of the Last Supper, the Crucifixion and the Ascension. Many writers and poets and composers have told the story in verse and in music.

Faith is belief in things not seen and experienced first hand. All these words and images help us in our efforts to experience that which we did not see.

Through the skillful use of drama, music and literature, the biblical Gospels were conveyed to an illiterate society of farmers and town folk. The most famous Passion Play still in existence, has been re-enacted yearly since 1634 in the town of Oberammergau, Germany.

Closer to home, I experienced a Passion Play, of sorts, that could not have been portrayed any more movingly or spiritually than if it had been produced by New York's Metropolitan Opera Company.

The musical is set in a 1960's hippie genre, the stage alive with bright Day-Glo color. The cast is dressed in bell-bottoms, fringed vests, bandannas and an array of tie-dye apparel. Their costumes must have come from somewhere in the recesses of their parent's closet.

Jesus wears blue jeans and a Superman T-shirt, while John the Baptist is resplendent in sunglasses and a silver-sequined sports coat.

The teachings and parables of Jesus are portrayed in song and routines using about 35young people. Their sense of animation and character was fantastic. How obvious it was that the kid way in the back put as much effort into his facial and hand gestures as the kid on center stage.

This group played out the roles with so much happy conviction that you alternated between smiles, tears and goose bumps. These Penns Grove kids portrayed the final days of Jesus with as much feeling and sensitivity as your heart could hold. Each young person on that stage was necessary to create the whole. Each one added his own share of humor, pathos, anguish and celebration.

Two scenes I found profoundly moving were the Last Supper, and the scene when the followers of Jesus all come to say goodbye as he readies himself for the death that is to come.

These young people took a wonderful musical and turned it into their own expression, their own creative force. They brought to it a maturity of acting ability that was far beyond their years. They lived each word and each gesture.

Often as I lecture to young people about art, I tend to pause a moment to reflect on the kids seated before me. Regardless of the age, I find that they return my gaze and fill my heart with a deep sense of hope for the future theirs as well as my own.
Watching these great kids from Penns Grove doing this play offered a huge dose of hope and a promise of life to everyone fortunate enough to have seen their production.

To these fantastic young people, I'd just like to offer that everything I saw in you last week the love, the tenderness and the belief can leave the stage with you and be carried out into the world to color all your adventures, excitement and dreams.
On the stage of life there are no casting directors. The role you play is entirely up to you. Through all your weeks of hard work and practice I hope you realize just how much fun life can be if you remember a few basic truths and a code or two to live by.Thanks for allowing me to dream along and keep the faith with all of you on stage.

God loves you all, and so do we.

Inspiring 'Passion'

2008-03-09T14:28:00.001-07:00

Long-running play is annual local tradition

Now in its 93rd season, "The Passion Play" is set to open at the Park Performing Arts Center in Union City on March 15.

"It's the reason the Park Theater was built," said Park Performing Arts Center (PPAC) Executive Director John Lewis when asked about the significance of PPAC's most anticipated production, "The Passion Play."

Lewis added, "The play has become a tradition. It's a service to religion and the community. We've had one actor performing [annually] for 45 years."

PPAC performs an adapted version of the play that originated in Oberammergau, Germany during the 17th century, which documents the last days of Christ through his trial, suffering, and consequent crucifixion.

The tradition of performing the play in the village of Oberammergau began after the townspeople were devastated by the effects of the plague and pledged that they would perform Christ's passion every 10 years - a tradition that continues today.

Though the PPAC was erected in 1931 on 32nd Street, the play and its ties to Union City and the surrounding community date as far back as the early 20th century.

In 1915, in the midst of World War I, Pope Benedict XV issued a plea for world peace. It was during that year that Father Joseph N. Grieff, then pastor of Holy Family Church in Union Hill (presently Union City), answered the call.

Grieff envisioned a performance that would embrace the local community via a "living prayer" presentation. The performance chosen was "Passion," which had been performed in Germany since 1634.

The version that audiences can expect to see is a modern musical, which is suitable for the whole family. On opening night, PPAC plans to fill its 1,387 seats for the annual presentation of the play - just in time for Easter.

Not just any Passion

The PPAC prides itself on offering something attendees can't see everywhere else.

For example, in 1987, Passion featured an African-American Jesus, which "stimulated positive discussion all over the world," said producer at the time Father Kevin Ashe.

He added, as opposed to recent controversial films about the Passion, "Passion plays are open to interpretation. Ours isn't Oberammergau, nor is it intended to stir up bias."

Community Outreach Developer Yesenia Fernandez Selier said that this year's production will benefit from a "rejuvenated vision and [actor] execution."

She added, "Last year, the public noticed the [difficult] jobs of the actors and director. The community has a heightened level of awareness this year."

Last year's production was in English, yet they hope to entice more Spanish speaking people to the show, she said.

Previous productions have included a cast with as few as 27 to as many as 80. This year, approximately 27 actors will perform under the guidance of award-winning playwright and director Carl Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, who formerly taught at the Visual and Performing Arts Program in New Jersey City University, is also a member of the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA), which also supports the play by supplying actors.

In the past, the play has attracted audience members from as far away as Canada, in addition to its local tri-state fan base.

"As the community changed, we [started getting] a lot of outsiders coming to see it," said Lewis, adding, "There's less of a local presence and a more regional one."

Future plans

Though seemingly distant, Lewis and the Board of Directors have already begun brainstorming ideas for the 100-year anniversary, which is slated for 2015.

They have discussed televising the play, performing it in English and Spanish, and casting a Spanish celebrity for the role of Jesus or Judas, among other ideas.

This plan is part of an ongoing effort to attract more locals and residents to the theater.

Said Lewis, "I think over the years there's been a perception that the [center] hasn't been here for the community, and we want to change that. We are here, and we want people to come back as audiences, students, renters, and volunteers. We want to welcome the entire community to the space."

Book your tickets for Passion Play

2008-02-01T09:55:00.001-08:00

PARISHIONERS are invited to a world-famous play that is held every 10 years.

The Passion Play in Oberammeragau is next being held in the summer of 2010.

Crosby Churches Together is organising a trip to the play in Oberammergau and people need to book tickets in the next few weeks.

The play has been performed by villagers since the 17th Century, following their miraculous deliverance from the plague in 1633.

It follows the story of the Christ’s Passion starting with his entry into Jerusalem and ending with the Resurrection and Transfiguration.

Bethlehem's struggles continue

2007-12-26T20:39:00.000-08:00

A normally empty Manger Square was filled beyond capacity on Christmas day as thousands of Palestinians, dignitaries and foreigners descended on the little town of Bethlehem to welcome Michel Sabah the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

The Patriarch's yearly visit was meant to kick off Christmas festivities but this year, as in others, the spirit of the festive season is uniquely intertwined with the fate of all Palestinians, who say the city has suffered from years of Israeli occupation.

And like previous years, despite a boost in tourism, celebrations in Bethlehem have been marred by a poor economic and security situation. While Bethlehem is the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ atop a hill just 10km away from Jerusalem, the site of Christ's crucifixion, a 10-meter high concrete wall put up by Israel and several military checkpoints keep the two cities very much apart.

Fairy tale Christmas
It is such barriers and restrictions borne of Israeli occupation that has made Christmas bittersweet for Palestinians. Maxim Sansour, founding board member of Open Bethlehem, an international campaign to address the state of emergency facing Bethlehem, said the city's greatest problems largely go unaddressed every Christmas. He said: "Christmas comes and goes, but our problems remain."

Issues of growing Israeli settlements which lie immediately on the border of Bethlehem and demolitions of Palestinian homes on the outskirts of the city have made life difficult for Palestinians.

Sansour says Bethlehem will always continue to struggle as long as such Palestinian issues of statehood, economic viability and sustenance under occupation remain unaddressed.
Sansour also believes that visitors and pilgrims who do come show support but at the same time many are also in Bethlehem as part of "the fairy-tale story of Christmas".

Father Garret Edmonds, a Franciscan monk from California who works with pilgrim groups in Palestine and is spending his fifth Christmas in Bethlehem, said: "There are moments of hope but then everything returns to the status quo. It goes on and off like this all the time."
Father Edmonds also highlighted the increasing erosion of the Church and the increasing number of Christians choosing to emigrate from Palestine.

"It's important to have a viable, living Church, but if things continue the way they are in 25 years there might not be a living church. Bethlehem could become one giant museum," he said.
Life under occupation
In 2006, Open Bethlehem released the results of a questionnaire which examined the reasons behind the high rate of Christian emigration from Bethlehem.

Of 2000 Palestinians surveyed in Bethlehem, 76 per cent said Israeli occupation was the main reason for leaving. Sixteen per cent of the Christians in the city said they are in the process of emigrating, compared to eight per cent of the Muslims.

Many Palestinians also said that foreigners and pilgrims coming to Bethlehem do not experience daily life under occupation.

Palestinians who have Israeli permission to travel between Bethlehem and the West Bank say they are subjected to fingerprint and document scanning, full body searches, and long waits before they are let through.

Some are not even allowed to visit friends and family simply because they live on the wrong side of the wall or in some cases the soldier manning a checkpoint might not feel like letting them through.

Brother Jack Curran, Vice President of Development for Bethlehem University, said: "I have colleagues who haven't been to Jerusalem in years and I can come and go as freely as I want. I feel ashamed of the privilege I have and it's easy to take for granted, I always have to remember that."

"But it is also a privilege that the Palestinians deserve."

Brother Curran, a member of the Lasallian order, felt that Christmas in Bethlehem is not truly reflected because of what he says are the injustices being heaped upon the Palestinians daily.

"The story can't be told without looking seriously at these things," he said. "Without foreigners," Curran explained, "it would also be a lot worse. We must act as the witnesses and truth tellers, but not just once a year."

Sustain support
Thousands flocked to Bethlehem in hopes of a better Christmas this year [AFP]Christmas generates a great deal of positive media attention for both Bethlehem and Palestine every year. It is a chance for the world to show the Palestinians some sympathy and solidarity but Sansour said that it never carries on.

"We love good feelings and the Palestinian people deeply appreciate the show of support, but it must be a sustained kind of support."

Bethlehem is a small town; according to the Palestinian Central bureau of Statistics its population in 2006 stood just shy of 30000, and has a very small and localized economy which is dominated by the tourist industry.

According to Open Bethlehem, tourism accounts for 65 per cent of Bethlehem's economy. In November, 80,000 visitors arrived in the city. This was boosted by a further 20,000 in the days leading to Christmas.

Sansour said that while tourism represents a significant portion of Bethlehem's economy many of the tourist operators are Israeli which means that most of the tourists who do come stay for only a short time and promptly return to Jerusalem. "They come here, take their Disneyland photos and drink some tea from a local shop and go back to Jerusalem," Sansour said.
"Maybe they'll stop by and buy some wood carvings from a shop where the Israeli operators get a commission, but that's about it," he added.

Christmas surge
Most of Bethlehem's local businessmen wait all year just for the Christmas season to come in hopes of boosting their incomes and providing for their families.
It's not surprising given that the poverty rate stands at 60 per cent while unemployment stands at 55 per cent, a slight increase from last year but not overly significant according to George Saadeh, Bethlehem's deputy mayor.

Abed Ibrahim, who works at a sweets shop, said: "Christmas [is] the only time of the year that anyone makes any money."

"It's good for now. But next year it will be bad again until the next Christmas. Nothing will change," he said Ibrahim added: "Fast dollars won't solve our business problems."

