The dramatic arts department will present a Vespers program on Thursday at 7 and 8:30 p.m. in Rodeheaver Auditorium that will focus students’ attention on God’s forgiveness and unconditional love.

The play, written by Mr. Dave Schwingle of the dramatic arts faculty, focuses on a struggle in the relationship of two sisters.

The cast of the production includes Mr. Ron Pyle, who will play the role of the father, as well as Jessica Bowers, a senior performance studies major who will portray the younger of the two sisters. “This has probably been one of the most stretching roles I’ve played while here at school,” Jessica said. “The character is very complex, and there are things that I’ve had to do with this character that go beyond my comfort zone.”

The play will incorporate various struggles that students should be able to relate to, and in expounding on them, will show the seriousness of sin.

“Students are going to see and hear the gravity of sin and its consequences and how we as flawed humans can do nothing to attain our own forgiveness,” Jessica said. “That only comes from God.”

Mrs. Becca Kaser, member of the dramatic arts faculty and director of the play, said this Vespers will show students that whatever sins corrupt their lives, there is always forgiveness in the Gospel.

“This is a perfect opportunity to present the truth and the Gospel in a different way,” she said. “I hope that students will see some of themselves in the characters and appreciate that you don’t necessarily just turn on a switch and then all of the sudden everything’s perfect. There’s struggle, and Christ helps us through that struggle.”

Mrs. Kaser encouraged students to come with a mind open to enjoying the Gospel presented in an unexpected way.

She said she wants students to walk away knowing that whatever they struggle with, whatever situation they are going through, there is nothing that they can do or have done that can separate them from the love of God: He is always going to be there with open arms to pick them up.