Church to host comedy/drama ‘Mass Appeal’ for ministries

Step behind the pulpit and into the intriguing world of Mass Appeal, a thoughtprovoking play that offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of ministers, while fearlessly delving into the often overlooked struggles they face.

The Tony Award-winning play by Bill C. Davis tells the story of an older, complacent priest being challenged to a bolder faith by a young, idealistic seminarian with a past.

St. John’s United Methodist Church will host two performances of the play at 7:30 p.m. July 22 and 29, in its sanctuary at 1501 University Ave. Tickets are available at stjohnslubbock.org for a suggested $20 donation.

The two-man show stars St. John’s member, stand-up comedian, and actor Greg Carley, and fourth-year Julliard School drama student Robert Elijah Kollman. The show is directed by wellknown local photographer and thespian Mark Umstot.

Carley said Mass Appeal first came to his attention as a youth when he was experiencing some disillusionment with the church.

“The play addresses both the angst of religious abuse and the search for a genuine faith that transcends denominations,” Carley said. “In Mass Appeal the faithful son and the prodigal son both meet, perhaps learning that we’re all prodigals in some way; yet God comes running for both.”

In this riveting exploration, the hidden complexities of religious vocation, religious abuse, and LGBTQ bias are brought to light, challenging long-held perceptions.

Rev. Joshua Stueve, senior pastor at St. John’s, thinks the play will be of interest to many different audiences.

“Mass Appeal will strike a chord for people of faith,” Stueve said. “The community at St. John’s is invested in asking the questions evoked in Mass Appeal. It is fitting the production will benefit our ministries. I am excited for the community to experience it.”

St. John’s UMC has partnered with the South Plains Food Bank for decades to provide food vouchers to those in need in the community.

It also supports Boy Scout Troop 406, Family Promise, LubbockPRIDE, and other non-profit programs, with donations or by furnishing meeting space. The church provides inexpensive parking options for Texas Tech students year-round and offers an affordable walkingdistance parking option for Texas Tech football game days.

With expertly crafted characters and rich storytelling, Mass Appeal paints a vivid portrait of the inner struggles that ministers grapple with, in their quest to balance spiritual leadership with personal identity.

As the final curtain falls, the story lingers in audience members’ hearts, inspiring them to question, to seek understanding, and to cham- pion compassion and equality in all aspects of life.

Learn more about St. John’s United Methodist Church at stjohnslubbock. org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.