The Passion follows the entrance into Jerusalem and arrest, trial, crucifixion and subsequent resurrection of Christ more than 2,000 years ago.
Inspired by both the Gospels and other historical sources, the three-hour drama tells the Easter story from the perspective of all the main figures involved – Jesus and his disciples, the Roman governor, Pontious Pilate and the High Priest, Caiphas.
Starring James Nesbitt (Murphy’s Law, Cold Feet) as Pilate and former Eastenders favourite Paul Nicholls, who plays Judas, the drama was filmed in just eight weeks on location in Morroco.
You can catch it on BBC ONE at prime time during Holy Week (16 – 23 March) more info can be found on the excellent BBC website www.bbc.co.uk/thepassion
The Easter story can also be explored and reflected upon at over 100 special events taking place at local Christian Churches this Easter. Details of these events that are open to all will feature in special listings pages created in the Southend & Castle Point Yellow Advertiser (week ending 14/03/08).
The paper will be delivered to over 120,000 homes across South East Essex in the week preceding Holy Week and will feature a free offer to all readers to get a hold of a free new book on the topic of Hope by Essex author and international broadcaster Jeff Lucas.
Easter invite cards have also been posted through doors around the area as a way of inviting people to the churches special Easter events. The campaign aims to show that all are welcome to join with their local church at Easter and any time of the year.
David Elcock, Forum member said, ‘BBC One’s The Passion promises to be the most honest and challenging account of Jesus seen on TV in many years. It will prompt believers and unbelievers alike to think about Jesus. We want to encourage people to tune into the series and join in discussions on the person of Jesus’.
David Elcock added, ‘Some of the churches are holding special music concerts, balloon releases, fireworks displays with champagne, Easter egg hunts and opportunities to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus, Gods’ Son. Christians believe that Jesus died as a sacrifice for all of us, but rose again on Easter Sunday, defeating death. If we accept what Jesus did, this reconnects us with a God who loves us passionately – surely that’s worth tuning in for.’
Love Southend website visitors that don’t regularly attend church can also get a copy of ‘Infinite Hope’ by Jeff Lucas for free by sending their address details to Christian Enquiry Agency (Essex), FREEPOST WC2947, South Croydon, CR2 8UZ or by emailing essex@christianity.org.uk (you will not be contacted again unless you request it).
To download a PDF (Adobe Acrobat) of the full two page advert, which contains Easter special event details of participating churches in South East Essex click here.
Happy Easter – and don’t forget to tune into The Passion on BBC One this Easter – He’s the ONE to watch.
About S.E. Essex Churches Publicity Forum (SEECPF)
S.E. Essex Churches Publicity Forum is an initiative of the Christian charity SEELEF which aims to serve over 170 churches from all denominations in South East Essex. The forum aims to publicise the churches Christmas, Easter and Alpha Course activities and make all people feel welcome to attend. The forum is staffed by volunteers and supports the work of Love Southend.
Sorry, comments are closed for this post.