Ameer Jaber, who operates a stall selling boiled corn and roasted peanuts, feels the Palestinians need the kind of media exposure they received for Christmas year-round and not just in Bethlehem, but all over Palestine.

He said: "You foreigners come and help us, but then you leave when you have your pictures and reports, but we're still here and you'll have the same story next year unless we get your help."

Mad about castles

2007-12-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

Castle Neuschwanstein, a 19th century creation by Bavaria's "Mad King" Ludwig II, is surrounded by snow-covered trees in Schwangau in southern Germany. The castle inspired the Sleeping Beauty castles of Disney parks.

MUNICH, Germany -- Winter was cold and dark in the Bavarian Alps during the mid-19th century. Still a few people who ventured outdoors at night would sometimes see a mysterious, bright glow gliding silently through the pines and firs.
That would have been Ludwig II, the youthful king of Bavaria, traveling in his elaborate sleigh -- undoubtedly the only sleigh in the world equipped with an electric light. It was powered by a large battery placed under the seats.

Winter or summer, Ludwig II was known to spend much of his waking hours moving around the countryside between dusk and dawn. In his short lifetime, Ludwig II was declared officially insane, and he is widely known today as the "Mad King" of Bavaria. Part of the evidence given for his psychotic condition was that he spoke openly of his belief that man would some day fly.

A sensitive and poetic romanticist, he was also talked out of trying to construct a cable car at the mountaintop castle he was building. It would have connected to another nearby castle, one that was built by his parents and the summer home he knew and loved as a child.

Ludwig II cared nothing for the affairs of state. He commissioned avant-garde art and experimental music, much of which was too advanced for the time. These included the operas of his socially inept and generally unpopular friend, Richard Wagner.
On top of everything else, the king was homosexual and unfortunately trapped in an age when none dared emerge from that condemned closet.

Today he might be considered an artistic eccentric, and one who would fit neatly enough into respected elements of society. But this is now and that was then, and he ended up dying tragically and mysteriously.

He was found dead, floating in a shallow lake on June 13, 1886. A strong swimmer, the king did not drown. Many believe he was shot, simply as a result of political intrigue. He was 40 years old.

Thousands of visitors today hike through the Mad King's unfinished Neuschwanstein, the most famous castle in Germany. Visitors sometimes look up to see hang gliders flitting around the sky near the ramparts and turrets, a sight the royal dreamer and wannabe flyer surely would have loved.

The castles of Ludwig II are among the most popular sights for tourists of today. However, there are actually dozens of palaces and castles extending from Munich to the Austrian border, whether Gothic, Baroque, or Neoclassical. Some are open to the public.

Starting from Munich, I joined a small group that set out to examine some of these sumptuous constructions, cramming as many as possible into a week's time. It was like dining on beer, sausage and "apfelstrudel" daily -- but a Bavarian feast for the eyes instead of the stomach.

Our eyes glazed over when we tried to grasp the complicated family tree of the Wittelsbachs, rulers of Bavaria for 700 years, including their relationships with their wives, husbands, mistresses and lovers. So we concentrated on the art and architecture. Here are highlights of this short but fascinating exploration.

Munich
The incredibly large and opulent Baroque palace of Nymphenburg, one of Munich's most popular attractions, was built to celebrate the 1664 birth of a royal heir, Max Emanuel, a long-awaited baby who grew up to become the great-grandfather of Ludwig II. The palace continued to be occupied by the Wittelsbach family for several generations.

The first King Ludwig dallied there and his grandson, Ludwig II, was born there.
A popular room in the palace is devoted to dozens of portraits of the first Ludwig's mistresses -- trophies in oil of conquests that included the notorious Spanish dancer, Lola Montez.

I was more impressed with the fact that Mozart played in the palace at age 7 -- not with toys or blocks of course, but on the piano.
We also visited three other palaces in Munich: exquisite, 18th-century Amalienburg, with its circular hall of mirrors; Schleissheim, now the official state gallery for Baroque paintings; and Lustheim, which contains a beautiful collection of Meissen porcelain.

Prien
From this attractive Bavarian village on the shores of Lake Chiemsee, we took the passenger ferry to the small island of Herreninsel to see another of Ludwig II's "mad" creations -- the unfinished palace that he built in an attempt to duplicate the French palace of Versailles.

On display among the gold, porcelain and cherub-bedecked chambers is Ludwig's king-size golden bed with its moon-shaped night light, which once contained a single candle. There is a secret spiral staircase that led from his bed to an indoor swimming pool on the floor below. Construction on the palace was halted after his death, and today the unfinished portion is almost as interesting as the remainder.

Oberammergau
The fairy-tale-like village is famous for its Passion Play, performed every 10 years since the early 17th century. The theater, built expressly for that purpose, is an interesting tour itself. Next year, 2008, tickets will go on sale for the summer performances in 2010.

A half-hour's drive from Oberammergau is Castle Linderhof, the only one of the Ludwig II palaces and castles that was completed during the king's lifetime. Like Herreninsel, this was Ludwig's homage to France's King Louis XIV, with many elements copied from Versailles. The surrounding gardens are as famous as the palace itself.

FuessenThe village of Fuessen is the usual headquarters for visits to two nearby castles, Ludwig II's Neuschwanstein, with its occasional hang gliders, and the neo-Gothic Hohenschwangau. The latter, the childhood summer home of Ludwig II, is credited to Ludwig's father, Maximilian II, who renovated a 12th-century fortress, keeping the medieval style but modernizing it to comfort standards of the early 19th century.

In later years, Ludwig II used the castle to keep a telescopic watch on his construction of Neuschwanstein, until enough of it was completed so that he could move in himself and continue his nightly ramblings through the forests and nearby mountain villages. Today Neuschwanstein is famous also for serving as the model for the Sleeping Beauty castles of Disney amusement parks throughout the world.

In this spectacular Alpine setting, I concluded that Neuschwanstein, the magnificent edifice of Bavaria's celebrated Mad King, will probably remain the standard by which all romantic castles are judged between now and, well ... kingdom come.

Globus Releases Results of First-Ever Study of International Religious Travelers

2007-11-03T02:14:00.000-07:00

For many, traveling abroad is a spiritual experience visiting magnificent cathedrals, ancient temples and other historic religious sites can have a profound effect on anyone that encounters them. Increasingly, though, Americans are planning international vacations specifically designed to explore their religion and deepen their faith. While many experts agree this is one of the fastest growing vacation trends, until now the travel industry had no way to quantify these spiritual sojourners.

Today, Globus, the world's leader in escorted travel, unveiled the findings of an extensive study about the U.S. market for international religious vacations.

Most notably, the Globus Religious Travel Study (conducted by Menlo Consulting Group, Inc.) revealed that one-third of all international travelers or 15.7 million U.S. adults are likely to take a religious vacation in the future. In fact, one in 10 international pleasure travelers have already been abroad on a faith-based vacation or approximately 4.5 million people. The total market of past and potential religious travelers in the U.S. numbers approximately 16.6 million people.

The results of this survey fall closely In line with the phenomenon Globus has experienced since introducing a religious travel division (www.globusfaith.com) in 2004. In 2007, year-to-date bookings have increased 74 percent over 2006 figures. As the first and only large tour operator to have embraced the spirit of faith-based vacations, Globus has steadily increased its religious vacation offerings and now boasts dozens of departure dates throughout the year.

There's no doubt that religious vacations will continue to be a booming trend in the travel industry, said Mike Schields, director of group sales and Emerging Markets for the Globus family of brands. One driving factor is how meaningful these trips can be for the traveler. Our study showed that eight in 10 past religious travelers plan to repeat the experience in the Future it's just an incredible testament to the personal enlightenment that many have on faith-based vacations.?

Visiting spiritual sites is an obvious activity for religious travelers. However, according to the survey, 42 percent of potential religious travelers say it?s not all about pious activities they want variety, with a 50/50 mix of religious and non-religious activities planned for the itinerary. Also revealed in the Globus Religious Travel Study past and potential religious travelers aren't the only ones interested in exploring the roots of their faith on vacation.

More than 40 percent of all American international pleasure travelers or 20.1 million people have at least some desire to get in touch with their religious heritage when they travel.

Other data highlights include:

Spirituality in numbers: Religious travelers prefer group travel. Three-quarters of potential religious travelers would opt for an escorted group tour, while fewer than one in five would choose a cruise or independent travel.

Who are religious travelers A majority of religious travelers are well-educated; more than 60 percent have graduated college or attended/completed graduate school. More than half have a household income of over $75,000, and the vast majority (70 percent) are married.

Faith at home: Half of all religious travelers are Protestant, and one-quarter are Roman Catholic. More than two-thirds of religious travelers say they are active in their church, temple or synagogue and nearly half say they volunteer in their local communities.

What are the hot religious destinations? Israel tops the list (35 percent) of countries that travelers have already visited on a faith-driven trip, followed by Italy (12 percent) and Greece (11 percent). Israel is the most cited (54 percent) desirable destination for religious trips. Italy is also a top contender of desirable destinations, with 41 percent, along with England (28 percent).

The announcement of Globus' Religious Travel Study comes alongside the announcement of its 2008 faith-based vacation offerings. Catering mostly to Catholic and Protestant/Christian denominations, Globus has increased its departures by 60 percent for 2008. Fitting with the study results, travelers on a Globus religious vacation can balance visits to spiritual sites with shopping, entertainment and exploration. They also receive faith-based insight and story-telling from a special team of Globus Tour Directors. Highlights of the 2008 offerings include:

Legacy of Pope John Paul II (7 days): This week-long vacation offers travelers an intimate look into the life of the beloved pope. Travelers will experience Pope John Paul II?s hometown, visiting his birthplace and boyhood home before traveling south through Poland. Other highlights of this tour include visits to Warsaw, Czestochowa and Krakow, all important sites in the Pope's life. This trip also includes a visit to Auschwitz with a stop at the remains the former concentration camp and a martyrdom museum. (Priced from $1,249 land only(a))

Jordan & Egypt in the Bible (10 days): This vacation begins in Cairo, Egypt, with sightseeing at the Great Pyramids and Giza's Sphinx accompanied by a personal Egyptologist. Then, travelers continue on to Mt. Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandments and the Dead Sea, among other biblical sites. (Priced from $1,649 land only(a), including intra-tour flight)

Christian England & the World of C.S. Lewis (9 days): Arriving in London as their first stop on the vacation, travelers will visit the city's many famous cathedrals before enjoying excursions to Canterbury and Oxford. This stay in Oxford allows travelers a glimpse into Lewis? past with visits to his colleges and favorite pubs. The nine-day trip concludes with a stop in Cambridge where the writer also lived and taught. (Priced from $1,889 land only(a))

Footsteps of Apostle Paul (10 days): Globus' most popular religious vacation, this trip affords travelers the opportunity to visit sites where the Apostle Paul delivered sermons and conducted personal pilgrimages. Travelers will visit Greece and Turkey, stopping in cities such as Corinth and Philippi, famed for the letters and teachings that Paul addressed to them. In addition to seeing religious sites, travelers will also experience a three-day cruise, with visits to the islands of Mykonos and Rhodes ? where the apostle landed in 51 A.D. (Priced from $1,729 land/cruise only(a)

Classic Shrines of Italy (9 days): A travelers favorite, this vacation offers a grand tour of Italian religious sites. The tour's first stop in Rome includes visits to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums, as well as a tour of the Colosseum, a site of Christian martyrdom. As the trip continues, travelers will sightsee in various Italian villages en route to Assisi to experience the life of St. Francis. (Priced from $1,739 land only(a))

New! Oberammergau 2010 Vacation Catholic Germany & Alps (9 days): Don't be fooled by the date, it's not too early to reserve a seat at this world-famous famous Passion Play. Every 10 years, thousands of tourists descend on the humble German village of Oberammergau. Since 1634, the villagers have been performing this play that portrays the Passion of Christ, from the entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection.

