Sycamore Church of Christ is hosting its annual Odyssey House this weekend, a theatrical walk-through about a young person facing severe consequences from poor choices.
Sycamore Church of Christ Discipleship Leader Elijah Anderson said the event takes place annually, alternating between biblical stories and modern narratives. Anderson said that this year’s production focuses on a college student navigating the difficult balance between personal struggles and a life of faith.
“Basically you will go through different rooms in our building led by a tour guide, each room will be a different scene of a connected story,” Anderson said. “The whole point is that it has a spiritual message that you can take away.”
The concept originated in the early to mid-1990s after Family Minister Kevin Doherty and Dr. Sullivan Smith visited an event in Louisville, Kentucky. While the original inspiration focused strictly on drug prevention, Anderson said the local organizers adapted the model to emphasize spiritual growth while retaining the impact of the message.
“We took that idea and came back and kind of turned it on its head and made it have a spiritual focus,” Anderson said. “And kind of with that same idea.”
The production utilizes individuals with theater backgrounds to create detailed sets and costumes, and local EMS personnel will assist in reenacting a car accident scene to heighten the realism.
“We will have groups of a maximum of 20 people that will depart from our starting area roughly every 12 minutes or so,” Anderson said. “Each group will be led by a guide.”
Due to the mature themes involving substance abuse and thoughts of self-harm, organizers recommend the event for teenagers and adults. Parents are advised to use discretion regarding younger children, as the content is designed to address heavy, real-life challenges.
“It’s going to be entertaining,” Anderson said. “But also you take home a valuable application for your life and your faith as well.”
The event is open to the community and aims to bring families together to face difficult challenges through reliance on God.