The video recording (at the top of this page) captures the complete service excluding a 10-minute prelude.
The audio recording (below the video clip) also captures the complete service excluding a 10-minute prelude.
The Unity Center of New Thought's Palm Sunday program, titled Journey to Freedom, offers a unique blend of music from Jesus Christ Superstar alongside biblical passages and metaphysical interpretations. This immersive experience retraces the final steps of Jesus on his path to liberation, brought to life by a talented ensemble of musicians and singers, complemented by narration from Ernie Hawks.
The story begins with a triumphant scene of Jesus entering the holy city, welcomed by jubilant crowds waving palm fronds and proclaiming, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” As the journey unfolds, it explores the poignant betrayal by Judas, culminating in Jesus's crucifixion under the rule of Herod Antipas in Roman-occupied Israel. Through the interplay of music and scripture, attendees are invited to reflect on the profound significance of Palm Sunday—a moment that sets the stage for the resurrection of Christ celebrated on Easter.
Join us for a musical extravaganza featuring compositions from Jesus Christ Superstar and other selections along with scripture and metaphysical interpretations.
Ensemble: Bob Brannan, Julie Croteau, Gwen Gathercoal, Debbie Raby,
Mark Soss, Mark Wilson, and Laura Wineteer.
Instrumentalists: LeeAnn Aerlyn Moore, Steve Croteau, Paul Gathercoal, Scott MacPhee, and Jim Turner.
Scripture Readings and Unity's Metaphysical Interpretations: Ernie Hawks
Musical selections: “Nature Boy” by Eden Ahbez; selections from the Broadway musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” by Andrew Lloyd-Weber and Tim Rice, arranged by Neil Slater; “Into the West” from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, words & music by Fran Walsh, Howard Shore, Annie Lennox, and arranged by Alan Billingsley; the world renowned Sanskrit mantra “Om Mane Padme Hum” which loosely translated means to praise the jewel in the lotus. There are two important ideas that are invoked when the mantra is chanted. The enlightenment is represented by the lotus, and the compassion represented by its spiritual protector.
An extra acknowledgment to Kathy Beck for originally visioning this beautiful
service; the Celebrations Team for the exquisite decorations; to Brian Wright for Power Point images, to Jim Sullenberger on Lighting & Sound, to our Office Manager Jerilyn Whitaker who keeps all things flowing beautifully; and to You, for simply being.
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