More than 40 churches and schools in western Washington selected from a variety of holiday events, such as concerts, drama productions, nativity scenes and more, to specifically build relationships within the church and the community.
Olympia Christian School continued their multiyear tradition of performing a 30 to 45 minute concert in the Capitol Rotunda. Anita McKown, principal, reports many people enjoy the students' music and often inquire more about the school. Auburn Adventist Academy's Sylvan Chorale also performed at the Capitol.
The Chehalis (Wash.) Church's sing-along-Messiah concert marks the beginning of the holiday season in the local community. More than 500 guests attended this year. A week later, the church hosted a holiday vegetarian tasting extravaganza to share a festive introduction to vegetarian cooking for guests.
Everson (Wash.) Church invited the community to "The Last Noel," a children's production of Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem. Children dressed as sheep, cows, angels and wise men joined together to sing praises to their newborn King.
The Oak Harbor (Wash.) Church reached out to military families to provide a free Christmas dinner on Christmas day.
The Auburn Academy Church along with its church and school partners produced the fifth year of Journey to Bethlehem, an interactive, outdoor drama, with more than 6,000 guests attending in four nights.
"Journey to Bethlehem uses almost every gift we have in our church," says Bill Roberts, Auburn Academy Church senior pastor. "This ministry involves the youngest to oldest members to reach out to the community and helps our members get to know each other better."
Everson (Wash.) Church, like many churches, showcases local talents in a church Christmas program and invites the community to attend. (Jesse Sacdalan)
A sense of community develops among Auburn's Journey to Bethlehem actors as they work together for a common cause. "This ministry involves the youngest to oldest members to reach out to the community," says Bill Roberts, senior pastor, "and helps our members get to know each other better." (Heidi Martella)
Holiday events provide an opportunity for participants of all ages to be involved in ministry and share their gifts. (Heidi Martella)
Nearly 6,000 people pass through the gates of Auburn's Journey to Bethlehem. (Jonathan Baumgartner)
The Auburn, Wash., Journey to Bethlehem is paired up with a follow-up evangelistic series in January to tell the rest of the story of Jesus' life, ministry, death and resurrection. All guests receive an invitation to attend. (Jonathan Baumgartner)
Auburn's Journey to Bethlehem follows characters Hazrah and Savina as they depart on a mission for King Herod, encounter the Essenes, Wise men and Zachariah and Elizabeth, walk through the streets of Bethlehem, come before Quirinius to protest paying taxes, watch in awe as angels appeared to shepherds in the field and switch allegiance from an earthly to a heavenly King. (Jonathan Baumgartner)
Western Washington churches selected from a variety holiday events, such as concerts (like Chehalis' Sing-along-Messiah), drama productions, nativity scenes and more, to build community connections. (Bob Wohlers)
Each year, Chehalis (Wash.) Church hosts a sing-along-Messiah performance — a holiday highlight in the community. (Bob Wohlers)
