LONG before the 9:00 am start of the Hope Fellowship Ensemble’s annual Easter Cantata on Sunday, April 17, many returning members and guests filed into the sanctuary at 23 Molynes Road, Kingston, in anticipation of another outstanding worship service.

Pews that had remained empty for over two years filled up, while ushers ensured that COVID-19 protocols were maintained. The hybrid event was also streamed live on the Facebook and YouTube platforms.

The nine-member Hope Fellowship Ensemble, joined by guest soloist Sabrina “Sabree” Nembhard, resplendent in their Heather Laine creations, delivered at the usual high standard, complemented by dramatic presentations, dance and narration around the theme ‘Watch Dis: The Unfolding of Redemption’.

Written by playwright Paul Pinto, former student of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, and directed by choir director Dianne Ashton-Smith, the Easter Cantata was a reflection of the story of Lazarus, Martha and Mary and the powerful message of the resurrection.

“Lazarus had a superior understanding of the resurrection. He heard when Jesus told his sister, ‘I am the resurrection and the life’ and responded to Jesus’ call to come forth from the grave. Therefore, because Lazarus had a total experience of Jesus’ demonstration of his power to raise people from the dead, he ­– of all the Master’s followers – was unperturbed about Jesus’ death because Lazarus knew that He would rise from the tomb. So, at each point where consternation was warranted, Lazarus could calmly say: ‘Watch Dis: Jesus is up to something’,” said Pinto.

Playing the roles of Lazarus, Martha and Mary were: Ishmael Pryce, Chavel Ford and Marcia Purcell, respectively, with the voice of God played by Quinton Yearde. Dancer was Antonio Campbell, with Beverly McCook as narrator.

The thespians delivered a convincing interpretation of the resurrection story from Lazarus’ viewpoint. The recitative was held together by a carefully curated collection of 13 contemporary gospel songs with hints of traditional hymns and African-inspired melodies, arranged and written by renowned gospel writers and arrangers; Bradley Knight, Cliff Duren, Geron Davis and Michael W Smith, as well as Dianne Ashton-Smith.

According to Ashton-Smith, preparation for the Hope Fellowship Church’s Easter Cantata began in January of this year with production meetings in conjunction with the playwright, sound engineers, set design team and weekly ensemble rehearsals.

“We are pleased that through the omnipotent, benevolent creative force of multimedia – song, dance, instrumentation, and drama – the message of the resurrection, transformation and redemption was clearly articulated for those who witnessed the presentation. Once your ultimate goal is for the glory of God, the worship of God will become a real and true expression and lived experience for those who participate and those who watch on line. We appreciate the overwhelming responses we received from the congregation and those who joined on social media for this the 14th staging of the annual event. Also, it could not have been such a tremendous blessing without the dedication and commitment of members of the ensemble, the production team, the worship band and support of our Pastor Sam McCook,” said Ashton-Smith.