The performances and the hotels sell out every season, but vacationers who travel with Globus are guaranteed first-class seats and accommodations. Before reaching Oberammergau, though, travelers begin on this vacation in Munich. Then, following the Passion Play, they travel through the Alps with stops in Liechtenstein and Switzerland, before visiting the historic cathedrals in Cologne and cruising on the Rhine River. (Priced from $2,669, land only(a)

For more information about Globus' 2008 religious vacations, please visit www.globusfaith.com. Globus' Religious Travel Study was conducted as part of Menlo Consulting Group?s TravelStyles® USA 2007-2008 research program.

For complete results, or for more information about methodology, please contact Ian Jeffries at ian_jeffries@cohnwolfe.com or (310) 967-2957.

(a) Consumers can Call 1-866-313-2855 for air-inclusive pricing.

About Globus

Globus is the world's leader in escorted travel with 80 years experience sharing the world's stories. Globus offers an array of choices with vacation to six continents, visiting over 65 countries, with seven travel styles to choose from. For seven years in a row, Globus has been selected by Recommend Magazine as the best tour operator to Europe, and a top finalist for North America, Asia, Latin America and Africa. Globus was also acknowledged as Travel Weekly's 2006 Readers' Choice for best international tour operator, as well as best tour operator to Asia and South Pacific. The privately held company has offices worldwide with its U.S. headquarters in Littleton, Colo.

Globus vacations include: deluxe, superior first class or first class hotels; daily breakfasts, many dinners; professional Tour Directors or Local Hosts; sightseeing; transportation; hotel taxes; service charges and baggage handling. Consumers can book reservations or request a 2008 Globus Religious Vacations brochure by seeing a preferred travel agent, calling toll free 1-866-313-2855 or visiting www.globusfaith.com.

About Menlo Consulting Group, Inc.

MCG is a strategy consulting and marketing research firm renowned for its expertise in global travel and tourism. MCG helps organizations gain a competitive edge through custom-designed branding and strategy consulting and research projects, as well as through TravelStyles®, the industry's most respected program of multi-client research with international travelers. For more information, contact us at 650-941-4458 or info@menloconsulting.com.

http://www.menloconsulting.com/

A playwright's passion

2007-10-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

Push from Pulitzer Prize winner the catalyst for a dramatic change in direction

Sarah Ruhl's passion for "Passion Play: a cycle in three parts" began at Brown University where as a student she wrote the trilogy's first two plays. But she didn't begin by studying theater. Instead she was writing fiction and poetry and thinking maybe she'd be a teacher.

Everything changed when she took a playwriting class with Paula Vogel, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for "How I Learned to Drive." Ruhl had an idea to write a thesis on actresses in the 19th century and asked Vogel to oversee it. Vogel refused but said if Ruhl wrote a play instead she would be on board.

Vogel's suggestion changed Ruhl's life.

"I felt completely liberated," Ruhl recalled, in a conversation from her Manhattan home. "I thought 'How wonderful, I don't have to write my crusty paper about actresses, I can write a play.' I remember walking down the street feeling like a great weight had been lifted off of me."

The Goodman Theatre, which in 2006 staged Ruhl's wonderful drama "The Clean House," opens its season with the Chicago premiere of "Passion Play." The 3½-hour epic, under the direction of Mark Wing-Davey, features three plays all staged at different times in history, all dealing with the testy relationship between politics and religion and all based around the medieval tradition of the Passion play, a reenactment of Christ's passion and crucifixion.

The first takes place in 1575 England during the reign of Protestant Queen Elizabeth as she attempts to banish Catholic rituals; part two is staged in 1934 Oberammergau, Germany, where Hitler has endorsed the Passion play as a way to promote his anti-Semitic agenda, and part three moves to 1984 Spearfish, South Dakota, the home of the Black Hills Passion play, which gets a visit from a campaigning Ronald Reagan.

Wing-Davey has a long connection to "Passion Play" that goes back to its developmental days at the Sundance Institute in 2000. Two years later, he directed a workshop production of the first two plays at the Actors Centre in London.

"I was immediately struck by its scope and audaciousness," Wing-Davey recalled. "It's a richly textured work that has an innocence and enthusiasm about it. Sarah's voice is a mix of dry humor and a very particular take on the world that she creates within her own version of magic realism."

It was after re-reading a children's book about the Oberammergau Passion play that Ruhl began her research in earnest. With each new thing she uncovered, the momentum built.

"It was like those Russian nesting dolls," Ruhl, 33, said. "I kept uncovering new thoughts and ideas."

She was especially horrified and intrigued by Hitler's connection to Oberammergau.

"I was just stunned when I read his speech about how wonderful the Passion was because he felt it was anti-Semitic," the soft-spoken Ruhl said. "It just seemed like such a strange perversion of what was the original intention of the play."

Ten years after writing the first two plays, Ruhl returned to the cycle. She had discovered the Passion play in South Dakota and felt she had to continue the work. Washington, D.C.'s Arena Stage, where the trilogy had its world premiere in 2005, commissioned her to write a final play. She found it an interesting time to take on the intersection of politics and religion from the European Renaissance to modern American politics.

"We're living in a time when religion has been re-politicized," Ruhl said. "In America, we've lived through a long period in which religion and politics were kept separate. That was the whole point of living in this country. Now I think we're living in a time where people have merged the two as a political maneuver to take power. And I see that as so medieval, something right of the Renaissance."

Ruhl also was fascinated by the notion of role playing. A cast of 16 characters portray the same roles in each of the plays. These are characters who play the same role year in and year out with the Passion. Ruhl wanted to examine how that would seep into a person's identity.

"I started to think about a character who played the Virgin Mary who was actually not so virginal. Or an actor playing Christ who was drawn to the Nazi party. I think in a way it became a metaphor for questions about how fixed identity really is."

Ruhl, who grew up in Wilmette, attended New Trier High School and took classes from a young age at Evanston's Piven Theatre Workshop. She left college never sure she could make a living as a playwright. She returned to Chicago, worked odd jobs and had three of her early works -- "Orlando," "Eurydice" and "Melancholy Play" -- staged at Piven. But she found no other outlets in Chicago for her work and eventually went back to Brown where she earned a graduate degree in playwriting.

Today, Ruhl lives in Manhattan with her psychiatrist husband, Anthony Charuvastra, and their 1½-year-old daughter, Anna. She admits that becoming a mother and continuing with her writing has been challenging. So, when part of her just wants to be at home playing with her daughter, what keeps her focused on writing?

"I've had really good luck with babysitters," Ruhl said, laughing. But on a more serious side, she adds. "I think theater is a really important artform right now. Reality on television and in movies is distilled for you in a way that I think we're farther away from the real than ever before. So for people to experience art in a community in real time, knowing that they're getting the language directly from the source, is a really important relationship for me right now."

'PASSION PLAY: A CYCLE IN THREE PARTS'When: Opens Monday, to Oct. 21

Oscar night honors for retiring Acadia chaplain

2007-08-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

Close to 200 people gathered recently to mark the retirement of Rev. Roger Prentice after 22 years as chaplain at Acadia University.

The dinner, held July 28, brought together friends and colleagues from as far away as Calgary and Wisconsin. Rev. John Boyd from Halifax acted as MC and the program included the presentation of four unique Oscars.

The first was for best portrayal of a Dickens character. It was delivered by Alan Slipp, who was Ebenezer Scrooge to Prentice’s Mr. Fezziwig in the community production of Fezziwig’s Family Christmas Frolic. He undertook this leading role for 10 years.

The second Oscar was for best playwright. John and Lana Churchill of Port Williams detailed his years of writing Easter Passion plays and other dramatic efforts.

Former chapel assistant Chris Graham, who just graduated from University of Toronto Law School, presented the third Oscar for best director. He described taking on several of the 450 roles Prentice created for students.

Incoming chaplain Rev. Tim McFarland entertained with new lyrics to an old song and then Acadia’s president, Dr. Gail Dinter-Gottlieb, paid tribute to Prentice and gave him the Oscar for outstanding chaplain in a leading role.

Prentice also received a gold watch from the student body, a computer from a group of friends, a book of appreciation and a special publication of the Manning Memorial Chapel Passion Plays. Ceramicist Susan Meindl, who graduated in 1977, created the unique Oscars.

Passion Play defaced

2007-07-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

Organizers of “The Passion Play in the Smokies” were shocked by a seemingly random act of vandalism that left drug-themed, spray-painted messages all over the production’s grounds in Townsend Tuesday night.

According to Ed Cooper, technical director for the Passion Play, he and his wife, Teresa, came to the remote amphitheater around 9 p.m. Tuesday to get equipment when they noticed the main sign leading into the property had been spray painted. It was not the first time someone had tagged the sign, but when they got to the amphitheater the spray paint continued. And that was a first.

Vandalism of the main sign started on June 29, and looking back Ed wished he had taken it more seriously when it first happened.“Maybe we should have called the authorities then, but we didn’t,” he said, adding that the spray paint on the buildings now has been exceptionally difficult to remove. “We’ve already tried to clean it off, but it’s on there.”

This is the third season of this Passion Play in Townsend, and they’ve never had this kind of problem, said Teresa Cooper, who is also the stage/production manager of the Passion Play. Messages like “Dope mobile,” “meth lab,” “weed 4 sale” and “weed” were emblazoned across the fixed buildings on the site, as well as a pair of trailers, a mobile chapel and even a truck.

While there was no damage to the set or props in the amphitheater, Ed is worried that it may just be a matter of time before the vandals strike again and do more lasting damage.

“If they’re getting this brave and brazen to come up here, then what’s their next step?” he asked.

Regardless of the damage, organizers plan for the doors to be open at 8 p.m. this Friday for the show, which is part of Crown of Thorns Ministries which operates it in cooperation with Chilhowee Baptist Association. They are hoping for volunteers to help with the cleanup effort.

“It’s not going to stop us,” he said. “It’ll be a hindrance, but not a stop.”
Ed Cooper estimates that about 2,500 people come to see the Passion Play — which dramatically tells the story of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection — every year.
Teresa doesn’t think the Passion Play was targeted by vandals because of the production’s message.

More likely, she said, it is because the amphitheater is in a remote area that does not see a lot of traffic. Ed said he thinks it was just some kids with spray paint, “that need supervision and a good tail busting.”

“I don’t think it’s at all (about) us being a Christian organization,” Teresa said.
According to Blount County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Marian O’Briant, the damage done was estimated at $650. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating, but does not have any suspects, she said. She added that none of the other properties in the area were vandalized and the damage done at the Passion Play site seems to be an isolated incident.

German town approves plan to move Passion play into evening

2007-06-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

OBERAMMERGAU, Germany (AP) - Residents of Oberammergau on Sunday approved plans to move the Bavarian town's famous Passion play into the evening hours, the mayor said Sunday, prompting the production's director to say he would stay in the job.

Christian Stueckl, who is to direct the play for the third time when the once-a-decade production is next staged in 2010, had said he would step down if the referendum went against his plan.

