Simpsonwood UMC has teamed up with local members of the film industry to re-imagine their annual Walk Through Bethlehem event into a movie experience that will be a part of their online Christmas Eve service. Along with traditional songs of the season and a Christmas message from Senior Pastor John Purrington, viewers will travel through the colorful shops of Bethlehem on their way to the manger. Together, viewers will experience the magic of the Christmas Story like never before.
Since 1991, thousands of visitors from all over Georgia and beyond followed the luminary-lit streets of Simpsonwood Park to enter the Walk Through Bethlehem. Camels and Roman Guards greeted guests as they approached the little town of Bethlehem on their way to the manger, all constructed by church volunteers in the park’s field.
“We knew that the number of Covid-19 cases was projected to rise around the holidays,” says Senior Pastor Reverend John Purrington. “We wanted to find a way to bring the magic of Walk Through Bethlehem and the Christmas Story to people while staying true to the guiding principles of the Methodist Church: 1. Do no harm, 2. Do good, 3. Stay in love with God.”
Following those principles, the staff at Simpsonwood decided they wanted to give a gift to their congregation and community. They wanted to deliver the magic and tradition of Walk Through Bethlehem to as many people as possible, no matter where they would be celebrating Christmas.
“With the help of Producer Judith Hoffman, Director Tom Rittenhouse, and Director of Photography Kristian Melon, we’ve created a Christmas experience that combines the warmth and tradition of Christmas with this exciting new Bethlehem story,” says Director of Communications, Laura Apsey.
“And by hosting our service online, we hope to reach not only the people that visit us each year for Walk Through Bethlehem and our Christmas Eve services, but also anyone who may need a little extra Christmas magic this year.”
Simpsonwood’s Christmas Eve service will premiere at 5:00 pm on December 24, on the Simpsonwood UMC website, Facebook page, and YouTube. Following the premiere, service will be available on demand.
Source: Press Release from Simpsonwood United Methodist Church
