A Powerful Play Performed Close to Home

The day after a show always carries a special mix of exhaustion and joy. But this past weekend was something entirely different. Instead of performing on a big stage with lights and sets, Emily and I stepped into a 30-minute play right in our church sanctuary.

The play, Entries, was written and directed by the wonderfully gifted Alissa Cooper. She guided us with such care, vision, and thoughtfulness that what we created together turned into something truly moving. The story is about marriage, loneliness, and the presence of God in relationships that appeared to have resonated deeply with the audience. Afterward, many people came up to us to share how powerfully it connected with their own lives.

I can’t begin to express how proud I am of Emily. She poured her whole heart into her role, nailing the lines (her biggest challenge!) and delivering an emotional depth that made her character heartbreakingly real. She even cried on stage, something that brought the moment to life in a way that deeply moved the audience and me most of all.

We were blessed with an amazing team. Huge thanks to Caleb Staats, who made his stage debut and gave a wonderful performance, even in silence. And to the talented tech crew, Joel Cooper and Adam Denholm, who elevated the emotion with sound and lighting, and put in countless hours behind the scenes to make sure everything came together beautifully.

If you missed the service live, you can still watch it here and the play begins at the 45:30 mark:

It’s a thoughtful and relatable play crafted by a truly gifted artist. And yes, if you watch closely, you’ll also get to see me once again wrestle with a microphone. (Spoiler: the mic still doesn’t like me. 😅)

To everyone who came out to support us: thank you. Your encouragement, kind words, and presence mean the world. ❤️