Community churches unite for immersive drive-thru nativity experience

Bundled up in the family car, area residents were transported Saturday evening to ancient Israel in a drive-thru nativity at Crossroads Global Methodist Church.

Cars circled their way through a series of lighted vignettes erected in the church parking lot on South Walnut Street, where costumed actors depicted scenes from Bethlehem. The event was complete with live animals, inspiring music and excerpts from scripture that tell the story of the birth of Jesus.

“With the direction of Minister Larry Lawman, we have tried to make this event an outreach project welcoming other church members, and non-church members to participate,” organizer Patty Shell said.

Todd Kinder, Abbie Lloyd and Cooper Tidwell directed traffic during this free event.

Deana Jones and Debbie Fisher greeted every vehicle and distributed Nativity storybooks to each child entering the church parking lot.

The second station was the tax collector and Roman soldier, played by Mark Underhile and Ethan Kincy. The third station journeyed to Bethlehem with Mary portrayed by Haley Reed from Piggott, Arkansas, and Joseph depicted by Rhys Parsons. The donkey, “Izzy,” was provided by Paula and Randy Yancey.

At station 4, No Room at the Inn, Austin D’Vorak played the innkeeper. Matt Miller was Joseph and Riley Taylor Miller played the role of Mary.

The next station was complete with stable animals provided by Brenda Collier. DeeDee Schmidt was Mary and Steven Schmidt was Joseph at the stable in Bethlehem.

The shepherds were played by Jace Ray and Aspen Newkirk. Paula Underhile was the angel in the stable.

Shepherds Bobbi Ray, Ashlee Medler and Velma Ray were abiding at station 6. The sheep at station 6 were provided by Catherine and Anthony Brockhold.

At station 7, Mary Ruth Boone was the angel Gabriel. The angel’s choir contained Megan Keller, Donna Keller, Vicky Jarrell, and Karan King. The wise men at station 8 were played by Kate Parsons, Everett Hessling and Don Jones.

A free glass Christmas ornament was passed out at the final station by Pastor John Goldman and his wife Alane.

It was learned the following churches participated: Crossroads Methodist, Risen Church, Pleasant Grove Church, Assembly of God (Bloomfield), and General Baptist of Bernie. This is the third year for this event.