For five years, Ethiopian-born Senait Ashenafi played the role of “Keesha Ward” on daytime’s General Hospital. Now she direct's the Illumination Drama Ministry of Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts in a 17-
December 9, 2005 (Press Release) --
LOS ANGELES — (December 9, 2005) — The Illumination Drama Ministry of Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts proudly presents "A Conscience Revisited," their debut dramatic performance at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11.
The ministry, under the direction of renowned actress Senait Ashenafi (pronounced SE-NIGHT AH-SHEN-NAH-FEE), is composed of parishioners ages 19 to 63 who enjoy using their voices and dramatic talents for the Lord.
For five years, Ethiopian-born Ashenafi played the role of "Keesha Ward" on daytime’s General Hospital.
"Senait brings her incredible repertoire and passion for the Lord to every facet of the Illumination Drama Ministry," said the Rev. Leslie R. White, Grant’s pastor and a major impetus behind the development of the ministry. "The members are enthusiastic about their participation and diligent in their practice and character development. The ministry is a blessing and will be a blessing for years to come."
White says Sunday’s skit is a natural progression of the revolution of the 11 a.m. worship service begun in May, and helps combat monotony in the Black Church.
"Churches have a natural culture of sameness," White said recently. "It’s something that people hunger for in their daily lives, so the Church becomes the place that they can count on not to betray them as their employer, children or marital relationship may have. As a result, the worship experience becomes routine and the Holy Spirit is quenched for lack of creativity."
"Here at Grant, we have decided that we are not going to be lulled into sameness any longer," White continued. "We are creative in our praise, creative in our music, creative in our worship."
Grant’s focus on creative expressions in worship has caught the attention of the Connectional A.M.E. Church, as well. Next February, Grant will travel to Atlanta for the Founder’s Day Celebration of the Tuner Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center, an A.M.E. Church institution of higher learning. Rev. White will be the keynote speaker, the Illumination Drama Guild and the Joyful Praise Dancers will perform and Voices for Christ Choir will sing.
Since May, original spoken word poetry stimulates congregants on second Sundays; Christian rap has been added on third Sundays and features nationally known holy hip hop artists, including Grant’s own Matthew Bodden, known in the industry as TripLL-H; and on fourth Sundays, the Joyful Praise Ministry worships the Lord through liturgical dance to such hits as "Wade in the Water" and "Hallelujah You’re Worthy."
Over the summer, the Rev. Nathan E. Flowers joined the ministerial staff and now leads praise and worship at the start of each 11 a.m. service, along with the Voices for Christ Choir. Soon to join the lineup is Christian comedian and Grant member Sean Madison who left the congregation in stitches with his comedy routine in November.
White added that the Illumination Drama Ministry will present a unique play with a special professional guest star each second Sunday of the month. This Sunday’s performance features Marlo Stroud, star of numerous off-Broadway productions, commercials, feature films, sitcoms, and after school specials.
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The ministry, under the direction of renowned actress Senait Ashenafi (pronounced SE-NIGHT AH-SHEN-NAH-FEE), is composed of parishioners ages 19 to 63 who enjoy using their voices and dramatic talents for the Lord.
For five years, Ethiopian-born Ashenafi played the role of "Keesha Ward" on daytime’s General Hospital.
"Senait brings her incredible repertoire and passion for the Lord to every facet of the Illumination Drama Ministry," said the Rev. Leslie R. White, Grant’s pastor and a major impetus behind the development of the ministry. "The members are enthusiastic about their participation and diligent in their practice and character development. The ministry is a blessing and will be a blessing for years to come."
White says Sunday’s skit is a natural progression of the revolution of the 11 a.m. worship service begun in May, and helps combat monotony in the Black Church.
"Churches have a natural culture of sameness," White said recently. "It’s something that people hunger for in their daily lives, so the Church becomes the place that they can count on not to betray them as their employer, children or marital relationship may have. As a result, the worship experience becomes routine and the Holy Spirit is quenched for lack of creativity."
"Here at Grant, we have decided that we are not going to be lulled into sameness any longer," White continued. "We are creative in our praise, creative in our music, creative in our worship."
Grant’s focus on creative expressions in worship has caught the attention of the Connectional A.M.E. Church, as well. Next February, Grant will travel to Atlanta for the Founder’s Day Celebration of the Tuner Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center, an A.M.E. Church institution of higher learning. Rev. White will be the keynote speaker, the Illumination Drama Guild and the Joyful Praise Dancers will perform and Voices for Christ Choir will sing.
Since May, original spoken word poetry stimulates congregants on second Sundays; Christian rap has been added on third Sundays and features nationally known holy hip hop artists, including Grant’s own Matthew Bodden, known in the industry as TripLL-H; and on fourth Sundays, the Joyful Praise Ministry worships the Lord through liturgical dance to such hits as "Wade in the Water" and "Hallelujah You’re Worthy."
Over the summer, the Rev. Nathan E. Flowers joined the ministerial staff and now leads praise and worship at the start of each 11 a.m. service, along with the Voices for Christ Choir. Soon to join the lineup is Christian comedian and Grant member Sean Madison who left the congregation in stitches with his comedy routine in November.
White added that the Illumination Drama Ministry will present a unique play with a special professional guest star each second Sunday of the month. This Sunday’s performance features Marlo Stroud, star of numerous off-Broadway productions, commercials, feature films, sitcoms, and after school specials.
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