Productions of the play previously have run from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a three-hour interval. Stueckl, citing artistic reasons, wants to start in the afternoon and have the play run into the dark evening hours, finishing at 10:30 p.m. The town council approved the idea, but some 600 residents signed a petition to force a referendum on the plan. Opponents cited concerns including the defense of tradition and higher costs.

However, Mayor Rolf Zigon said Sunday's referendum ended with 64 percent voting in favor of Stueckl's plan. He said 65 percent of Oberammergau's 4,000 registered voters turned out.

«I am very happy _ now I know that I can carry on,» Stueckl said. The play has been performed since 1634. Actors must either be born in Oberammergau, or have lived there for 20 years.

Farewell to Falwell

2007-05-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

Thousands of mourners, many arriving before dawn, yesterday bade farewell to the Rev. Jerry Falwell, the Baptist evangelist who became a leader in winning souls to Christ, founder of Liberty Baptist University, and a moral force in national politics.

The congregation at the Thomas Road Baptist Church included political and civic figures who came to mourn, but the 10,000 men and women in the audience were drawn to pay tribute to the Gospel that Mr. Falwell preached with fire and passion for Christ in a ministry that spanned five decades.

"No one ever had a better friend than Jerry Falwell," said the Rev. Jim Moon, a childhood friend and co-pastor of the Thomas Road Baptist Church, where the service was held. "Jerry Falwell was a man who trusted in the Lord with all his heart. He sought the wisdom of God in every decision he made."

Mr. Falwell founded the church in 1956 with just 35 parishioners in an abandoned Donald Duck Cola bottling plant. The church now enrolls 24,000 members.

The Rev. Jerry Vines, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, told the packed church of the early days of the ministry, when Mr. Falwell preached and his wife, Macel, played the piano.

Their efforts attracted 800 members by the end of the first year, he said, and the Falwells had built a megachurch "before megachurches were cool."

Mr. Falwell was remembered as a "saint," "prophet," "a dreamer who dared" and a "giant of a man" who understood the "will and work" of God, and made all he met feel like they were his best friend.

Inside the big man was a "mischievous little boy," Mr. Vines said. He gave surprise bear hugs that left people checking for rib injuries and once drove a car equipped with a horn that made a trainlike sound.

Mr. Vines said Mr. Falwell, who had carefully planned his service, once told him "I'm going to walk out" if the funeral ran longer than 45 minutes. "So I have been watching carefully," Mr. Vines said.

The Rev. Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, said Mr. Falwell was a controversial figure because of his unwavering belief in moral standards, such as his opposition to abortion, pornography and same-sex "marriage."

Mr. Graham praised Mr. Falwell for "believing that moral decay weakened America." He said Mr. Falwell's passion changed U.S. politics, particularly when he started the Moral Majority in 1979, which helped elect Ronald Reagan president and united evangelical and fundamentalist Christians who had avoided politics.

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, head of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, said before the service that Mr. Falwell was one of the "first to build a bridge between evangelicals and Jews in America and evangelicals and Jews in Israel."

Spirit of Detroit

2007-05-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

Step inside Historic Trinity Church and the majestic sounds of Bach or Handel or Vivaldi resound from mammoth pipe organs throughout the three-story house of worship. As the sun streams through the leaded stained glass windows, spilling onto oak pews, music and light illuminate the gospel of joyful preservation taught from the pulpit.

“A church needs to be an open place, a focus of city life," says the Rev. Dr. David Eberhard, pastor of Holy Trinity. "It's a place you come to all at once, in a great rush of contradiction and paradox that is orthodox and outrageous. ... It is the church of the new urbanite.”

Historic Trinity parishioners distribute church flyers at loft buildings, coffee houses, Eastern Market stalls and anywhere people gather in the city. Eberhard is proud to say he has 1,800 church members with an average age of 36 and that the parish has become a source of regional outreach from its location at Gratiot and Russell Street, just east of downtown Detroit.

“The urbanite doesn’t read newspapers or mail that comes in envelopes but he yearns for tradition, a church with a choir, liturgy, organ music and something more, a sense of belonging,” Eberhard says. “Historic Trinity models itself as a downtown church that understands people of multi-generations and invites them to its spiritual home.”

Historic destination

Just as P.T. Barnum did whatever possible to get people into the Big Top, Eberhard looks at a variety of historical, mysterious and comical resources to get more people into the pews.

Tour groups – from the blue haired ladies from Livonia to the spouses of convention attendees at Cobo Center – stream through this Lutheran cathedral each week to see how art and architecture contributed to its placement on the city, state and national historic register. They seldom leave disappointed.

In this magnificent space they find stone statues, a bell tower, wood carvings, stained glass windows and ancient crucifix, much as might be discovered at any big city church. But Eberhard and his team of tour guides reveal more: a secret staircase hidden behind a revolving book case, a trio of life-size pastors in glass cases and an assemblage of doll houses made by the pastor to reflect Victoriana, Halloween, the Caribbean, a firehouse and a row of shops.

Eberhard, who served on the Detroit City Council for 24 years, sees the best way to repair the city’s woes as soothing the soul and restoring inner valor.

Eberhard greets visitors in a study designed in the early 1930s to resemble Martin Luther's German study of the early 16th century. Its walls are covered with murals depicting scenes from the Reformation and the Renaissance. Visitors see one of the original bibles produced on a Guttenberg press and preserved under glass.

“There is eye candy everywhere you look,” says Stewart McMillan, an Indian Village resident who leads periodic tours through Historic Trinity and other downtown churches. (Editor's note: see photographer Dave Krieger's photo essay, Sacred Urban Space, for immediate eye candy.)

The pastor is most proud of his crucifix from an 1866 altar and an accompanying painting, both acquired from Oberammergau, Germany, a village that has staged annual Passion Plays since the 1600s.

Vocational calling

Growing up as the son of a minister, David Eberhard didn’t question how he wound up in seminary school in the days of spiritual activism and civil rights. He came to Detroit with his wife Beverly in the mid-1960s to Riverside Lutheran Church. The church ran medical clinics and community building workshops while he delivered rousing sermons that built a base of motivated followers.

Eberhard moved from the pulpit to the political arena, riding the wave of progressive leaders from President John F. Kennedy to then Mayor Jerome Cavanaugh. He worked to restore Detroit's hopes and houses after the 1967 riot and later became a close friend of Mayor Coleman Young. He might have stayed in politics if not for Dick Huegli, then president of the Community Foundation for Michigan, who begged him to help restore Trinity Lutheran to its glory. Its membership had fallen to just 80 families, all seniors.

“Most downtown churches had become private clubs, where only card carrying members could worship. Visitors were welcome but not really. Then pastors wondered why they couldn’t get enough collections to fix the roof,” Eberhard says. “No building can serve its mandate when it is open only 1.8 hours a week.”

With the help of Monsignor Clement Kern, the late pastor of Most Holy Trinity, a Catholic church in Corktown, Eberhard learned how to create a niche for his congregation that would grow in size and stature. The two churches distinguished themselves by their antecedents, “Historic” and “Most Holy.”

Eberhard reached out to the Metropolitan Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Detroit Historical Society to offer tours and scheduled tours of other neighboring churches. Soon people were calling to schedule weddings, events and meetings at a facility that welcomed newcomers and old-timers. He founded the Detroit Historical Church Association, a group made up of ministers that meets three or four times a year to brainstorm about ways to grow a congregation.

“We are all here to promote downtown. As one church is strong, all of us become stronger,” Eberhard says. Eberhard, the father of five boys with 13 grandchildren, has a succession plan in place to keep the ministerial team focused on preservation.

Yet his primary purpose is to nurture the flock with a dynamic sermon, a service that might include the organ with bagpipes, guitars, re-enactments of holy scenes and a major processional with up to six clergy. Young adults who seek traditional dining rooms, classic styled cars and wardrobes look for a house of worship that looks solid.

The front door of Historic Trinity alone portrays 300 religious figures, starting with church founder Martin Luther and including Moses, Aaron and the Woman of Canaan.

“A church feeds the soul just as restaurants feed the stomach. You go to church because you want the ambiance and the emotional uplift of a service," Eberhard says. "You leave feeling you are forgiven, that God will walk with you through the week and give you the strength to take care of what you cope with.”

With that, he puts his head back in the Bible to prepare his next liturgical service. The phone rings, a new voice asks if the service will be relevant. “Come and put your feet under the Lord’s Table and partake of a meal," the pastor says. "You’ll gain a peace of mind that you cannot find all by yourself. God is listening.”

2007-05-12T06:50:00.001-07:00

Figure of Jesus stolen from church

2007-05-11T06:24:00.000-07:00

The congregation of an Oxford church is searching for Jesus - after a four foot-high statue of Christ was stolen from their churchyard.

Parishioners at St Thomas the Martyr Church in Becket Street were devastated when they discovered the figure, depicting Jesus on the cross, had gone missing.

But police believe the figure has not gone far and the church is now appealing for its safe return.

The wooden statue was a gift to the church in 1905 and for the past 100 years has formed part of the Calvary Shrine that stands at the entrance to the churchyard at the west end of St Thomas Street.

But on Friday, April 13, residents in the neighbouring Rowland Hill Court reported a disturbance in the churchyard and the following morning the figure had gone.

Churchwarden Anne Dutton said: "We had a phone call from the police to say there had been a report of damage here. We came down on the Saturday morning and expected to find the figure damaged but it had disappeared."

advertisementMrs Dutton said the wayside crucifix had originated in Oberammergau, Germany, home of the famous Passion Play, and was given to the church by a Mrs Laffan in 1905.

She added: "We would dearly love it back. We have people who have come to St Thomas's all their lives and they are very upset.

"The main priority is to locate the figure. If it has completely vanished we will have to see about replacing it in some way, but if it's not too badly damaged and is just laying somewhere we can repair it and put it back in its rightful place."

Mrs Dutton said several headstones, on the graves of Sisters from the Convent that had stood next to the church until the mid-1950s, had also been badly damaged.

Pc Paul Phillips, of Thames Valley Police, said he doubted the figure had gone far, due to its size.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said a 34-year-old man was arrested on Saturday in connection with the incident at the church and had been detained under the Mental Health Act.

Passion Play a modern drama

2007-05-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

If Europe was mostly illiterate, the Passion Play was one of the church's most effective tools to teach the story of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday through Easter.

Last month, 11 Durango-area churches joined to present Passion Play (the musical), which was created for this day and time. Modern music and sound effects such as crickets in the Garden of Gethsemane and thunder and lightning at the time of Jesus' death all added a dramatic touch. The play was a labor of love and effort for the more than 60 people in the cast, the seven singers and a large backstage contingent. Organizers and cast hope to make it an annual tradition, as it is in Denver, where it has been performed each year for the last 20 years.

Mike Warnock, who played Judas Iscariot, said that the 12 weeks of rehearsals and the five-day performance schedule had been powerful and grueling emotionally. At Wednesday's performance at the River Church, he said, there wasn't a dry eye in the cast.

"Every night, selling out - my Lord," he said. "I learned that I'm not above the worst of the worst."

The earliest examples of the play date back to the 1200s, and it reached its heyday in Germany during the 15th century.

The most famous Passion Play has been held once a decade in Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany since 1634. More than 2,000 residents participate, from performers and musicians to stage technicians. The Oberammergau version features tableaux vivants (actors standing still representing scenes from the Bible) as well as the drama and runs about seven hours.

Durango's Passion Play, while not as graphically specific as Mel Gibson's "Passion of Christ" film in 2003, did not stint on Christ's suffering. He bled from the scourging and crown of thorns, and was clearly in agony on the Cross. Many young children in the audience were crying or concerned about Jesus being hurt.

