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Andy Griffith, left, played by Worship Pastor Jebby Moates, talks with Barney Fife, played by Bo Miller, at a rehearsal for Bear Creek Community Church's play "Christmas in Mayberry" on Sunday. Moates will wear a "small haircut" wig for the production Friday and Saturday. He's keeping his hair long enough to require a ponytail so that he can portray Jesus on Easter. (Whitney Ramirez/News-Sentinel)

Local church to put on values-based performance, 'Christmas in Mayberry'

By Ross Farrow
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Monday, December 17, 2007 11:46 AM PST

Comments (71 comment(s))

They say that Lodi isn't Mayberry anymore, but they are wrong — at least for two days.

There have been sightings of Andy, Barney, Opie, Aunt Bee and everything Mayberry this month at Bear Creek Community Church. The well-known characters will star in "Christmas in Mayberry" on Friday and Saturday.

The old "Andy Griffith Show," which ran on CBS from 1960 through 1968 and is still shown on various channels, is coming to Lodi to bring back the values the show preached — love your neighbor no matter what their quirks might be, God's love and the value of Christmas traditions.

The TV show featured widower Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) raising his young son, Opie (Ron Howard), in the fictional North Carolina town of Mayberry.

The program lives on through the Internet with several Web sites, including "The Andy Griffith Show," "The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club," "Mayberry" and various sites to purchase memorabilia. Worship Pastor Jebby Moates, who plays Andy, purchased two badges — one for himself and one for Barney — that read "Deputy — Mayberry."

While the play conveys a Christian message, the cast will entertain the audience with the humor and quirks for which the show is known. Andy is the typical laid-back sheriff you know on TV, while Bo Miller portrays the high-strung Barney Fife. Miller raises his voice into the prototype high-pitched Fife style.

Moates, who wrote the script and a song performed in the play, had talked about doing a "Christmas in Mayberry" play for four or five years. Earlier this year, Senior Pastor Bill Cummins asked Moates, "Any ideas for a Christmas play?"

And the rest is history. The cast began rehearsing in September.

Sporting a ponytail during Sunday's rehearsal, Moates said he plans to don a "short haircut wig" to look more like Sheriff Taylor. He explained that he wants to keep his hair long so that he can play the role of Jesus Christ on Easter.

One change to the original show is Otis, the lovable drunk who let himself in and out of jail. In Lodi, Otis has stopped drinking alcohol and now heads a "Celebrate Recovery" group at his church.

Cummins was surprised during one of the services on Dec. 9. While promoting the Mayberry play, Barney came out to the pulpit in full sheriff's uniform and told Cummins he was writing him a parking ticket, to the laughter of the congregation.

Not only is Bear Creek performing "Christmas in Mayberry," so is Bell Road Baptist Church in Auburn, where the senior pastor is Moates' close friend, Rob Patterson, former pastor at Galt First Baptist Church.

Major cast members

Sheriff Andy Taylor: Jebby Moates, worship pastor

Deputy Barney Fife: Bo Miller, Stockton

Opie: William Paustenbach, 10, Stockton, Century Christian School student

Aunt Bea: Donna Siria, Lodi

Otis: Rob Siria, Lodi

Floyd the barber: Gary Funderson, north Stockton

Gomer Pyle: Paul Fillon, Lodi

- News-Sentinel staff

Values from 'Christmas in Mayberry'

• Showing love to a crotchety person.
• Getting back to the real meaning of Christmas.
• Loving each other and putting up with each other's quirks.
• No matter how bad things get, there is always a bright side.
• Communicating God's love.
• Communicating very valuable Christmas traditions.
• Unconditional love.

Source: Cast members

More information

When: 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Bear Creek Community Church, 11171 N. Lower Sacramento Road, just north of Eight Mile Road, Lodi.

Fee: None.

Tickets: Family tickets available at the church and at Vine and Branches Christian Bookstore, 110 W. Oak St., Lodi.

More information: Call 369-2202 or 951-9229.

