Filmgoers are invited to explore Faith at the Movies, an ongoing film series at the Strand Movie Theater in Hamburg.
Each month, a classic or modern film is selected that includes elements or stories of faith.
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the series spotlighted “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” The 2005 film is based on the classic novel by C.S. Lewis, which covers the journey of four siblings who flee World War II London and find themselves in the magical land of Narnia.
Each “Faith at the Movies” ticket includes a small popcorn and small soda. One dollar from the ticket price goes to the Northern Berks Ministerium, another goes to the Northen Berks Emergency Assistance Fund. The Strand and the Reading Berks Conference of Churches help to publicize every month’s film.
“We at the Ministerium run that fund in partnership with the Salvation Army in Hamburg,” said Rev. Bruce Osterhout, pastor of Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Perry Township.
A Ministerium member introduces each month’s film, offering suggestions for characters or themes to consider. Then the lights are dimmed and the cameras roll. Viewers have opportunity to discuss each film with others in the community after the credits roll.
Osterhaut led the November post-film discussion with fellow Ministerium members Dennis Cooper, pastor of Friedens Church in Lenhartsville, and Michael Kaucher, executive director of the Reading Berks Conference of Churches.
With audience input, they discussed who characters in the film might represent and explored themes of sacrifice, forgiveness and new life.
“There’s a reminder of the return of Christ that is promised to us,” Cooper said. And when Santa in the film appears to the film’s children, “he gave them weapons. It relates to Ephesians. We’re to put on the whole armor of God. God provides us with the weapons we need to defend our faith.”
“Edmund’s return to his brother and sisters reminded me of the prodigal son,” one woman in the audience said.
“It’s a clever story, going into the wardrobe,” Osterhaut said. “It’s a clever way to tell the gospel message.”
The idea for the Faith at the Movies series came after Osterhaut attended the film “Risen” at the Strand the Saturday before Easter of this year.
“He said he had an idea to do a faith series,” Stephanie Adam, Strand coordinator, explained. “And I said that was something I’ve wanted to do since I started working here.”
“It’s the opportunity to discuss a movie from a Christian perspective instead of watching it at home on your laptop,” Osterhaut added.
The film series also offers a chance to be with others in the community, said Bethany Scholl, Strand manager.
“You can discuss the movie, and you get a free popcorn and drink,” said Sholl.
The movie series began in September with a showing of War Room, a 2015 film.
In October, the 1970 film “The Cross and the Switchblade” was selected. The movie tells the true story of Pastor David Wilkerson and gang leader Nicky Cruz. The two men eventually started Teen Challenge, a drug-rehab ministry that is familiar to many in the Hamburg area. Present at the October film was Kris McFadden. McFadden is a graduate of Teen Challenge and today serves as its president and CEO.
“Both [in September and October], we had someone in the audience to pray with,” Osterhaut said, “someone who needed additional support and someone to talk to.”
Roughly 30 people attended the first two movies in the series; about half that number came to see “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.” Adam said that having one person in need come forward and connect with help was incentive to keep the series going.
Faith at the Movies will reconvene on Tuesday, Dec. 6, with a 7 p.m. showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The 1946 holiday classic remains a seasonal favorite. Osterhaut encouraged all who plan to attend to wear a red Santa hat; he hopes to appear in a full Santa suit.
For details about the movie series or to suggest future films to include, email pastorbruce@zionslutheran.org or contact the Strand at 610-562-4750.
