By Staff
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
Passion is growing across the community for the upcoming release of Mel Gibson's much anticipated and debated movie "The Passion of the Christ."
The movie, a vivid depiction of the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus Christ, opens nationwide Feb. 25.
The Rev. WG Henry of Hartselle First United Methodist Church recently attended a Los Angeles screening of the film and said he believes "The Passion of the Christ" has the potential to turn the country around.
"It's more than just a movie, just as the Bible is more than a book," Henry said. "It's a direct graced alternative to the darkness that we saw at the halftime show of the Super Bowl that wants to capture our children. The movie is being released on Feb. 25, Ash Wednesday, on more than 2,000 movie screens nationwide. I think it could become the blockbuster of the year set a higher standard for our economy, media and government."
FUMC will hold a live satellite broadcast Q&A Workshop with Mel Gibson on "The Passion of the Christ" this Saturday, Feb. 7, noon-1:30 p.m. in the church's Ministry Center. The event is free and open to the public.
Henry encourages the community to attend to answer questions and concerns about the film, such as age appropriateness and anti-Semitism.
FUMC's Upwards Basketball games will be rescheduled Saturday to allow the church to participate in this unique event with the 11 a.m. game moved to 2 p.m. and the noon game moved to 3 p.m.
Henry said 280 FUMC members and members of other area churches will attend a private screening of the film at River Oaks Cinema on Feb. 23. Donations have made it possible for those who may not have been able to see the film otherwise to attend the private event. Henry said remaining proceeds will be split and distributed among local ministries.
"This movie is about the passion of the cross that flows into all churches," Henry said. "I've seen a lot of fire toters in my life, but I truly believe the hand of God is on Mel Gibson."