Congregation reenacts March to the Manger

On Sunday, December 18, all ages of the Lebanon First UMC congregation participated in the reenactment of the long-standing March to the Manger celebration.

At the early service, under the direction of Children & Youth Ministries Coordinator Aubrey Pieper, children of the congregation stood in and around the manger as the characters of Mary, Joseph, the angel, the shepherds and the wise men. In addition, two of our young people read the story as the characters reenacted the Nativity story. The children led the congreation in familiar Christmas carols, including Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Hark! The Herald Angles Sing, and Joy to the World. While all sang O Come All Ye Faithful, accompanied by Dr. Stephanie Owen, individuals and families came forward to bring their regular offerings and Christmas gifts to the manger.

See a short video of the children rehearsing their music for the March to the Manger celebration.

At the later service, adults took over the roles of the Christmas characters, under the direction of Carol Zimmer. They moved in and out of the manger scene as Sy Korte read selections from the Scripture. The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Richard Boyd, sang Carols of the Quest and A Celtic Noel. Sue Constance and Dr. Owen played a lovely piano duet, Jesu Joy by J.S. Bach, and the congregation joined in singing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and We Three Kings, as gifts were brought to the manger.

See a video of the piano/organ duet.

Rev. Peter Wehrly delivered a message at each service about the Innkeeper in the Nativity story. He urged members of the congregation not to look for someone to blame when things don't go well, but rather to trust God to work through the details of our lives as Joseph did when he was looking for a place for Mary to deliver the most Holy Child.  At the conclusion of the March to the Manger, Pastor Wehrly blessed the gifts and sent the congregation into the world to do God's work.

Christmas Eve services will be held at 5 and 11 pm on Saturday, December 24. There will be one service on Christmas Day at 10 am, with a time of refreshments and fellowship at 9:15 am.

December 19, 2011

More photos below...