Source: Bear Creek Community Church

Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

taac wrote on Dec 29, 2007 10:26 PM:

" In the case of Bear Creek Church...no law was broken. All was done within legal boundaries and morally... the Church is to be applauded! A first rate production, promoting wholesome Christian values and promoting the TRUE meaning of Christmas. A great family production for the Holidays, for anyone to attend and enjoy. Bear Creek gave the community a fantastic Christmas gift with this production. Hope all that attended enjoyed it as much as I did, and Praying that Everyone had a very Merry Christmas, and will have a Happy and Blessed New Year! "

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taac wrote on Dec 29, 2007 10:18 PM:

" JD- Again, you confuse the issue.. you asked / stated that, if I would have no problem with ...unauthorizedly using copyrighted material in order to promote their own agenda. that you would drop the subject. Guess you could not do as promised..Oh well. Anyway, again, I state, for your clarification... that unauthorized does not neccesarliy mean illegal. And as long as no law had been broken... Then, legally,no one could dispute such use. BUT, morally would be a WHOLE DIFFERENT issue....depending on the orgaization and the use involved. Got it yet? "

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JD wrote on Dec 26, 2007 2:02 PM:

" Taac, you may wish to read up on the fundamentals of the "fair use" doctrine (Wikipedia has a decent article on the subject). But since you maintain that you would apply the SAME analysis (however flawed) to ANY entity that was potentially flouting the law, regardless of your own personal opinion of that entity, I'll do as I promised and drop the issue. "

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taac wrote on Dec 25, 2007 8:34 AM:

" And THANK YOU! nstkn and one tine soldier for setting everyone straight. Also, I too am now looking forward to the Easter show. I thought Bear Creek did a FANTASTIC job with their FIRST Production in Church History. I can only imagine how good the next one will be. "

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taac wrote on Dec 25, 2007 8:21 AM:

" JD... get ALL the facts first... no-one said anything about un-authorized vs authorized... Just that Legality issues are different between profit and non-profit entites. Also, for example... their are many un-authorized biographys, products, music, and show (spoofs) that are perfectly legal. GOT IT NOW? And, yes... as long as the entity is within the legal boundaries... I have no "legal" leg to stand on... and would be ok with it "legally speaking" Now, morally speaking would be a different ball of wax. So I guess you now get to drop the issue! "

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one tin soldier wrote on Dec 24, 2007 11:44 AM:

" MAYBE JESUS WILL NAIL THESE GUYS FOR COPYWRITE INFRIGEMENT WHEN THEY PORTRAY HIM AT THE EASTER SHOW...come on people there are citizens starving and freezing to death in our area can't you find a better place to focus your energy. Jesus wants a personal relationship with each of you stop fighting it by lashing out at Gods servants. It was a great play and scriptural message. Im looking forward to the easter show "

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nsktn wrote on Dec 23, 2007 8:07 AM:

" There are now no longer royalties paid for public productions or viewings of the earlier episodes. The material on this church production was completely original as was the music. It was not a performance of an original episode of the show. Royalties may be due for playing the theme song. Here's a check for $5.00, if Mr. Hagan should require it. That should be more than enough to cover what may be due the composer for playing a few seconds of what would be recognized as the theme song. Happy everyone? Merry Christmas. "

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JD wrote on Dec 22, 2007 7:48 PM:

" Taac--The "fair use" exception to copyright law does not arise solely because an organization is non-profit. But I'll tell you what. If you can, honestly and in good faith, tell me that you'd have no problem with ANY non-profit group (Christian church, 4-H club, Church of Satan . . . whatever) unauthorizedly using copyrighted material in order to promote their own agenda, I'll drop the argument. "

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taac wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:30 PM:

" Just saw the play.... and IT was GREAT. Aside from a few glitches..The production was very entertaining and touching. Some good comedic moments as well as some good down home Christmas and christian messages. A must see for anyone that enjoys a good production. For the price (Free) you can not wrong... I would even have paid $10 to see it. It is definetly better than some movies I have paid to see..... Merry Christmas to All and Congratulations to Bear Creek Church and Pastor Jebby Moates for putting on a top notch production! "

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taac wrote on Dec 21, 2007 10:28 PM:

" IT is NOT that - "When a Christian does it, that means that it is not illegal." But that...Someone needs to read up on the difference between for profit and Non-profit standing. And what each type of entity can do legally.....and not. Many Non-profit entities ... like the Salvation Army, DBSA, UCAN, C2BU, ISP Foundation..... ect. TOO numerous to mention all of them.- can do things, like hold events, raise funds, ect- LEGALLY, that for profit entites can not. Got the difference yet? "

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williwinkle wrote on Dec 20, 2007 4:19 PM:

" It is sad to think that one must spend years of their life becoming "an attorney" or "an Ex-Lodian IP attorney" and then feel compelled to critize a play that touts family values just because it is based on one of the greatest TV series ever produced! - I think IP Attorney must be a very unhappy/unfulfilled individual who needs a reason to smile. I'm sure those attend the play will find humor in this spoof of Mayberry. I'm thankful for the local talent and their willingness to devote time/energy and all the hard work it takes to produce an event like this one. "

