Homeschoolers present 'In God We Trust'

KateLynn Slaamot
NLJ Correspondent 
 
For the first time, Newcastle homeschoolers are putting on a production for the whole community and anyone who wants to come, according to Melinda Stolhammer, a local homeschool mom and director of the production. 
For several weeks, homeschool families have come together to work on the musical “In God We Trust.” Performances will be Nov. 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. at the Weston County Senior Center. 
Stolhammer participated in the musical with her youth group when she was in high school, she said, and she first caught the vision to put it on as a homeschool group about two years ago. It didn’t work out at that point, but more recently, Stolhammer reached out to the other homeschool moms, and they decided to go for it.
As the weeks have progressed, Stolhammer said, it has been enjoyable for her to see the production come together. Stolhammer also appreciates the way the musical incorporates music, history, art and drama. 
“It’s fun to see everyone catch the vision,” Stolhammer said. 
However, despite the fun side of the play, Stolhammer said, the musical also holds a deeper meaning and a profound message. The production is centered around a mock U.S. Supreme Court case in which a group of citizens is petitioning the government to remove the phrase “In God We Trust,” from the national currency. Throughout the play, the two opposing sides – against the motto and for it – argue their sides. The musical delves into America’s history to reveal truths from the nation’s founding fathers. 
“I hope this is just a good reminder for people,” Stolhammer said, adding that she hopes people will “stand on truths this country was founded on.” She also wants the kids in the production to gain confidence in their abilities and also understand the truths of the play. 
Jonathan Anderson, who plays the Eagle in the musical, said that he was excited to be a part of this musical because the homeschool group has done plays in the past. Although his role has been challenging, he said, he has really enjoyed getting into character. His favorite thing about his part is that his character is an eagle. 
Anderson said that he is also excited to present the message of the musical, and he thinks it is a very important lesson for the people of today. He said that many people don’t believe in God, and he is eager to bring awareness and understanding to others.
“It’s really important to get that message out there,” Anderson said.
Connor Stolhammer plays the chief justice of the Supreme Court, and he said that throughout his time practicing for the musical, he has learned a lot of valuable truths. The quotes from some of the nation’s founding fathers that the production uses have been really powerful for Connor, he said. He is also excited that the musical presents the Gospel message. 
“It (musical) is telling people that we trust in God, and that we need to keep trusting him,” Gail Slagle said. Slagle is a “newsie” in the musical and gets to “bark” out her lines. 
“I just like barking things out,” Slagle said. 
The production will also have a choir, consisting of members of the homeschool group, to sing the many songs in the musical. Rachel Lindstrom, one of the choir members, said that she was interested in being involved in the musical because she wanted to see God work through the message. 
“Our founding fathers really were strong Christians,” Lindstrom said. “They really wanted God in our country.”
Lindstrom also mentioned that the root of the motto – In God We Trust – is important to remember. She said that the reason America separated from England was so that people would have freedom to worship God as they wanted. 
The homeschool group has never put on a production of this scale before, and Stolhammer said that it has been a process. There’s been a lot to think about, and she said that she is thankful that a lot of people have jumped in to help. After many weeks of preparation, the performance is looming closer, and the members of the group are excited to invite the community to attend for a fun, educational and inspiring time. 
“We’re hoping a lot of people from the community will come,” Stolhammer said. “I hope they’ll support us.”