'A Journey to Bethlehem … and Beyond'

The Greater Havre Area Ministerial Association wishes to invite residents of Havre and the Hi-line to join them in a “Journey to Bethlehem … and Beyond” Saturday, from 5 to 7 p.m. This is in addition to the living Nativity at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church.

Ila McClenahan, pastoral care coordinator at Northern Montana Health Care, said, “Many years ago, I led a youth group in Glenrock, Wyoming. I’ve always been convinced that every child should have the opportunity to ‘star’ in a Christmas pageant. Before we started practicing for the pageant, I reviewed the Christmas story starting with the angel Gabriel telling Mary that she would have a child. This was followed by the heart to heart talk between Joseph and an angel. Then we went on to learn of the birth of Jesus and visits from the shepherds and the magi. We concluded with how the angel came to Joseph, and the family of escaped to Egypt.

“I was simply amazed. The more I taught, the more I realized how very little the children knew of the full story surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ! All they knew was Baby Jesus in a manger. And if all you know is Baby Jesus in a manger, then you are missing some great parts.”

The Greater Havre Area Ministerial Association caught Ila’s vision and various churches in Havre are sharing other parts of the Nativity story. All GHAMA members agree that Van Orsdel United Methodist Church has done a phenomenal job in presenting the live Nativity for many years.

“We don’t for one moment want to take away from that. We just want to add to it,” GHAMA President Pastor Curt Curtis said,

Community members are encouraged to follow the story:

• First stop: Mary and the Angel Gabriel, Fifth Avenue Christian Church, 2015 5th Ave.

• Second stop: The angel convinces Joseph, Fifth Avenue Christian Church, 2015 5th Ave.

• Third stop: Host of angels appear to the shepherds, Community Alliance Church, 925 8th St.

• Fourth stop: The blessed event, Van Orsdel United Methodist Church, 410 5th Ave.

• Fifth Stop: Jesus is presented in the temple, Abundant Life Church, 405 6th Street)

• Sixth stop: The Wise Men Visit Jesus – First Baptist Church, 625 4th Ave.

• Seventh stop: Jesus, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt, Assembly of God Church, 901 9th St. W.

Hot chocolate and cookies served inside.

Participants can either stay in their cars and drive by, or get out for a closer look.

“It’s wonderful to live in a community like we do,” Curtis said. “The churches work together for events at Easter, the National Day of Prayer and the Week of Christian Unity. This is the first time we’ve collaborated on a Christmas event. I want to encourage everyone to join in the ‘Journey to Bethlehem … and Beyond!’”