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JD wrote on Dec 20, 2007 2:41 PM:

" What I'm hearing from some of you is, "When a Christian does it, that means that it is not illegal." "

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ASL Girl wrote on Dec 19, 2007 11:17 AM:

" How fun! I didn't know this was happening in Lodi too! (I'm a cast member in the one happening in Auburn)These kind of things are one way to plant a seed in people's hearts. Maybe there are people out there who are wary of "bible thumpers" who shout about damnation and sin and an all powerful God. But they remember and love Mayberry, and are willing to come see the production. What a wonderful opportunity reach out to people! What a wonderful way to show God's love! The bible says milk before meat. Maybe its not verses straight out of the bible, but its a way to reach and teach people on thier level, and hope that the seed will grow from there. And from non-believers to mature Christians, its just plain fun! Hope you guys get a great turn out! Merry Christmas! "

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Leonard wrote on Dec 19, 2007 5:11 AM:

" These guys will be just fine. Can you imagine the bad press a studio would get if it sued to stop a Christmas Pageant? No one wants to be the ultimate Scrooge. Good job guys, this looks like a fun family event. "

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bravo64 wrote on Dec 18, 2007 11:16 PM:

" The same people who are knocking this play would probably want to get the FAA to ground Santa Claus for invading American airspace. Lighten up, people! "

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bravo64 wrote on Dec 18, 2007 10:58 PM:

" Geez...you people are fussy. The play is FREE for crying out loud!!! You people need a hobby. "

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ap2473 wrote on Dec 18, 2007 2:06 PM:

" Since it looks like it is ok to promote ... hey, check out mayberry.bearcreekchurch.com for production clips. Merry Christmas to all! "

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pastorob wrote on Dec 18, 2007 9:27 AM:

" I hope that Mr. Griffith will somehow receive this cyberbottle-note and be blessed by the impact he had upon us. Dick Van Dyke finally met with Stan Laurel. Likewise, George Harrison met Carl Perkins (even Keaggy jammed with McCartney). There's nothing new under the sun. It is fitting to pay tribute to the most-important influences in a one's life. Ms. IP_Attorney, you are right about ‘paying tribute where tribute is due’. Would you help facilitate our own small-townspeople(s) to empower Jebby with the legal means to formally 'publish' his unique tribute to The Andy Griffith Show? see-our-clips at www.pastorob.com "

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taac wrote on Dec 18, 2007 9:23 AM:

" Christianity, the Christmas spirit, good old fashioned - family friendly entertainment, and good people expressing the love and message of Jesus Christ is all alive and well in LODI, CA "

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ap2473 wrote on Dec 18, 2007 8:30 AM:

" FAITH is very much alive and "working" to lead others toward it at Bear Creek Church. "

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ap2473 wrote on Dec 18, 2007 8:29 AM:

" The REAL Biblical message is how to live your life following Jesus, Faith, how to accept the grace and gift that Jesus gave us all....and how to worship, and be a witness for God. Part of being "save" is testimony and help to lead others to salvation and knowing Jesus... and Here is what is being done with this "play". Jesus / and the bible uses stories to get points accross. The same here. If Jesus lived in this day I am sure he would find no fault in this story. "

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Martin wrote on Dec 18, 2007 8:02 AM:

" "Here, the Church is merely telling story using popular characters in order to get may Christian points across the the audience. " If that's the case, fine. But I doubt it is. Shows like this rarely touch on sin, atonement, repentance, damnation, or Biblical salvation. None of these are listed in the "Values" menu above. It sounds like a nice Hallmark X-mas special that's great for community theater, with no REAL Biblical message. "

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Proud to Live Lodi wrote on Dec 18, 2007 8:02 AM:

" Makes my day when good things happen in Lodi. Pastor Jebby Moates is doing a Community service EVENT that gives so much. "

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Proud tp Live Lodi wrote on Dec 18, 2007 7:48 AM:

" Makes my day when good things happen in Lodi. Pastor Jebby Moates is doing a Community service EVENT that gives so much. "

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CommentsNOT posting again? wrote on Dec 18, 2007 7:04 AM:

" here goes-Again! CONGRATS to the Church for putting on a Community event that sounds entertaining as well as providing a solid Christian message. Especially in a time when all need to be reminded of good old Christian values. Glad to be living in Lodi were some peoply still care and are willing to step up. "

