St. John Lutheran Church

Peter - called "The Rock". Portrayed by David Bontz. Jesus called Peter and his brother Andrew at the same time. Peter was one of the "inner three" who grew very close to Jesus, yet, on the night when our Lord wa betrayed, it was Peter who denied knowing him three times. "

Thomas - the doubter, portrayed by Bill Farris. When the other disciples almost abandoned Jesus as he returned to Jerusalem, it was Thomas who encouraged them to remain faithful, yet, after the resurrection, this same man said he would not believe unless he saw the nail marks in his hands and put his hand in Jesus' side, he would not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead.

John - brother of James, son of Zebedee, portrayed by Randy Riley. John was fisherman full of ambition, which led to his request that he and james be given chief places in the kingdom. Jesus responded by teaching John a lesson in humility. John lived almost 100 years and died in peace, full of honor..

James the Elder, brother of John, portrayed by Leroy Cruse..He and James were two of the three disciples that witnessed Jesus' transfiguration and went with our Lord to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night in which He was betrayed and arrested.

Judas Iscariot, portrayed by Dave Owen It was Judas who betrayed Jesus with a kiss so that he would be arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, the first in the series of events leading to Jesus' crucifiction on Good Friday..

Philip - portrayed by John Grafelman. Philip was present at the feeding of the 5000, and eas instrumental in leading certain Greeks to Jesus. In the book of Acts, an Angel appeared to Philip, commanding him to proclaim the Gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch. He is mentioned throughout Acts as a powerful evangelist, and a spirit-filled leader of the early Christian church.

Andrew, portrayed by Dave Scherer, was Peter's brother. It was Andrew who brought Peter to Jesus, thus beginning his great mission work. Andrew is thought to be one of the five apostles who evangelized what is now Armenia.

Matthew, portrayed by Dave Reaktenwalt, was a tax collector, and therefore, was NOT a popular guy. He responded immediately to Jesus' call, with his surrender being one of the most inspiring incidents in the Gospel, full of encouragement for those who labor for the salvation of souls in the most unlikely places. Matthew is credited with writing down, probably for his own use, Jesus most striking sayings.

James, son of Aopheus, portrayed by Jim Krusemark, may have been Matthew's brother. James became a religious Zealot, full of patriotism and passion for the Jewish way of life, and hating all who aligned themselves with Rome.

Thaddaeus, portrayed by Jon Morris, is credited along with Andrew and three others for evangelizing Armenia. Thaddaeus wanted Jesus to establish an earthly kingdom, but Jesus challenged his followers to follow His example as obedient servants instead.

Bartholomew portrayed by Duane Payton, was also known as Nathaniel. Scripture tells us very litle about him, except that he is listed in the four lists of the apostles. Perhaps he can serve as an example for us to do good works NOT for our own reward, but to love and serve others.

Simon, portrayed by Roger Mason, was a Zealot, a fanatic pursuer of the sanctity and honor of Jewish Law. Normally, the Zealots were at odds with Jesus followers, but in this case, Simon eagerly threw himself into the cause of spreading Jesus teachings.