logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Jesus took center stage this Easter
A: Main, News
April 24, 2025
Jesus took center stage this Easter
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

During a time when the world seems more lost than ever, Jesus showed up center stage as individuals near and far declared His glory this Easter weekend.

One local church here in McIntosh County, Lighthouse Christian Center, presented a show-stopping, heart-changing message in their performance of Messiah 2025 with a cast and crew of over 100 which also included their choir. They had not presented Messiah since Easter 2022 and this was the first production since they had remodeled their stage with a 12 foot x 20 foot LED screen which allowed visitors to view the story of Christ in a whole new light and a totally immersive way.

As the choir sang several songs to include “Precious Lamb of God” and “We Love You, Jesus,” a cast that consisted of Jesus, the devil, disciples, priests, soldiers, lepers and dancers brought the incred- ible redemption story of Jesus Christ to life. From the birth of Jesus to the miracles performed by Jesus, scene after scene unfolded on stage and in the midst of a packed-out sanctuary as audience members who were visibly moved as Jesus took center stage during this production. During the crucifixion scenes, sobbing could be heard in the audience as spectators watched what the Savior went through to redeem mankind. Then as the resurrection scene unfolded, heartfelt expressions of gratitude created an atmosphere filled with communal celebration of a Risen Savior who was coming back again riding a white horse.

“The purpose of The Messiah Production is an outreach ministry to the community to tell the story of Jesus in such a way that brings a return to Biblical truth,” Lighthouse Senior Pastor John Parish stated. “There is no charge for the production and during the two nights of performances we hosted over 1,200 people from surrounding areas which included many outside church groups.”

All of the pastor’s grown children are part of the production. Andy Parish, who is the Lighthouse youth pastor, portrays Jesus, while associate pastor Jonathan Parish plays the devil, who is even booed by the audience as he appears in several scenes showing how he often uses manipulation and deception to fool even the religious. Joanna Parish also sings in the production and plays a biblical character during the live scenes, as do several of the Parish’s grandchildren.

“Our cast and crew sacrifice so much to make this program possible,” Jonathan Parish stated. “It all starts in January when practice begins. Then we practice every Monday night, right up until the actual production. Our crew spends countless hours, some even going into the early morning hours at church to finalize video production and programming of our special effects and lighting which bring the stage to life. We are truly honored to provide a production of this quality right here in Eufaula.”

For decades Lighthouse has brought several Easter and Christmas productions to their church stage and generation after generation has played their part to shine a spotlight on their Savior, Jesus Christ.

“My mother, Rhea Parish, has worked over 45 years in producing this program right here at The Lighthouse in Eufaula,” Andy Parish said. “She has lived here her entire life and her heart has always strived to serve this community just like her mother and my grandmother, Eunice Burns, did even before this lake was here. Therefore, we are truly humbled to carry on our calling to minister to this community and glorify Jesus through drama, music and new innovative ways to present The Gospel.”

Lighthouse wasn’t the only place where Jesus was being glorified this weekend.

American Idol used its prime-time TV program on Easter Sunday to put the focus on Jesus too. Several of the “Top 24” contestants sang faith-based songs proclaiming their relationship with Christ. Special guests, 17-time Grammy Award-winner CeCe Winans, sang her new single “Come Jesus Come” with Roman Collins and moved the judges to tears.

She stated “The Spirit of God is amazing. People who are hurting are being healed and set free…What an incredible night!”

Five-time Grammy Award-winner Brandon Lake and Grammy Award-nominated Jelly Roll also performed an amazing song “Hard Fought Hallelujah” and Luke Bryan sang his song “Jesus’ Bout My Kids” which says “I used to talk to my kids about Jesus, but now I talk to Jesus about my kids.”

However, it was Checotah’s own Carrie Underwood that brought down the heavens as she gave God all the glory and belted out “How Great Thou Art” with so much conviction that everyone was on their feet, with many lifting up their hands in reverence as Jesus took center stage this Easter.

Seminole survives Checotah 34-27
B:, Sports...
Seminole survives Checotah 34-27
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
The Seminole Chieftains were lucky to go home with a 34-27 win over the Checotah Wildcats Friday night. Checotah’s penalties that accumulated to over 100 yards. The Wildcats moved the football up and ...
this is a test
D is for Duvall
A: Main, News...
D is for Duvall
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
September 11, 2025
When your last name is Duvall then you more than likely wear a cowboy hat, ride a horse and have sat in many rodeo arenas over several decades. So when word got out that the Jim Norick Arena was being...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
9/11 – Never Forget
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
At about 7 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, I strolled into the Las Vegas Sun newsroom where I worked as an entertainment reporter. The room was quiet, a palpable feeling of dread filled the air as the f...
this is a test
Checotah FFA earns historic award
A: Main, News...
Checotah FFA earns historic award
September 11, 2025
The Checotah FFA Chapter has been recently recognized in the 2025 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. “We are so excited that the Checotah FFA was given a National 3-sta...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Chief issues executive order to implement Treaty of 1866 Freedmen ruling
By PATRICK FORD SPECIAL REPORT 
September 11, 2025
Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill has issued Executive Order No. 25-05, outlining the Nation’s plan to comply with a landmark Supreme Court decision requiring the incorporation of the Treaty ...
this is a test
Meeting of History & Artifact Enthusiasts
A: Main, News...
Meeting of History & Artifact Enthusiasts
September 11, 2025
Heartland Heritage Museum and Art Gallery 114 N. Broadway Checotah, Oklahoma Saturday, September 13 at 1 p.m. Don’t forget to join us for an afternoon of discovery and connection with others who share...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A site out of this world
A: Main, News...
A site out of this world
By MIKE BARNES 
September 11, 2025
In Eufaula, a town where gossip can outpace the mail, a story is slowly gaining momentum. It isn’t about the latest fishing tournament or Friday night football, but about a cosmic visitor called 3I/AT...
this is a test
Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest huge success
News
Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest huge success
September 11, 2025
Over 900 students from across the state came to compete in the first annual Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest. “We couldn’t believe how many participants came for our first event,” Zachary Ilbery sa...
this is a test
Mild weather, just what the festival ordered
News
Mild weather, just what the festival ordered
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
Mayor James Hickman perhaps summarized best when he sent a letter of appreciation to Karen Weldin and the Vision Eufaula Board of Directors for one of the best Wine & Art Festivals held in the city. “...
this is a test
News
Lake Eufaula Out of Darkness Walk
September 11, 2025
Saturday, Sept. 20 On-site registration begins at 5 p.m. Out of Darkness Walk begins at 6 p.m. At Eufaula Cove Pavilion Special speaker, live music, resources Everyone welcomed to walk!
this is a test
News
LEA 2025 Golf Tournament Sept. 26
September 11, 2025
The 2025 Lake Eufaula Association Golf Tournament will be held Friday Sept. 26 at Arrowhead Golf Course, 3657 Main Park Rd. , Canadian. Registration is at 8 a.m., shotgun start is at 9 a.m. and lunch ...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy