As we say goodbye to 2011 and prepare to march boldly into 2012, it’s appropriate to reflect. I, and probably many of you, experienced disappointments in 2011 that God turned into blessings.

I watched Susan and Steve Pappas suffer the departure of their leading actor while filming “Treasure in Heaven,” which brought filming to a halt. Yet through prayer and perseverance, they began filming anew with many talented new performers who took this inspiring film to a much higher level of achievement. Thanks Susan and Steve for giving me the honor of being in the cast.

Likewise when plans to stage “Marching Through Culpeper” came to a halt due to the departure of a key leader, I was buoyed by the prayers of many of you to persevere. And now amazing and talented new people have joined the team which will undoubtedly result in a better show Aug. 3-5, 10-12, 2012. I’m delighted to announce that theater veterans Johncie and Tim Carlson will be our directors. Stay tuned for more details.

Thanks to “The Journey through Hallowed Ground” folks for listing our Cedar Mountain 150th Weekend schedules on their website. Through JTHG we connected with MARS, the leading packager of bus tours in the Mid-Atlantic. They are marketing our August 4, 2012, luncheon with Dr. James Robertson at the Inn at Kelly’s Ford with attending a performance of “Marching Through Culpeper.” They’ve already booked a tour, so I encourage you to make your overnight reservations early.

I invite you to explore our new website www.marchingthroughculpeperonstage.com. Tell your friends to sign up to receive updates, photos, and videos as we move into casting and rehearsals. Click here to ready the Dec. 24 Culpeper Star-Exponent article about the MTC stage production.

And follow our show on Facebook www.facebook.com/marchingthroughculpeper

UPCOMING JAN. 19, 2012

We will hold an organizational meeting of all those interested in helping with “Marching Through Culpeper,” both on and off stage, at 7 p.m. in the forum of Eastern View High School. We have many jobs other than performing including promo, ticket sales, helping with the “World Premiere Reception,” ushering, programs, etc. In short, WE NEED YOU!