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Drew wrote on Dec 18, 2007 3:48 AM:

" It's sad when the church itself has to disquise the gospel message in order to get people in the doors. What ever happened to "preach Christ, and him crucified"? The church that becomes like the world in order to win the world, is probably of the world. Jesus did NOT say, "Go, and entertain the world"!!! When Christ returns, will he find faith?! Apparently not at this church. "

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Ernest T. Bass wrote on Dec 17, 2007 11:25 PM:

" You all need to straighten up and recognize the heart that was put into this play. No one is trying to steal anything -in fact its quite the opposite -they are just trying to produce a church play that isn't as boring as you-know-what. "

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cathy wrote on Dec 17, 2007 10:56 PM:

" Jebby, Thanks for sharing your creativity with us. Everyone I have told about Christmas in Mayberry smile and say they would like to see it. "

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Andy33 wrote on Dec 17, 2007 9:43 PM:

" Great play, music, and Christian message in a time of year that we all need to be reminded of good Christian values. Thanks!! to Bear Creek Church for Hosting a Community event for all to see and enjoy. "

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JC... wrote on Dec 17, 2007 9:30 PM:

" PLEASE IF WE WOULD ONLY USE THIS MUCH ENERGY TOWARDS THE THINGS IN LIFE THAT MATTER MOST, THIS WOULD BE A BETTER WORLD. NEVER KEEP ANYONE FROM DOING THEIR BEST, AND NEVER KEEP ANYONE FROM BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN OTHERS, YOU MAY FIND OUT THAT THEY WILL BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOU. "

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Oh Lord Help U All ! wrote on Dec 17, 2007 9:00 PM:

" All of you posting here must not attend Church. Maybe you should start so that you all can also learn the real reason for CHRISTmas. Lord help all the children that live in your homes also. May the lord bless all the cast members and Bear Creek chruch for getting a message out to the Lost! "

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CHRISTmas wish... wrote on Dec 17, 2007 8:44 PM:

" That we all just get along... CONGRATULATIONS to the Church that gives back to the Community and does it with a Christian message. To all that have something negative to say... I Pray for them and that Christ will open their hearts and minds to a good story that cna help to get everyone into the "Spirit" of Christmas and then join in the Church's Christmas EVE Celebration/service. "

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Truth wrote on Dec 17, 2007 8:30 PM:

" To BacktotheBible, Have you read the whole Book? ...I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22 "

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JD wrote on Dec 17, 2007 8:21 PM:

" If it had been Muslims, or Hindus, or Sikhs, or Mormons, or Jehovah's Witnesses who did this play, I'm sure that those "Christians" who insist that Andy Griffith belongs to us all would suddenly be very, very, concerned about "the law" and religious groups that choose to break it. "

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Cast member wrote on Dec 17, 2007 7:16 PM:

" Jesus was all about parables if you have read any of the scriptures. In order for people to understand him, he put his word in terms they would understand. That is exactly what this fun loving, family play is all about. Why put on the same productions that have been going on for years? Pastor Jebby used his love for God and the Andy Griffith show to create this play not for his own personal gain, but for all of our spiritual gain. I welcome you all to come, laugh, and enjoy what God has to offer! "

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ouch wrote on Dec 17, 2007 7:14 PM:

" christmas is a story, they didn't even get the seasons right so the words apparently were twisted to suit their beliefs "

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church member wrote on Dec 17, 2007 6:30 PM:

" this play is all about bringing people together.everyone should come and see it.everyone has hurts,hangups,& habits.GOD BLESS (remember JESUS LOVES YOU) "

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Backtothebible is right. wrote on Dec 17, 2007 6:15 PM:

" That is exactly what this church and many others do each week of every year. The play is only one facet of a ministry. Join them on the night before, weekend before or any other Sunday for that lesson. "

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Sierra S. wrote on Dec 17, 2007 6:10 PM:

" Roger, did you even the article. If you did you would know what it has to do with. If you don't like the circus, don't go. Or go, then you'll know what your actually talking about. "

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Sierra S. wrote on Dec 17, 2007 6:10 PM:

" To all of those who are being so negative about a simple church play, you are a bunch of losers. I mean really, getting all bent out of shape over a church play. If you don't like it don't go and see it. To Attourney why are you still reading Lodi's news paper if you don't even live here anymore? It's time to let go. "

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why are not comments posting??? wrote on Dec 17, 2007 6:05 PM:

