The Strand Theatre will present a special viewing of the movie, “The Way,” starring Martin Sheen, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26.

This film, which honors the Camino de Santiago in Spain and promotes pilgrimage, is a collaboration between Sheen and his real-life son Emilio Estevez. It takes place along the same route Rev. Lawrence Bartel, pastor of Niccolls Memorial Church, will travel as part of his upcoming sabbatical.  

Rev. Bartel will walk the last 110 km of the historic pilgrimage path in northern Spain, from Sarria to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. A grant awarded to Niccolls Church to support the pastor’s sabbatical, included the cost of renting this movie, so there will be no admission charge.

The showing of the film will be the culmination of a day of celebration for Niccolls Church. Following the 10 a.m. worship service that morning, the congregation will gather in the church’s Fellowship Hall to welcome the interim pastor, Rev. Joanne Bartel, and her husband, Don, and to bid farewell to Pastor Lawrence, his wife, Amy, and their two children, Jens and Lydia. Their four month journey to Western Europe begins March 1. The party will include a hearty lasagna luncheon and some surprises for both pastors. Just before 2 p.m., everyone will take the short walk to the Strand Theatre to watch “The Way” together.

The community is invited to attend the worship service and the luncheon, as well as the film. To reserve a place at the luncheon, please call the Niccolls Church office at (315) 369-3475 by Tuesday, Feb. 21. No reservations are needed to attend the film at the Strand Theatre.