Durango's version of the Passion Play also included the quote from Matthew that the blood of Jesus would be on the hands of the Jews and their children.

That quote has been eliminated in Passion Plays put on by Catholics since the Vatican II Council in the 1960s as it was often used as an excuse for anti-Semitism. Biblical scholars say that while Pilate may have pretended reluctance at crucifying Jesus, only he had the power to do so.

In fact, Pilate ordered more than 150 crucifixions during his time as governor of Israel.

Passion Play draws close to 2,000

2007-04-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

By a conservative number the 2007 Georgia Mountain Passion Play was seen by over 1,900 viewers, and that number may have even gone above 2,000. The play, which is put on by First Baptist Church of Blairsville, was made even more accessible this year thanks to the addition of a third, matinee presentation.

"The great thing about it is that we pull from the community so much," Pastor Fred Lodge said, explaining that the earlier time allows those from other churches to come to the presentation without being pulled away from their own church services. "This gave us a good opportunity for that, it really paid off. Every year has been a blessing, but we have sensed a real anointing this year."

This time the story was told through the eyes of Simon of Cyrene and his sons Rufus and Alexander. Simon was present as Christ was being led to his crucifixion and Rufus and Alexander were later important figures in the spread of the Gospel.

"We get a general idea of where we want to see it from, and [Minister of Music Terry Hooper] gets all the kinds of music that will fit just where we want to go," Pastor Lodge said, "and I get the task of writing a storyline that will tie it all together."

Some of the scenes featured included Jesus healing others, the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the ascension.

More than 140 people were involved in the play this year, with duties ranging from acting in the presentation to handling production aspects, or even ironing costumes.

The cast is not limited to the two-legged variety, as a donkey, lamb, and group of alpacas were once again part of the story this year.

All of the hard work and coordination goes into three main objectives, as the primary goal is to introduce the Gospel so that viewers might receive Christ, but the presentation also provides important elements of teaching and inspiration.

"We just try to provide a high quality Easter presentation to the community," Pastor Lodge said. "To us, doing the Passion Play is a picture of the body of Christ. We feel like we have a great responsibility to the community and they respond phenomenally in all kinds of ways."

The pastor explained that the church tries to start its planning earlier and earlier each year, so everyone can spend more time on all aspects of it.

"We haven't decided absolutely for sure yet, but we are leaning towards next year seeing through the eyes of Paul as he is imprisoned," Pastor Lodge said. "That way we could even bring in things from the Roman Epistles."

Twin Cities Bronze to perform in THIEF RIVER FALLS

2007-04-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, April 21, at 7 p.m, Twin Cities Bronze will showcase its unique diversity in challenging secular, sacred and classical music repertoire by playing a fundraising concert at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. Tickets will be available for a freewill offering at the door.

Twin Cities Bronze is a performing ensemble specializing in the music and art of English handbells. Selected by annual audition, this 11-member ensemble of advanced ringers hails from the metropolitan area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. As a teaching ensemble at the forefront of the medium of handbells, members travel across the country sharing their knowledge and experience with directors and ringers in churches, schools and community groups. Twin Cities Bronze is recognized for its innovative and comprehensive workshop, Insights Into Artistry, which it will present to Thief River Falls and surrounding communities this fall.

Lincoln High School alumnus Bill Carlson (class of 1986), son of Jim and Donna Carlson (former Corner Drug owners), is in his third year ringing with this internationally acclaimed handbell ensemble. Carlson began ringing handbells in a youth handbell choir at the Thief River Falls United Methodist Church at age 12. Since graduation, he’s been playing with the adult choir at Lake Harriet United Methodist Church in Minneapolis.

“My director encouraged me to audition for the ensemble and since I was up for a new challenge, I decided to give it a try. It’s amazing to think this is my third year in the group. Recently, the artistic director for the ensemble asked each of us where we'd like to perform a concert,” said Carlson. “After attending my 20-year reunion last summer, my vote was to bring our musical art to my hometown, especially after the invitation Twin Cities Bronze received last fall.”

Twin Cities Bronze has received a personal invitation to represent the United States at the Passion for Music Festival in Oberammergau, Germany, this June. The festival will be held on the stage of the world-renowned Passion Play and will bring together a variety of musical groups from all across Europe to perform and celebrate in the universal language of music. From the festival brochure: “For the first time in history, the Passion Play Theatre and the city of Oberammergau have opened their doors for a historic music festival.”

This is the first time ensembles and choirs from the United States have been invited to participate in the Oberammergau Passion for Music Festival.

Monica McGowan, artistic director for the ensemble said, “Since we are a nonprofit volunteer group, we rely on donations to make sharing the unique artistry of handbells with musicians and non-musicians a reality. Our own efforts to raise about $30,000 for this trip include numerous concerts and participation in the Centerplate Fundraising Program at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.”

More details on making a donation are available at www.twincitiesbronze.org by clicking on “Oberammergau.”

Troupe finds passion in play

2007-04-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

"Crucificalo! Crucificalo!" screamed a group of women.

Two strapping youths hoisted a wooden crucifix onto Garibay's shoulders. He edged off the platform and staggered along the perimeter of the sprawling parking lot, sometimes stumbling beneath the weight of the thick-beamed, 12-foot cross.

Whips cracked. A woman's agonized sobs filled the darkness.

This is the Passion Play, a re-enactment of Christ's brutal last hours. It has riveted believers since its first known production in 1150 continuing to Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" in 2004. That film reignited the controversy over broadly anti-Semitic elements that have disappeared from most modern versions.

For Jovenes, a young-adult group at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Concord, it is a pure labor of love.

If tonight is like years past, about 600 people will gather in the emptied lot, where chalk lines demarcate the Via Dolorosa.

"The idea is not just the pain," director Monica Iniguez said. "It's the extent of God's love for us, each and every one."

Iniguez held a flashlight over her clipboard as the procession neared its end. Keeping things organized is her toughest challenge, she said.

During the Middle Ages, peasants and tradesmen put on the productions and played the music. Many of the people in Jovenes work long hours and six-day weeks. They can't always make it to rehearsals. But mentally, they suffer no distractions.
"Nobody has taken drama," Iniguez said, pulling a drawstring through a Roman soldier's slatted skirt. "They are all just normal people."

But on Friday, "everybody all of a sudden will be really focused."

Chatting and laughing with the others, Maria Sanchez, 20, in her second year as Mary, held up fabric remnants that make up costumes for the play's townsfolk.

"These are for the people who cry, 'Jesus Christ -- Die! Die!'" she said. Sanchez will wear all black.

How does she feel during the procession?

"Oh my God, I can't explain," she said. "I feel really sad."

Her tears ran during the rehearsal.

This is the first year the group will perform the play live outdoors using remote microphones linked to a sound system.

In the past, the performers mimed to a prerecorded tape. Last year, they performed in the church gym. Their natural voices carried better, but the room quickly filled to capacity, and many had to be turned away.

Garibay, 24, has dreamed of playing the role of Jesus his whole life.

"I love this person," he said with a gentle smile. "The person is me. I've prayed all the time for this."

The Passion Play has moved the faithful to tears for centuries.

The story also uplifts, said Father Brian Joyce of Christ the King Church in Pleasant Hill.

"If you don't know the story, it's just the story of an execution," he said. "If you know the story, you know it has a happy ending. The message is, 'even out of this comes hope, comes life,' and that's not a bad lesson."

Passion Play a modern drama

2007-04-08T15:14:00.000-07:00

In the Middle Ages, when the population of Europe was mostly illiterate, the Passion Play was one of the church's most effective tools to teach the story of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday through Easter.

Brian Schupp plays Jesus on the Cross while Amy Kraft, as his mother Mary, at his feet, comes to console him. The two were involved in the Passion Play, which was put on by 11 local churches all week at the River Church.While the literacy rate has soared in the centuries since the Middle Ages, the Passion Play still works as a way to bring alive the power of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, the centerpiece of the Christian faith.

This week, 11 Durango-area churches joined to present Passion Play (the musical), which was created for this day and time. Modern music and sound effects such as crickets in the Garden of Gethsemane and thunder and lightning at the time of Jesus' death all added a dramatic touch. The play was a labor of love and effort for the more than 60 people in the cast, the seven singers and a large backstage contingent. Organizers and cast hope to make it an annual tradition, as it is in Denver, where it has been performed each year for the last 20 years.

Mike Warnock, who played Judas Iscariot, said that the 12 weeks of rehearsals and the five-day performance schedule had been powerful and grueling emotionally. At Wednesday's performance at the River Church, he said, there wasn't a dry eye in the cast.

"Every night, selling out - my Lord," he said. "I learned that I'm not above the worst of the worst."

The earliest examples of the play date back to the 1200s, and it reached its heyday in Germany during the 15th century.

The most famous Passion Play has been held once a decade in Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany since 1634. More than 2,000 residents participate, from performers and musicians to stage technicians. The Oberammergau version features tableaux vivants (actors standing still representing scenes from the Bible) as well as the drama and runs about seven hours.

Durango's Passion Play, while not as graphically specific as Mel Gibson's "Passion of Christ" film in 2003, did not stint on Christ's suffering. He bled from the scourging and crown of thorns, and was clearly in agony on the Cross. Many young children in the audience were crying or concerned about Jesus being hurt.

Durango's version of the Passion Play also included the quote from Matthew that the blood of Jesus would be on the hands of the Jews and their children.

That quote has been eliminated in Passion Plays put on by Catholics since the Vatican II Council in the 1960s as it was often used as an excuse for anti-Semitism. Biblical scholars say that while Pilate may have pretended reluctance at crucifying Jesus, only he had the power to do so.

In fact, Pilate ordered more than 150 crucifixions during his time as governor of Israel.

Christian Holidays During Holy Week

2007-03-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

Explanation of important Christian holidays during the week before Easter

What Is Holy Week?
What Is Palm Sunday?
What Is Holy Thursday?
What Is the Passion?
What Is a Passion Play?
What Is Good Friday?
What Is the Triduum?
What Is Pascha?
What Is Easter?

What Is Holy Week?

For some Christians, the week preceding Easter is known as Holy Week. It begins on Palm Sunday and is traditionally a week of somber reflection on the events preceding Jesus’ death: his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, his betrayal by Judas; his Last Supper with his twelve apostles; his arrest, crucifixion and death; and his burial in a tomb.

What Is Palm Sunday?

On Palm Sunday, Christians celebrate Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem, which occurred several days before his death. According to the gospels, the people of Jerusalem spread branches from trees—identified specifically as palm branches in John's gospel—on the road to welcome Jesus as he rode a donkey into the city. Because of this, many Christian churches today offer congregants palm fronds as they enter the church on Palm Sunday. In some denominations, the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and of his death is read in church on Palm Sunday, juxtaposing the welcome Jesus received on one day with his betrayal and arrest a few days later.

What Is Holy Thursday?

On Holy Thursday (also called Maundy Thursday), Christians commemorate the Last Supper—a Passover meal that Jesus shared with his disciples the night before his death. During the meal, Jesus broke bread and offered his followers wine, saying “this is my body, given up for you.” Many Christians consider this event to have been the institution of the Eucharist, which is a sacrament in some denominations.

What Is the Passion?

Though today the word “passion” has romantic connotations, it was originally derived from the Latin word passio, meaning suffering. In religious contexts, the Passion (often capitalized) refers to the torture, crucifixion, and death of Jesus.

