First Presbyterian Church, Indianola, hosts their monthly free First Friday Film Fellowship for family, friends and community.
Members and local citizens gathered earlier this month to watch the movie Scoop while relaxing in a quiet, spacious, theater-styled room and enjoyed popcorn, sodas and lemonade.
Rev. Duncan Hoopes, pastor of First Presbyterian Church and event moderator, opened the session with insights and overviews about the director, comical and mystical aspects, characters, actors, art, ratings, culture and themes, and much more.
"Dialogue grants us greater knowledge of how people react – and therefore, perhaps – a deeper understanding of how other people think," shared Pastor Hoopes. "Media reflects and creates culture – whether or not you watch a movie."
This space aims to bring together people who may differ politically or religiously, allowing them to get to know each other better while viewing classic and popular movies of various genres.
Pastor Hoopes asked viewers for the meaning of Scoop. He continued by sharing insights into the main character, director and setting, describing the director as "one of the most prolific movie directors" – who has made 58 movies during the past 57 years – suggesting that he has influenced American culture.
"The director is from New York and a very interesting guy. This movie is more of a comedy," affirmed Rev. Hoopes.
Viewers received a handout with Scriptures, themes, and one film critic review. Rev. Hoopes said that viewers will discuss the themes and Scriptures at the movie's end and have a question-and-answer session.
Pastor Hoopes read and shared Biblical application on these Scriptures (English Standard Version):
John 7:24 – Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.
Colossians 2:8 – See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
1 Cor.4:1-5 – 1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
James 1: 14 – But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
2 Kings 2:5 -12 – 5 The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?" And he answered, "Yes, I know it; keep quiet." 6 Then Elijah said to him, "Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan." But he said, "As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So the two of them went on. 7 Fifty men of the sons of the prophets also went and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. 8 Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground. 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you." And Elisha said, "Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me." 10 And he said, "You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so." 11 And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it and he cried, "My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" And he saw him no more.
The 1-hour-and-36-minutes movie ended with an unexpected twist for some; everyone agreed that it was quite a mystery, with jokes, fears, love, lies, and friendship, not to mention crime.
At the movie's end, the dialogue began with the viewers weighing in on their points of view: likes, dislikes, cultures, similarities, jokes, quotes, tragedy, deaths, spiritual components, religion, and mystical references.
Discussion continued with the movie’s themes: reluctance to act in the face of threat; pursuit of personal success over justice and protection; presumption of guilt; guilty conscience; subjective evaluation of reality; running with a story before the facts are precise; and relying on voices from the spirit realm.
The conversation supported analytical thinking, application and creation.
How does a movie influence you? What ideas does it bring to your mind? What do other people experience in a film? How can a movie foster dialogue?
Pastor Hoopes expressed that he loves watching old movies. He wants to talk about what society sees while sharing a biblical view, hoping to change mindsets through comedy, drama, science fiction, classic and popular movies.
"The church should watch movies," said Rev. Hoopes. The objective is to understand one another, learn about people, and what Scripture teaches us about movies.
"Discussing a movie is a wonderful activity for God's people," shared Pastor Hoopes. "Join FPC for a lively conversation while watching movies, eating popcorn and making friends."
"First Presbyterian Church, a member of the Presbyterian Church in America, is a community of believers committed to studying God's Word and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ," according to FPC’s Facebook page. The church is located at 311 Catchings Avenue, Indianola.
