By Jim Muir

For more than 20 years Whittington Church has been bringing the events of the Passion Week to life and they will continue that tradition March 22 -23 with the presentation of “Faithful Friend.”

Eric Haney serves as director of the play that is performed by the Drama Ministry at the church.  Haney said it takes three to four months preparation for the 75-minute program.

“As far as preparation we start right after Christmas getting ready for this event,” said Haney.  “It just depends when Easter is on a particular year – sometimes we get three months to prepare and sometimes we get four.”

The play was written by church member Eric Tindall and Haney said the two collaborated while putting the final draft together.

“I’m not a writer,” said Haney. “I’m more of a ‘tweaker’ … I can see it but I can’t write it, but Eric (Tindall) had the vision for this and wrote the rough draft and then we sat down and put it together.”

Haney said the format is based on the Apostle John as an old man living in Ephesus, the only remaining apostle, witnessing to a Roman soldier.

“Through this one evening John is witnessing and telling stories about Jesus to this Roman soldier and of course when he goes to a particular story we portray that story in a live drama,” said Haney. “Throughout the night we tell the story of the betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus”

Haney said in all more than 100 people will be involved in the production of “Faithful Friend.”

“Most of the time there is 100-120 people on average involved,” said Haney. “When you factor in cast and crew, and those that donate their time to help in just any way they are needed, it takes that many.  We use live animals in the marketplace, period costumes and then the lighting and dramatic effects.  The play also incorporates acting, singing, choreography and special effects.”

Haney said several years back the play was moved to the week before Easter in hopes of drawing more people to Whittington for the annual event.  Haney said despite small changes and ‘tweaks’ that have been made through the years there is always a two-pronged goal each year when the Passion week play is presented.

“For a church production I think those attending will be pleasantly surprised at the quality, especially coming from this little church in Whittington.  We have always taken a lot of pride in this production,” said Haney.  “But, our main focus is to introduce those attending to Jesus and show that he is a faithful friend.”

Bob Pankey, associate pastor at Whittington Church, noted that this is the 23rd year the Easter play has been presented and emphasized that the focus has steadfastly remained the same.

“The goal has always been to present the events of the Passion week in a way that is professional, touches lives, and is true to the Bible,” said Pankey.  “But the main focus, as always, is on Jesus and the events surrounding his death on the cross, his burial and his victory over death. It’s always an emotional and soul stirring journey.”

The play last 75 minutes and incorporates acting, singing, choreography, and special effects. The play begins at 7 p.m. both nights.  There is no charge  and reserved seating is available for groups by calling the church office at 629-2423. You can view a trailer video for the production at www.whittington.org.

Franklin County State’s Attorney Evan L. Owens announces the following defendants were sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections:

Jeffery P. Patton, age 34 of West Frankfort, Illinois received two, five-year sentences in the Illinois Department of Corrections with a four-year period of mandatory supervised release for the offenses of aggravated domestic battery and unlawful possession of weapons. The domestic battery offense occurred on May 27, 2011 and the unlawful use of weapons offense occurred on October 5, 2012. The defendant was initial placed on probation for the 2011 domestic battery and his probation was revoked as a result of the new offense. Both cases were investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.

Johnny D. Thomas, age 22 of Mt. Vernon, Illinois received a three year sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections with a one year period of mandatory supervised release for the theft of property in excess of $500 but less than $10,000. The offense occurred on July 17, 2012. The case was investigated by the West Frankfort Police Department.

David Viernum, age 33 of Zeigler, Illinois received a five year sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections with a one year period of mandatory supervised release for the offense of aggravated battery. The offense occurred on December 18, 2012 and was investigated by the Zeigler Police Department.

Ryan Taylor, age 38 of Benton, Illinois, received a five year sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections which will be followed by a period of mandatory supervised release of three years to natural life for the offense of aggravated child pornography. The offense occurred on November 26, 2012. In addition to the prison sentence, the defendant will register as a sex offender for life and an order was entered forfeiting his Compaq computer, mouse, Sony Play-station 3, and 26 optical discs to the Benton Police Department. Agents from the Benton Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, and United States Secret Service, which form the Southern Illinois Cyber Crimes Unit, conducted the investigation.