What Is a Passion Play?

A Passion play is a reenactment of the gospel stories of Jesus’ trial, torture by Roman soldiers, and crucifixion, often with a focus on the carrying of the cross. Christian groups may stage performances of Passion plays in churches or processions through streets in which actors from the congregation play the roles of various characters in the gospels. While many Christians today find Passion plays moving, some interfaith experts consider Passion plays problematic because they have incited anti-Semitic violence in the past by blaming Jews for Jesus' death.

What Is Good Friday?

Christians observe Good Friday (for English-speaking Eastern Orthodox Christians, “Great and Holy Friday”) as the day Jesus was crucified and died. It is the most somber day on the Christian calendar. On Good Friday, some Christians abstain from meat or refrain from food altogether. They may also attend special church services that might include readings from the gospel stories of Jesus' Passion, Jesus' last words, and other Bible passages. Catholics often make the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.

What Is the Triduum?

For Catholics and some other Christians, the Triduum is the three-day period marking Jesus' death and burial. It begins on Holy Thursday and concludes as Easter begins. Some Christians observe the Triduum by attending a worship service on each day, including a long Easter Vigil service on the night before Easter.

What Is Pascha?

Pascha is the Greek word for the Jewish feast of Passover. With the coming of Christianity, Pascha became the Greek and Latin word for Easter. Eastern Orthodox Christians today still use the word Pascha in referring to Easter, even in English-speaking countries.

What Is Easter?

Easter is the most important Christian holiday, surpassing even Christmas. As a celebration of the day Jesus rose from the dead, Easter symbolizes forgiveness, rebirth, and God’s saving power. Christians view the day as a victory over sin, death, and all destructive forces in people’s lives.

Nazarene passion play reborn

2007-03-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

You can feel the electricity the minute you step into the building.

It's the combined excitement of 100 hundred people who have pooled their talent and energies, and brought them to bear upon a play that dramatizes the passion of Jesus Christ.

It is staged in the sanctuary of Coshocton's Church of the Nazarene and will include a total of six performances, three this weekend and three next weekend. It's the play that started, 15 years ago, as "The Day He Wore My Crown," and now returns as "Behold the Lamb." It was missing for a year, but now it's back.

Some of the actors and musicians are rookies; others have been at it for years.
"For the first six years we stayed close to David Clydsdale's original script," said Steve Ward, pastor of the Nazarene Church.

After that, they started "punching up the script," adding music, adding characters, until the production became a thing organic, a work that has a life of its own.

"People love to see it, and we love doing it," said Ward.

It's been a Coshocton mainstay from the first. When circumstances forced cancellation of the 2006 performances, people were plainly disappointed, and some demanded an explanation.

Ward said the thousands of hours of hard work are done each year for several reasons. It's a demonstration of faith and commitment on the part of the people who make it happen. But it's also a source of light for the region.

"It says there is hope," said Ward, "However bad the economy might be, no matter what happens."

The play also has tremendous missionary value.

"It has brought people into our church, who later joined our church," he said. "It has made other people return to their own church they had abandoned."

And, in an increasingly secular age, it tells a story many people have never heard.

"People who perform bring people they work with, church members bring grandchildren, and so on; many people who have never heard the Easter story hear it here for the first time," said Ward.

And for those who have heard the story many times, there is the opportunity to see it happen, with all the tears and tribulation, all the blood and death and resurrection.

Greg Coffman, the production's publicist and trouble-shooter, said, "This is not show business and it's more than art. It's a depiction of a slain and resurrected Christ."

It's also an alternative to all the smut and murder one encounters in an evening of prime time television.

Some people travel a great distance to see this show, and every audience includes some members who have no church, and others who have no faith.

"That's great," said Coffman, "We love to see those people attend. We want everyone to come." And, he said, "When you see the reactions of people in the audience, all the hard work is worth it."

There number of people it takes to pull the play together can only be estimated; one hundred seems a safe number, although two hundred might be closer to the truth. That number includes director Sharon Revennaugh and musical director Sheryl Sharps. Cast Member Jason Pendolah has written an original song, "Oh, Lamb of God," which he will perform.

It's an assembly of dedicated volunteers. It's not just the players and the musicians; it's the people who set the stage, rig the lights, work the video cam, design the costumes and find the props; it's the folks who take tickets and act as parking attendants. It's all the extras who appear on stage and never say a word. And, for a production in which many of the players go straight from work to rehearsal, it's the people who provide food for the players, night after night, under the direction of Violet Durben and Sharon Neff.

Play with Music, Matthew Passion, Begins Off-Broadway Previews March 29

2007-03-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

Matthew Passion, which is billed as "A New Play (with music)," begins previews March 29 at the American Theatre of Actors' Chernuchin Theatre.

The stories of the passion of the Christ, the brutally murdered Wyoming student Matthew Shepard, and a middle-aged HIV positive man are all part of writer-composer Phil Hall's Matthew Passion, which officially opens April 2.

Directed by Steve Stringfellow with choreography by Jacob Brent, the cast includes Jeff Applegate, James Royce Edwards, Jimmi Kilduff, Timothy John Mandala, Chad McCallon, Craig Ramsay, Andrew Redeker, Matt Shepard and Jay Sullivan. Six musicians are also featured in the intermissionless 80-minute production.

The design team comprises Michael Anania (scenic design), Jimmy Johansmeyer (costume design), Jerome J. Hoppe (lighting design) and David Ferdinand/One Dream Sound Corporation (sound design).

Matthew Passion, according to press notes, "tells the story of the passion of Christ; the story of Matthew Shepard being picked up at a bar in Laramie, Wyoming, beaten and left for dead on a hillside; and the story of a middle-aged HIV positive survivor who has outlived his life expectancy. Although the three stories take place in three different locations, and are thousands of years apart, they all reflect one another and converge in the final scene. . . . [It] is the story of one man's journey to overcome his fear, and live his life in the fullness and beauty of who he was born to be. While it centers around one man's story, it's a play with universal themes — renewal, regeneration and hope. [The play] addresses the fear and shame many still feel of being: gay, HIV+, and passive as we watch friends and loved ones being persecuted for their beliefs, race or sexuality."

Phil Hall is a playwright, composer-lyricist and musical director. He composed the score for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, which was seen at the Paper Mill Playhouse and the North Shore Music Theatre. He was the vocal arranger for Sophisticated Ellington (Carnegie Hall) and Some Enchanted Evening, a Rodgers and Hammerstein revue. He conducted the Broadway musical Play Me a Country Song and was the associate conductor for the revival of Mame. Hall has been a conductor/musical director at The Kennedy Center, St. Louis MUNY, Paper Mill Playhouse, Seattle's Fifth Avenue Theatre and Kansas City Starlight, among others.

Matthew Passion plays Wednesday-Saturday evenings at 8 PM with Sunday matinees at 3 PM. Tickets, priced $18, are available by calling (212) 868-4444 or by visiting www.smarttix.com.

The American Theatre of Actors' Chernuchin Theatre is located in Manhattan at 314 West 54th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues.

Crafton United Presby presents Passion Play

2007-03-28T21:57:00.000-07:00

A musical Passion Play will be presented on Sunday, April 1, at 6 p.m. at Crafton United Presbyterian Church on Bradford Avenue.

"Why Must He Die?" will be performed by the Teen Chorale of the TriCounty Choir Institute.

It is a mediation through music, drama and liturgical dance on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

The play has been presented in more than 125 churches in western Pennsylvania in the past 16 years.

There is no admission charge, but a free will donation will be accepted.

Call 412-921-2293.

'A life-changing experience'

2007-03-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

Adrian Brown remembers what Carolyn Plummer said 10 years ago when she asked him to be the centurion in a passion play.

"You're the perfect person to take this part," she said.

At 6 foot 1, Brown indeed seems right for the part as a Roman soldier who stood guard at the crucifixion of Jesus.

"It's been a life changing experience," said Brown, 73, who lives with his wife, Margarita, on Treasure Island. "It's a great way to prepare for Easter."

The play, People of the Passion, will be performed Thursday at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle.

Based on a book by Mary Betten, the play is a series of monologues by contemporaries of Jesus. There's the bride of Cana, at whose wedding Jesus performed his first miracle. There's also a teenage girl visiting Jerusalem for the first time who gets caught up in the horror of the crucifixion. She tries to keep her eyes and thoughts on her beautiful, new sandals, but Jesus' blood falls on her feet.

Other characters include Pontius Pilate's wife, a silversmith and a woodcutter, each telling how their encounters with Jesus changed their lives.

The production is understated.

There are no costumes.

Actors wear black, without adornments, except for Pilate's wife.

The focus is on their poignant words, and the steady, slow beat of the timpani further evokes solemnity.

"In each one of the cases of these individuals we are portraying, the whole idea is to provide a different picture of what was happening in Christ's time ... and the people that were following him and the people that were interlaced with him one way or another," said Brown, a former Honeywell project manager.

For Brown's character, the crucifixion starts out like any other. He gambles for Jesus' robe and wins it.

"Then he's really bugged by the fact that he's got this robe in his home," Brown says. "He can't eat and he can't sleep. He takes it back to Mary and has a complete change of heart."

Plummer, 45, has been directing the play ever since she introduced it at St. Jude's a decade ago.

Though the play has been offered for 10 years, it remains fresh, said Plummer, the co-owner of Our Town, a national company that welcomes people who have just moved to a new area. "I think it is because everybody involved truly has a passion about it. It's almost a calling, a mission now. Every year, the feedback is really incredible. ... People finally, in this one evening, finally believe that Jesus can relate to me, he did walk this earth that I'm walking on."

Waveney Ann Moore can be reached at (727) 892-2283 or moore@sptimes.com.
Holy Week and Easter events

First Christian Church of Seminole, 13272 Park Blvd. Easter sunrise service, 7 a.m., Redington Shores, public beach access, 18200 Gulf Blvd. Bring blankets and chairs.

Lake Seminole Presbyterian Church, 8505 113th St., Seminole. Palm Sunday, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.; Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m., Communion service; Good Friday, noon to 3 p.m., prayer vigil; Easter, 8 a.m. sunrise service outdoors, and 10:30 a.m. indoors.

The St. Petersburg Dream Center, Easter service, 10:30 a.m., Lealman Community Park, 37th Street and 54th Avenue N, followed by egg hunt and cookout and food bags. Free.

Park Place Wesleyan Church, 4400 70th Ave. N, Pinellas Park. "The Night Before" series, 6 p.m. Saturday; Children's Easter party, 6 p.m., April 7.; Easter production, The Sacrifice... Greater Love Hath No Man, 6 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. April 2, 4 and 6. Free; Easter, breakfast, 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., free with time-stamped ticket from information center; Communion, 9 to 9:45 a.m.; blossom the cross, 9:45 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.; Easter service, 10:15 a.m.

First Church of the Brethren, 3651 71st St. N., St. Petersburg. Easter sunrise service, 7:30 a.m. A free breakfast and the Easter cantata, He Lives, will follow.

The Island Chapel, Tierra Verde, Easter sunrise service, 6:45 a.m., Fort De Soto Park, east beach. Bring blankets and chairs.

If you go

People of the Passion

Our Lady's Chapel, St. Jude's Cathedral, 5815 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg.

Play starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Doors open at 7 p.m. for prayer and reflection. Free.

Passion for the play

2007-03-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

Throughout the year, Randall Marksberry delivers mail for the U.S. Postal Service. During Lent, he steps into the lights to deliver the message he considers most important: the gospel of God's love for humanity.

