43
Boardman church tells the Christmas story
Photo
Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.The Journey to Bethlehem included a trip to King Herod's palace to tell him about the coming of baby Jesus. A tour guide led small groups through Disciples Christian Church on a search for the baby.
Photo
Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.Disciples Christian Church members Roger Humberson (left), Bob Kimmer and Chris Vrabel acted as the three Wise Men for the Journey to Bethlehem. They told visitors about their long journey and how they were guided by a star.
Photo
Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.Disciples Christian Church's Rick Shale (left), Jon Philips and Evan John portrayed shepherds for the church's Journey to Bethlehem. The live nativity was held both inside and outside the church.
Photo
Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.Greenford resident Dwayne Felger brought his camel, Herbie, to Disciples Christian Church Dec. 4 to participate in the live nativity scene. This was the first year the church used live animals for Journey to Bethlehem.
Photo
Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.Disciples Christian Church members Melanie Basham (left) and husband, Jeremy, portrayed Mary and Joseph for the Journey to Bethlehem's live nativity scene. Their station was the final stop of the journey.
Photo
Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Boardman's Disciples Christian Church held its second annual Journey to Bethlehem Dec. 4. The journey was a reenactment of the search for the baby Jesus by visiting King Herod, the three Wise Men and other Biblical figures.
Disciples Christian Church on Boardman-Canfield Road hosted a Journey to Bethlehem Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The live nativity scene told the story of how Jesus was born and the obstacles Joseph and Mary faced.
The journey began inside the church where small groups were guided to Kind Herod’s palace and then directed by an angel to follow a star. The journey ended with Joseph and Mary in a stable with baby Jesus. Several Biblical figures were encountered along the way, such as the three Wise Men and shepherds.
Cathy Johnson, of Boardman, said this was her first time experiencing a live nativity scene like this one. She thought the journey aspect of it was meaningful and helped her children understand the story of baby Jesus.
“The animals and the journey through Bethlehem was wonderful,” Johnson said. “I will definitely come back next year.”
This was the church’s second year hosting the journey, but its first time using live animals, which were furnished by Dwayne Felger and wife, Beth, of Greenford.
Characters featured in the live nativity were all volunteers of the church and the costumes and props were donated by church members.
Last year’s journey featured an indoor marketplace with a shorter message. Pastor Timothy Brown wanted to make the event geared toward both adults and children, which is why the live animals and in-depth story line was added.
“We wanted to relay the true message of Christmas, which is one of hope,” he said. “It has been such a rewarding experience to see the community come out to hear the story.”
The community was invited into the church fellowship hall for refreshments and craft tables once the journey was completed.