The 2008 Easter Passion Play at Andrews University has been postponed to April 2009. The decision to postpone the Passion Play came after months of prayer and searching for support staff.

The Passion Play is made up of all kinds of people; ages range from small children to adults. The most significant source of volunteers is undoubtedly the student, faculty and staff population at Andrews University. As "our gift to the community," the Passion Play provides us the opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ in a real, tangible way.

In 2008, Easter falls during the Andrews University Spring Break, which posed a challenge to fill these academic-filled positions elsewhere. We accepted this challenge when the fall semester session began; however, since the Passion Play was scheduled for March 22, that left less than three months to find key leadership positions, hold drama auditions and place more than 500 volunteers. Normally this is accomplished during December.

As of December 24, core leadership positions had not been filled, and we felt we would not be able to give the event the careful planning it requires in the short three months remaining.

In looking to the future, it will be many years before this calendar conflict happens again. Andrews University looks forward to hosting the Passion Play on an annual basis. We have begun planning for 2009, and hope you will join us then on the campus of Andrews University. If you have interest in a leadership position, please e-mail passionplay@andrews.edu.

Richard Parke, 2009 Easter Passion Play director, Andrews University