Marksberry, 56, of Springdale has played the role of Jesus in the historic St. John Passion Play for nine years.

"I know my savior delivered, and in a way he was the best mailman of all," Marksberry said. "He paid all the postage due."

Marksberry will reprise the role this weekend in the 90th annual edition of the St. John play.

"It's different for me every year," said Marksberry, who had no acting experience before joining the St. John cast. "A play's a play, people clap, they say 'good job.' But for me to internalize the part, I have to be humble, be obedient to what the Lord wants me to do. It's a ministry, so I have to feel the compassion of Jesus.

"What's important is that people don't see me in the part.

"For example, I'm short (5-foot-6). If people look at me and say 'Jesus wasn't short, he was tall,' they miss the whole picture.

"I'm kind of monotoned, soft-speaking, people tell me they can't hear me when I talk. But somehow, when I'm in the play, that changes. Jesus can be anybody."

Judy Hughes, the play's producer, agrees that Marksberry's disposition is key.

"Having been with the Passion play for many years now, I have seen several Jesuses come and go," Hughes said. "We use several criteria when choosing the heir for this important role, one of which is to choose someone who is more than an 'actor.' We look for heart experience, and Randy certainly fills this criteria. He himself states that he could not say the words of the script effectively without having the words embedded in his heart."

Janet Cavanaugh of Monfort Heights has seen Marksberry play Jesus about 25 times.

"Randy as Jesus was put on this Earth to play that role," she said.

Another admirer is Paul Moon, who has played Jesus for 19 years, the first 17 of them at Springdale Nazarene Church, the last two at Landmark Baptist Temple in
Evendale.

"I like how he pays special attention to details of Jesus' words and being true to Scripture," Moon said. "I have had many heart-to-heart talks with Randy and shared our own personal struggles with the pressure and expectations of this role, and he handles it well. Randy is my friend and we have a special brotherhood from playing this role that only a few people could possibly share. Not to mention the fact that Randy is also a great actor."

For Marksberry, playing God isn't a casting call, but a calling.

"I've been a Christian since I was 12 years old," he said. "I always felt a calling. I didn't know whether it was to be a missionary or what. But I felt that one day I would grow a beard and play the role of Jesus. I didn't know when or how."

When and how was a long time coming. After graduating from Reading High School in 1970, Marksberry went to Vietnam as an M-16 machine gunner guarding boats on the Mekong River. After that, he spent several years working for the Food and Drug Administration in procurement and as an equipment operator.

In civilian life, Marksberry played Christian music on his guitar at churches and in nursing homes. He was working for the Postal Service in 1986 when his boss, Bernie Boyd, approached him about the play.

"Bernie was playing Nicodemus," Marksberry recalled. "He wanted me to try out for a part. I said 'No, I'm not going to be in it.' "

But Marksberry changed his mind after Boyd persuaded him to see the play.

He tried out the next year, landing the double role of Judas and the good thief, both of whom he played until 1998, when he was cast as Jesus.

Today, his family is involved. Marksberry's wife, Kathleen, is the play's treasurer and backstage manager. Their daughter, Kristen Beckhold, 27, an English and drama teacher at Colerain High School, plays Herodias, wife of King Herod.

"People take to messages differently," Marksberry said. "Some people don't want to hear the truth in church, so this is another way to reach them. This is a ministry, and ministries are all good.

"What we want to do is to show people that their burden isn't too big for the Lord to carry," he said. "That's the message: the Lord loves us."

Ballintubber Passion Play in its 19th year

2007-03-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

This Easter will see Ballintubber Abbey’s 19th Passion Play production.

The deeply moving and hugely popular annual play will be enacted in the grounds of Ballintubber Abbey, which were landscaped in 1986 with just such an event in mind. The dramatisation of the Passion involves a cast of 70 people, all of whom are drawn from the local community.

A stand has been erected to accommodate the hundreds that come to experience it each year. This year’s Passion Play takes place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week, April 2 to April 4.

Many of the characters have been in the cast since the first play in 1988 and make many sacrifices to ensure that they are available for the production. The lighting and sound effects are managed by a professional team who, like all involved, give their services freely. The Passion Play is a very moving drama and the local accents, natural settings, proximity of the players to the people and the raw weather conditions make it a very authentic portrayal of “the greatest love story every told”.

There is no admission fee to Ballintubber Abbey, but donations are welcomed to cover expenses. And even though there is a stand that provides cover and seating, you’re advised to bring all the warm clothes you can. It can be cold.

Passion play actors re-live last days of Christ on Earth

2007-03-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

As the last dress rehearsal for the annual "Death of the Messiah" passion play wrapped up Sunday afternoon, cast members gathered together, reflecting on the true meaning of Jesus' last week on Earth.

The Companions of Jesus of New Mexico will once again bring the message to audiences during the holy season, hoping that young and old alike will remember and embrace what was sacrificed when Jesus was crucified. This is the eighth year that the group of non-denominational Christians has gathered together to put on the production.
Director Therese Hidalgo said that the play has not only inspired those who have attended it, but the cast as well. She said she has seen newfound hope and motivation in those who volunteer.

"This is a great group of people who work hard and are dedicated to this play," Hidalgo said. "They come back year after year wanting to do a good job and help people understand what Jesus did for us more than 2,000 years ago."

The play reenacts the week prior to Jesus' crucifixion on the cross and his resurrection three days later. The play tells the story of Judas's ultimate betrayal, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and Jesus' last supper with his disciples.
"What's even more amazing about this cast is that we've had people start from the bottom — people who were shy and felt intimidated — and now they have blossomed," Hidalgo said. "They have gotten so much confidence and have moved up to bigger roles, and they are really shining."

Ed Curtis, who shares the role of Jesus with Robert Kaneshiro, has been portraying the Savior since the play began eight years ago. He said being able to serve the Lord is what keeps him coming back year after year.

"There's been a lot of turn-over in the cast over the years, but we've gotten better," Curtis said. "We've gotten to the point where we feel comfortable in the play and we know what we're doing, but every audience is different, and it can get very emotional at times."

The message of the "Death of the Messiah" played out by the local actors gives the audience a visual reminder that can be very powerful, says Curtis. While there are many different scenes that are moving, he says there is one in particular that brings tears to his eyes every time he sees it.

"It's when the Roman centurion has a conversion at the cross," Curtis said. "That's the scene when most people cry because people can relate to what he's feeling."
Marilyn Sanchez Kaneshiro, who plays Pilate's wife, Claudia, and her entire family have also been a part of the passion play from its inception. She said that not only is it a chance to spread the work of God, it's an opportunity for her family to spend quality time together.

"We want to give people an understanding of the last week of Jesus' life," she said. "We just want to get the word out and let people know what he did for us and to be thankful. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it."

John Shipe, who portrays a high priest named Shechem who defends Jesus, began volunteering as a cast member several years ago after a friend invited him to see the show.

"It was all uphill from there," he said. "I saw that God was in it, and I wanted to be part of it. From then on, I've been here and I'll probably do it until the Lord comes for me."

The Companions of Jesus' "Death of the Messiah" will be performed several times throughout the season, including:

Saturday, March 17, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Albuquerque at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 24, at Grace Fellowship in Los Lunas at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 25, at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, April 1, at Ilfeld Auditorium in Las Vegas, N.M., at 3 p.m.

Friday, April 6, at the Belen High School Auditorium at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Admission is free to all performances, but donations are welcome. For more information, call Therese Hidalgo at 864-1925 or 269-7659.

St. James Church Presents Annual Passion Play Beginning Saturday

2007-03-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

Members of the St. James Roman Catholic Church rehearse for their annual passion play, which opens Saturday. Fran Galbato and Roseanne Himes play the two holy women at left, Joseph of Arimathea, center, is played by Father Bob, Peter is played by Dick Sena and Thomas is played by Nick Schepi.

The annual ‘‘passion play,’’ started up again five years ago after stopping in 1973, usually features a variety of cast members. In an era where so many people are busy running from one place to the next, St. James has given members of its church a chance to slow down. The passion play is a chance to find out what the Lenten season all about.

‘‘Everyone is so busy, but we know this is important,’’ said Kathy Benson, who is the musical director for the play. ‘‘This is what Easter is all about.’’

This year, the cast is mostly made up by the Liuzzo family. From Vincent Liuzzo, a senior at Jamestown High School playing Jesus for the second time, to Andrew Liuzzo playing John the Baptist — the entire family is playing a part.

‘‘We’ve always been a part of the passion play,’’ said Josephine Liuzzo, who plays a holy woman. ‘‘Our whole family has always been involved in Catholic school and the church.’’

When Vincent Liuzzo, Andrew’s son, asked his father how he was supposed to play Jesus, Andrew told him not to act, just think of who he was. Andrew also explained to Vincent how the liturgy is portrayed and to play Jesus how he thinks Jesus would would be during certain key moments of the play. During some parts of the play, Jesus is supposed to be soft-spoken and in other parts he is angry.

‘‘It’s not about acting,’’ Liuzzo said. ‘‘Of course we are up there playing a part, but we’re not acting.’’

Liuzzo, thinks that it is a great thing that his family is involved with the passion play, especially his children. He believes that he is very blessed to have such a large family and get the younger people involved. Mrs. Liuzzo, also thinks it’s good that the younger people are getting involved.

‘‘They want to be there,’’ Mrs. Liuzzo said, who has been a member of St. James for 55 years. ‘‘No one pushes them to be there.’’

Liuzzo says that he looks at the passion play as an interpretation of the liturgy and that is how he and his family see the gospel in their minds and hearts.

‘‘We try not to do it for entertainment value,’’ said Father Robert Stolinski, parish priest. ‘‘This is a living prayer. It’s a gift from the parish to the community.’’

Another holy woman, played by Gran Galbato, believes that this play helps the younger members of the church understand not only what the mass is about, but what life is about.

‘‘The message is presented in many different ways,’’ Mrs. Galbato said. ‘‘It teaches on many different levels.’’

While the atmosphere for rehearsals can be a kidding one, once the costumes are on, Father Bob says that there is more of an err of professionalism.

‘‘You become the part and it’s like reliving the event,’’ Father Bob said. ‘‘It becomes a spiritual event, not just a production.’’

According to director Tom Franco, the passion play will only be performed every other year. Next year, the family worship theater is hoping to perform the ‘‘Living Last Supper’’ cantata which has some acting but is mostly music. The passion play this year grew to more than 60 participants.

Passion play to mark Easter

2007-03-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

EASTER is being marked by one village with the staging of a passion play.

The Weston Passion Play, taking place on Saturday, April 7, includes 60 people, different locations and music.

And it is a real community effort as the cast, musicians and helpers will all be village residents, although they are hoping to attract visitors from a wider area.

Costumes are being designed, the local hairdresser is perfecting Roman hairstyles and the village pubs are producing Roman menus.

The director is professional actor Joanna Cherry, who has also written the script.

The day will start at noon on the cricket field with chariot races and prizes for the best entry.

After a lunch break the passion play will begin at 2.30pm with spectators following the five scenes in different locations, finishing with a Service of Light at Holy Trinity Church.

Passion plays tell the Easter story and have taken place for hundreds of years, but this is a first for Weston.

Producer Judith Evans came up with the idea of performing a passion play after she talked to the Rev Silke Tetzlaff about a visit to Oberammergau in Germany, which is famous for staging a passion play every 10 years since 1634.

Judith said: "As a result of our conversation Silke suggested Weston should do its own passion play."

