Lightsaber duels in the congregation will be part of the Christmas Eve service at St Phillip’s, Scholes, as the battle between good and evil is played out, Star Wars style.
It’s the novel idea of actor Jon Bliss and Vicar Andy Nicholson. Jon says, “Our Crib Service is a big thing for the community and, wanting to do something different this year, we’ve decided to attach characters from Star Wars to the Christmas story - although we’ll ensure that the traditional message of Christ’s birth remains.
“Lots of people come, and there are always plenty of children (and a few adults) eager to perform a small improvised part in the dramatic action. So the traditional story will be punctuated by cameo roles from Star Wars characters along with a Darth Vader narrator.
“And as a finale, the congregation will be able to have light sabre duels with Darth Vader and use “The Force” to send him fleeing - proving that faith in Christ is even more powerful than the Dark Side of the Force!
“People can bring their own light sabres and costumes, but we’ll have a good stock of both.”
Details of the service will remain secret until the day, but it’s known that quotes from Star Wars will be woven throughout, and guesses are currently being made as to what they might be. Favourites include: “I find your lack of faith disturbing” and “Only at the end do you realize the power of the Dark Side”. And even, “Don’t call me a mindless philosopher, you overweight glob of grease.”
The service takes place at 4pm on Christmas Eve at St Philip’s, Scholes.
For further information call Jon Bliss 07780 995757