Amherst News-Times, 2004-02-25

              two heading for state - page 8 amherst news-tim r w c 33 -r m z preacher aets peek at 'pass election information 6 trinity evangelical by jason hawk news-times reporter mel gibson's controversial new film "the passion of christ," which opens in theaters today, has been inciting theolog ical and social debates tor months. but local minister res ident adam jackson, the film's content no secret since december, when he was treated to one first advance screenings a conference indianapolis. while pundits movie critics have voiced fears that drama may spawn anti-semitism make use some historical inaccura cies, jackson said americans will forget about negative press they finally view film. audience visibly moved. i don't know anyone entire theater who wasn't crying. i've never watched with such strong reac tion. there wailing all around," said. "it proba bly most important, pene trating ever seen." serves as direc youth services free church on middle ridge road, had sign confidentiality clause not reveal specific details volunteens show helpin wendy challen didn't need any help she went work building jewelry boxes tuesday morning murray production center obcrlin, stop her from welcoming junior high school students fantasy? no, many men like don suit tic go work, resident tom roth, cither firefighting garb or medieval armor do. roth volunteering his fire department 26 years, also runs "profitable hobby" beekeeper, selling honey beeswax. spare time, sheds 21st century clothes clark kent phone booth, becomes phoenix, knight born dark ages. "i'm fireman, phoenix is firebird, thought it appropriate," said, explaining persona adopted member society , creative anachronism, an international group dedicated recreating pre-17th european tory. members club delve into life during cm between continued 3 plot though least rudi mentary grasp basics -but told cri tique favorable. "i'd give thumbs up, it's where you smile cat your popcorn. come out saying 'wow, great.' very power ful, think going same impact people 'saving private ryan' veterans," "you arc seeing something so times we sanitized. ugly, violent, we've taken actu al reality what happened made safe. doesn't pull punches, though." quality great deal appeal leaders, added passion" expected become common topic discussion congregations across world coming "i lot churches are be using 'the passion' teaching tool. far they've buying tickets blocs, around country. speaks kind response can't even begin predict opening weekend box office fifeures 11 workstation smile. 37-year-old worker beamed eighth grader brittney balogh, 28 vol unteers amherst, helped construct cardboard boxes, balogh 40 active mem bers volunteens, ii "g1 t 1 ' 111 ct above, firefighter roth'3 sons tim jim participate mock battle anachronism's pennslc event, history buffs gather roendct slices mideivil europe. right, shows off th created event. ll pastor see screening reach organization founded four years ago teacher kathy di franco. "our goals foster com young teach them how loving understanding," difranco, whose program promotes just invited works church, gibson, s hands-on volunteerism. 'today wc wanted let kids special needs side school, learn relate care those learning needs." activities hobby sen ,g film, today. past year included christmas caroling donating crafts manor, weed ing gardens, baking cup cakes food pantry, making name slates teachers, stamping candy-filled holiday bags mcals-on-whccls few northeastern ohioans student helps client card board (left), (right) volun teers kristina sliman felicia simone do their part. belong called donates its time community service projects lorain county. clients, sorting change pennies patients, clay medallions olympics winners. intend teer younger athletes may, plant flowers.