Georgia Magazine - December 2022 - 30

Around GEORGIA
Generations of Bethlehem First United
Methodist Church members have staged
their Nativity on the town square since 1963.
event to include live music, voice actors
and interactive scenes.
" In this modern day, everything is
such a quick pace, " Bernat says. " This
gives people a chance to slow down and
remember the reason for the season. "
North Georgia Wildlife &
Safari Park, Cleveland
(706) 348-7279, northgeorgiazoo.com
The North Georgia Wildlife & Safari
Continued from page 28
" The Journey " will be held Dec. 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18.
Visitors will walk through 10 scenes that explain the story of
the birth of Christ, from the angel's greeting to Mary to the
menacing King Herod to shepherds who point them to the
manger to see the Christ child.
" It gives people the opportunity to experience the story of
Jesus. There's a difference [between] hearing a story over and
over and getting to be a part of it, " Huxford says.
He says it's just as inspiring to the volunteers, who spend
months preparing for the event.
" Every year, about 10 percent of the people who come
through have never heard the Christmas story, " Huxford says.
" It's something special to be part of that and something special
that we as a church get to do this together. "
Bethlehem First United Methodist Church,
Bethlehem
(770) 867-3727, bethlehemfirstumc.org
Every year since December 1963, Bethlehem First United
Methodist Church has staged a live Nativity on the city's town
square. And every year, hundreds are drawn to the town that
shares its name with the city that witnessed Christ's birth.
It's part of a long-standing partnership between the church
and the city. The star shining above the manger was built at
the church in 1951 by the Rev. L.G. Marlin, who wanted to see
a large, lighted star in a public place. It was moved to the town
with the inception of the live Nativity.
This year the Nativity will take place Dec. 22-23. Up to 60
people-some of whom are not even church members-stage
the Nativity each night. Their commitment runs deep.
" Some of the women who were 'tiding angels' [who stand
atop the Nativity scene] when they were young have seen their
children and now their grandchildren in those roles, " says the
Rev. Frank Bernat, senior pastor at Bethlehem First United
Methodist. " It's a special tradition. "
Last year, the church started streaming the event on its
Facebook page. In the future, the church plans to expand the
30 Georgia Magazine December 2022
Park has a unique spin on a Christmas
Nativity performance: telling the story in
the presence of some of the animals that
appeared in the narrative.
This year, the wildlife park will present " Animals From
the African Safari Recall the Greatest Story Ever Told " on
Dec. 11, with a rain date set for Dec. 18. The 30-minute
production features animal handlers and children of park
staff members as well as participants from ConnectAbility, a
nonprofit organization in Dahlonega that serves special-needs
children and adults.
The play begins with an actor portraying a wise, older lion
telling a young cub an old story that teaches him how to be a
good friend to all-and about a special star that foretold the
birth " of the One who taught us to love. " From there, the actors
will perform a traditional Christmas pageant, complete with
donkeys, sheep and more.
" There will be some interactive elements for the audience, "
says Kate McElliott, a longtime volunteer with ConnectAbility
who wrote and will direct the pageant. " Last year we recruited
three children from the audience to be the three wise men. "
The event is free, but optional donations will benefit
ConnectAbility.
" It's not your traditional Nativity, " North Georgia Wildlife &
Safari Park founder Hope Bennett says. " It's a great way to honor
the reason we celebrate Christmas, and we're really passionate
about it. "
Simpsonwood United Methodist Church,
Peachtree Corners
(770) 441-2181, simpsonwoodumc.org
Simpsonwood United Methodist Church has been staging
" Walk Through Bethlehem " in Simpsonwood Park in Peachtree
Corners since 1992, with just one year's pause for COVID in
2020. Last year, weather limited the walk to one night, which
drew 2,000 people.
" It was incredible, " says the Rev. Susan Allen Grady, senior
co-pastor. " From the city [the Bethlehem scene], you couldn't
even see the end of the line. "
Continued on page 32
COURTESY BETHLEHEM FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
http://www.northgeorgiazoo.com http://www.bethlehemfirstumc.org http://www.simpsonwoodumc.org
Georgia Magazine - December 2022

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