" Realize that Schools put on productions and CHARGE to see their plays... even if the School does not end up making any profit..which I believe is hardly ever the case... they still charge the public to see the production...OF course they should then pay for the right to use the words that someone else wrote. NOT the case for non-profit entities... and producitons that are FREE of charge. "

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why2 wrote on Dec 17, 2007 6:00 PM:

" " Christmas is about Jesus Christ and the Christian spirit. getting along and telling a story - as Jesus once did - to pass on the Christian message is what the world needs now. " "

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christmas07 wrote on Dec 17, 2007 5:56 PM:

" No stealing go on with the production... not one person is making an money from the production. Again, someone talking without thinking.... stop and get all the facts, and see that everything has been done with careful attention to give credit or $$ where it is due! "

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mayberry1 wrote on Dec 17, 2007 5:54 PM:

" AND Roger.. has no Christmas spirit.. If he would read the Lodi News Article and get all the facts.. he would see that this play is a gift to the Community not only entertaining, but also commenting on some very important Christian values... Roger also needs to get some Christmas spirit and get ALL the facts before spouting off. "

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mayberry1 wrote on Dec 17, 2007 5:53 PM:

" Infringement and Ex-Lodian IP attorney better get the whole story before spouting off... In this case, they are completely off base and out in left field. No surprise coming.. many churches are doing such plays - 1 other in Sac. area and another in East Coast. Attorneys...yeah! right??? Churches have nothing to be Ashamed of.... Everything is on the up and up!! "

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Oh My wrote on Dec 17, 2007 5:47 PM:

" I would love to see Ex Mayor "Beans" Bob play the part of Goober Pyle. Councilman Hithcock as Aunt Bee, The LPD captain as Barney Fife and any GOB as Otis the drunk. That play would be a winner! Hollywood make room for Lodi. "

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Mayberry groupie wrote on Dec 17, 2007 5:39 PM:

" Hey - Back to tghe Bible -- think that you may need to do just that. Did not Jesus tell stories in order to get the point accross... The telling of stories in order to convey a message was used often by Jesus and the Bible....Here, the Church is merely telling story using popular characters in order to get may Christian points across the the audience. "

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Mayberry groupie wrote on Dec 17, 2007 5:36 PM:

" Poor old "Why" is just sooo jeoulous that Christians can do something for the community- free of any charge and be allowed to do it... Another one who does not realize that Schools put on productions and CHARGE to see their plays... even if the School does not end up making any profit..which I believe is hardly ever the case... they still charge the public to see the production...OF course they should then pay for the right to use the words that someone else wrote. NOT the case for non-profit entities... and producitons that are FREE of charge. "

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IP Attorney wrote on Dec 17, 2007 4:36 PM:

" And to "seriously" - I find no reason to switch to boxers - I'm a chick lawyer, so panties are fine for me. "

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IP Attorney wrote on Dec 17, 2007 4:35 PM:

" I have no desire to shut down this production, but simply to point out that the church/playwrite should get permission before doing this. It doesn't matter that the show is part of our cultural history; give its creators the respect they deserve by asking permission before you use their work. From the churches' perspectives, it shouldn't matter that this is a small town production and they are not likely to get "caught" - it's still theft, and a bad example for their congregations. "

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Lodian wrote on Dec 17, 2007 3:43 PM:

" Why is this a problem? The church isn't charging a fee to see the play so what's the beef? "

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Joe Silva, Sr. wrote on Dec 17, 2007 3:29 PM:

" I so enjoy these exchanges! "

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BacktotheBible wrote on Dec 17, 2007 2:47 PM:

" Christmas is about Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, not Andy Taylor in Mayberry. Churches are trying to draw crowds by doing family values shows when they really should be telling the story of a Savior who came to die for a sinful world on its way to hell. Jesus didn't come to give us a better, jollier, better way of life with family values, he came to save a lost human race from the eternal consequences of sin. Out with Hollywood, let's get back to the Scriptures! That's what the world needs now. "

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Community member wrote on Dec 17, 2007 2:13 PM:

" I think it is a nice and warm hearted effort by the church to connect with citizens in both Lodi and Stockton. Do not pay attention to the bloggers, obviously, they have nothing better to do than create opposition for others trying to do good. Thank you for trying to reach out to others that need help. "

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Former Lodian wrote on Dec 17, 2007 1:51 PM:

" Sounds to me like it's just another form of "fan fiction", which is typically along the lines of comic books or the Japanese Manga, but can take other forms, according to Wikepedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_Fiction "