The performance is free, but the programme for the event will be on sale to cover some costs.

The production is being supported by North Herts Art Council, supported by North Herts District Council. A series of events are being held in the village to raise funds.

Tips for Traveling During the Golden Years

2007-03-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

(ARA) - For many seniors, the golden years are a time to reward yourself after a life on the job or raising the kids at home. Many seniors follow their dream of travel in the retirement years. Whether it's seeing the grandkids across the country or an adventure across the globe, it is important to keep some things in mind to ensure you get the most out of your trip.

Money
These days it makes sense to limit the number of credit cards you carry when you're on the road. Consider bringing just one or two cards so if they are lost or stolen, you can limit your exposure and have less credit companies to deal with. If you are traveling outside of the United States, consider using traveler's checks or ATM's instead of carrying large amounts of cash. You can convert traveler's checks to local currency as needed and ATM's will output local currency as well.

Transportation
Whether you are sitting in a car or in an airplane, remember to stretch and move your body once and a while to ensure blood flow and avoid muscle stiffness. Before you go, check out the many Web sites that provide tips on airplane stretches. If you are driving, pull over for short breaks to take a walk and stretch your legs.

Health and Medicine
Make sure that you pack medicine for the entire length of your trip and several extra doses in case one gets misplaced. When flying, carry original containers on the plane so if luggage gets lost or delayed, medicine is still available. Also keep in mind U.S. medical insurance is generally not accepted outside the United States. Review your policy to find out details.

Hotel
Many hotels are "senior friendly." If you require an elevator or extra large numbers on your room alarm clock or have any other concerns, call and ask prior to your stay. Most hotels are happy to accommodate your special requests or have amenities for travelers with disabilities. A quiet night's rest is essential to a great trip. Some hotels make this a priority. For example, AmericInn uses "SoundGuard" construction, a unique system that reduces sound so guests enjoy a quiet night's rest and are refreshed and recharged for the next day's adventures.

Bargains
With a little planning and homework you can save a significant amount of money. By avoiding peak times seniors can often take advantage of reduced rates at hotels, restaurants and attractions. And by visiting the attractions during the week instead of the weekend, you may avoid the big crowds too. Be sure to ask if there are discounts or specials for seniors. Some hotels save you money and hassles by offering complimentary breakfast and free Internet access.

Clothing
Carefully consider the clothing you'll need but don't over pack. Think about the climate where you will be visiting and bring an extra outfit for unexpectedly hot or cool weather. A sweater or light scarf can be especially useful for cool evenings or air-conditioned airplanes and restaurants. Wearing clothing in layers and having comfortable walking shoes is a must.

Additional Items
Traveling is less stressful when you've thought through the details ahead of time. Keep a list of friends' phone numbers handy as well as emergency contacts including doctors and credit card companies. If you have allergies or other medical conditions, carry a doctor's note that explains your treatment should it become necessary. And keep hotel and flight numbers handy to verify reservations prior to arriving. Remember, you're traveling for fun. Don't forget to have some.

Common sense is the most important thing to bring on your trip. But correct packing, finding a quiet, comfortable hotel and following these simple steps for seniors can help you make the most of your adventure. AmericInn has over 210 hotels in 23 states. See for yourself, AmericInn leaves you refreshed and recharged for another day of travel and fun. For more information, visit www.americinn.com/ara.

Courtesy of ARA Content

A Hotel Can be the Next Best Thing to Home

2007-03-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

(ARA) - While visiting family is always nice, staying with family can be stressful. Perhaps the house isn't big enough to hold another entire family, or maybe you just want to be able to retreat to your own space.

Sometimes, a hotel makes the visit easier on everyone. But choose your hotel carefully. Family visiting can mean that kids may miss their naps or be up later than usual, so a quiet hotel room is essential for them to catch up on missed sleep. And since they'll be all wound up from being on good behavior for the family, a hotel with a pool is a great way to let them unleash some of that energy.

AmericInn is the perfect family choice. The chain makes a quiet hotel its priority, and features other amenities important to families such as a complimentary hot breakfast, rooms with a little more room, inviting indoor pools and relaxing whirlpools. Many also have a fitness area, game room and sauna, yet another way to relax and recharge during this hectic time of year.

AmericInn is the perfect family choice. The chain makes a quiet hotel its priority, and features other amenities important to families such as a complimentary hot breakfast, rooms with a little more room, inviting indoor pools and relaxing whirlpools. Many also have a fitness area, game room and sauna, yet another way to relax and recharge.

AmericInn is serious about giving guests a quiet night, and uses a proprietary system called AmericInn SoundGuard construction which reduces sounds and vibrations by using masonry block, sound-deadening foam and drywall between every room and floor. Each location is also constructed to minimize noise intrusion from outside as well as from public spaces within the hotel, including separating the pool and recreation areas from the residential portion of the hotel.

That means guests won't be kept awake by their neighbors in the next room. It also means that parents don't have to continually remind the kids to "keep it down."

With over 200 hotels in 23 states throughout the United States, chances are there's an AmericInn hotel near your travel destination. For more information, visit www.americinn.com/ara.

Copyright © 2006, ARA Content

Treat Yourself to First-Class Luggage

2007-03-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

(ARA) - Even if you have to fly coach for your winter vacation, make sure your luggage is first-class. High quality luggage not only looks good, it helps protect the things you're taking along on your trip, from clothes to souvenirs.

While you may pay a little bit more for quality luggage, it will pay off in the long run by being easier to maneuver around airports and lasting longer than less expensive pieces. You can have the best of both worlds by buying quality luggage at a discount on Web sites like PresentsForYou.com.

This site offers a wide selection of top-quality, name brand luggage like Samsonite and Delsey at discounts of up to 50 or 60 percent off what you'd expect to pay at your local retailer. In addition to a great selection, you also get fast, free shipping and great customer service. Whether you're looking for a full size suitcase, a carryon or duffle bag, the wide selection offers many options.

Because luggage is an investment, make sure you find the suitcase that best serves your needs. Here are some features to consider as you shop for luggage. Once you know what you're looking for, compare features and prices for yourself at PresentsForYou.com.

* Size - For business travelers, a carry-on bag is essential, to avoid waiting for checked bags. But if you're taking off on a two-week vacation, you'll need a larger suitcase.

* Hard-sided or soft-sided? - Hard-sided bags are the best for protecting the suitcase's contents, but they tend to be heavier. Soft-sided are more lightweight and expandable. They're best for carry-ons, but don't protect your contents as well as hard-sided luggage.

* Wheels - Whether you're shopping for a carry on or a full-size suitcase, wheels are a must-have. Look for larger, rubberized wheels with ball bearings to make pulling the bag easier.

* Handle - Make sure that the handle is long enough to allow you to pull the suitcase comfortably without having to bend over. The handle should lock down so it won't be damaged when you check your bag.

* Pockets - Plastic lined pockets are nice for wet items like swimsuits. Outside pockets are convenient for stashing your in-flight paperback.

* Color - This is more than a fashion statement; with so many similar suitcases coming off the baggage claim, having a unique color can help you spot your suitcase. Easily identifiable luggage tags are another way to identify your luggage.

If your travels are taking you to Europe, you'll want to check out the collection of voltage converters and travel appliances like curling irons and blow dryers available from PresentsForYou.com.

To see all you luggage options, visit www.PresentsForYou.com before your next trip.

Copyright © 2006, ARA Content

Never Pay Full Price for Airfare Again

2007-03-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

(ARA) - The next time you go on vacation, or have to fly out of town on a business trip, don't pay full price for airfare! There are plenty of deals out there, you just have to know where to find them.

If you had a lot of time on your hands, you could scour the Web -- checking out the airline, travel agent and resort Web sites for cheap tickets. But why waste time when the work has already been done for you by the team of travel and Internet professionals who run Cheapflights.com?

Cheapflights is a veritable oracle of the online travel world. In 1986, eminent travel journalist John Hatt became frustrated by the limited choices for booking flights available with the current media at the time, so he started the company in his attic with the aim of utilizing the Internet to easily provide consumers with information that previously was available to only a select few. Originally a British company, Cheapflights began operating in the U.S. in 2003.

Today, the company is hybrid of a price comparison site, deals publisher, travel search engine and flight aggregator with its employees spending their days searching the Web for the best airline discounts, then publishing them in one place for all to see. Some the sources of the terrific deals that offer up to 60 percent savings on airfares are Priceline, Travelocity, Orbitz, Expedia and even the major airlines themselves.

In addition to the discount airfares it publicizes, the newsletter also contains important travel news that keeps subscribers up to date on both U.S. and international headlines, as well as details about adventure, beach and resort travel destinations, cruises and hotels. There are also exclusive deals for subscribers that offer airline discounts on travel to the city of their choice.

All you have do to gain access to this valuable information is sign up for Cheapflights' free newsletter, which is sent out weekly, by clicking here. The service is free.

Copyright © 2007, ARAcontent

The Ideal Job for Passionate Travelers

2007-03-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

(ARA) - Are you one of those people who look forward to their limited vacation time each year so you can plan your next big adventure? But what if that allocated time is not enough to simmer your adventurous spirit and passion for travel? With the industry booming, there is no better time to consider combining your love of travel with working full or part-time as a professional tour director.

Making this a career is easier than you might think. Many choose this lifestyle because it blends in so well with other vocational interests and pursuits. No matter what your age or education you can enjoy the benefits of being a tour director. Schedules can be custom tailored to coincide with summer vacations, weekends, seasons or even around another job.

"A lot of being a successful tour director is just plain common sense," says Ted Bravos, co-founder of International Tour Management Institute founded in 1976. It is one of the few schools in the world that certifies tour directors. "Knowing how to get along with different personalities, dealing with the unexpected, setting limits when necessary, not being afraid to take charge of a situation in need of a leader while being a team player, keeping a sense of humor, and just being fun and interesting traveling companion are some of the necessary traits of a successful tour director."

A passion for traveling is a good place to start, but being a people person is really important. Wanting to help people -- whether they're learning about other cultures, local history, cuisine, wine -- you are guiding others' experiences of places and creating memories they will cherish for a lifetime. Not only will you help those in your group, but you are also a citizen ambassador in other cities and countries, promoting understanding and harmony in the world.

Leading tours can also be financially rewarding. Tour directors receive approximately $200 per day, plus all expenses, meals and their own private accommodations. After becoming certified, tour directors can work as much or as little as they choose. ITMI prepares students for a tour directing career in a 15-day intensive training program. Students learn about the tour and travel industry through practical "hands-on" experience in the field, including 5 days training aboard a deluxe motor-coach and an overnight fieldtrip where they actually perform the role of a tour director.

Joemy Wilson, who graduated from ITMI in 1999, is now in her second career as a tour director working for Tauck World Discovery. Although Wilson loves taking people on tours throughout her home state of California and throughout the United States, this past year found her leading tours to South Africa, Russia and China, sharing these diverse cultures with her groups. Wilson says, "Your job is to make sure everyone is having a good time. Most people travel because they want to learn about different places. I've learned that if you show you have an interest in other's culture and history, any barriers are easily erased and you really feel connected to another part of the world."

Bravos adds, "In this industry age is not a factor as much as maturity and life experience. Tour directors range in age from 20s to 70s."

So if traveling excites you but the time you currently dedicate to seeing the world is less than desired, tour directing might an ideal choice. To learn more about the tour directing business and ITMI, please visit www.ITMItourtraining.com or call (800) 442-4864.

Courtesy of ARA Content