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Why? wrote on Dec 17, 2007 1:45 PM:

" Why should a church get away with this, when our local schools have to pay for the rights to put on a musical like Grease or a play like Our Town? And what if the creators of the original show don't want it to be given such a specific Christian message -- they may not even be Christian! If these churches want to put on a play with Christian themes, they should go ahead and write some original material and not steal from others! "

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To Cast Member et al wrote on Dec 17, 2007 1:39 PM:

" Thou shalt not steal. (But if it's for charity and a good cause God's law can be broken....Sounds like TV Evangelist Jim Bakker is in charge) "

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JK wrote on Dec 17, 2007 1:26 PM:

" Cast member - try to understand that 99.99% of attorneys (a verifiable percentage) have no joy and no sense of humor. Forgive them. "

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JK wrote on Dec 17, 2007 1:17 PM:

" To Cast member - while I agree that anyone would be silly and petty to try and stop the production, you really can't fault the attorneys for giving you free advice. Also, I don't see where they criticized anything having to do with what the church was doing or the play itself outside of the trademark issues. Their watching the play probably won't change the legal issue. "

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Roger wrote on Dec 17, 2007 1:01 PM:

" What a 3-Ring Circus Church this congregation must be on a Sunday morning. What in the world does "Mayberry" have to do with The Gospel? "

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Esquivel wrote on Dec 17, 2007 1:00 PM:

" Sounds like these lawyers want to take the show and "nip it in the bud." LOL "

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pastorob wrote on Dec 17, 2007 12:56 PM:

" (2 of 2) This isn't stealing or hurting those who profit from copyright. I recently purchased the entire 8-seasons. Several others in our humble sphere(s) of influence have also been encouraged to purchase DVDs of TAGS. Jebby's script is a worthy tribute to a by-gone era. Like Opie, I lost a parent as a child. The impact of Mr. Griffith's vision upon a generation deserves to be shared with him before he passes on to heaven. Fair use is highly subjective. I wonder if Mr. Griffith himself will show up and settle this question for all of us? "

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pastorob wrote on Dec 17, 2007 12:54 PM:

" (1 of 2) From the moment of Jebby's original idea, I have encouraged him to see what it will take to license this original creation which 'belongs' to all who drank from the popular culture of a previous century. The only trouble I have seen thus far is when Mr. Griffith sued a man who had actually changed his name to Andy Griffith (in order to run for Sheriff). "

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seriously.... wrote on Dec 17, 2007 12:22 PM:

" You're seriously worried about infringement of a small town church putting on a free production? It might be time to switch to boxers. "

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Cast member wrote on Dec 17, 2007 11:54 AM:

" To the IP Attorny, You have no clue what agreement or rights this pastor has regarding the play. Another thing, the message of the play is to be filled with God's love and mercy, and to love your neighbor (supporting the community). This church is stepping out of the box to reach out to our community. Maybe you should come and check it out for yourself before you judge it so you too can be filled with joy...something you may be lacking. Jesus love you! "

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JK wrote on Dec 17, 2007 11:51 AM:

" . . . or perhaps you attorneys would be happy to represent them and charge them a "small" fee? "

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JK wrote on Dec 17, 2007 11:50 AM:

" I'm sure you attorneys will turn them in - now that will be "the" crime. "

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Ex-Lodian IP attorney wrote on Dec 17, 2007 10:36 AM:

" This pastor and these churches may think they've created a family-values hit with this play; however, they are blatantly infringing the intellectual property rights of the Andy Griffith Show's producers and writers. Non-permissive use of one work as a basis for another is infringement, plain and simple. Failing to get permission (and pay for it) is stealing - it does not matter that you are a church, a school or other non-profit. This is stealing, and this pastor and these churches should be ashamed. "

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Infringement wrote on Dec 17, 2007 9:56 AM:

" Hate to tell the Lodi churches, but you can't write your own version of the Andy Griffith Show and not be infringing both the copyright and trademark of the show's rightsholders. It's stealing and it's wrong. There is no "fair use" exception for this. I am an IP attorney (and ex-Lodian) and I would not be surprised if these churches and this pastor Moates are hit with cease and desist notices immediately. "

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T & C wrote on Dec 17, 2007 8:32 AM:

" This is a must see for the old retired ex-chief. I'll even buy him some front row tickets.Here's your chance to see where you failed. "

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Restore Otis wrote on Dec 17, 2007 7:26 AM:

" This just ain't right! "

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Comments on this story are now closed.

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