Food drives, clothing drives, youth programs, senior services, scout troops, programs for those in local institutions -- and a number of other ways.

In 1989 the members of Cheshire United Methodist Church presented Cheshire with something new for the community -- a drive thru' nativity -- depicting the trip to Bethlehem by Mary and Joseph showing the sights and events along the way.

Except for the spotlights on each scene, the only light is provided by about 500 luminaries which line both sides of the driveway and the entire perimeter of the parking lot.

Visitors are greeted by shepherds at the entrance, given a copy of the presentation and are requested to turn off their headlights

The first scene depicts Caesar Augustus reading his decree enrolling all people. He is attended by court handmaidens.

Next we see Joseph and Mary starting on their way to Bethlehem with their donkey.

We are then comforted by a heavenly host calming fears and bringing great news.

Shepherds keep watch over a flock of sheep along the way.

The huge impressive castle of Herod the King is next along the way;

Time came for Mary to be delivered but there was no room for them at the inn.

Suddenly we see a group of angels praising God.

Wisemen from the east followed the star -- seeing Mary and the Christ-Child they kneeled down and worshiped him and presented great gifts to the child.

Mary and Joseph watch over the Christ Child in our last scene -- Christ is Born

All along the way are travelers heading toward Bethlehem to be registered also.

Live animals - donkeys -- sheep -- goats are used in this presentation.

Two sets of actors are used to take part in the scenes, alternating every half hour due to the cold weather.

This program is usually presented on the Saturday before Christmas from 5:00 to 8:00 pm -- weather permitting.

In addition to the actors in scenes, other members take part as greeters, costumers, kitchen help for hot foods, child care, advertising; food collectors collect food for local good banks or cash for local fuel banks.

Since 1989 more than 22,000 people have viewed this production. Won't you join us this year on the road to Bethlehem. There is no charge -- just a donation of food to help the local needy 

*    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

Saturday evening December 15, 2008 from 5pm to 8pm

Please join us, in photos, as we travel the "Road to Bethlehem"
Experience the peace of the holiday season with live animals and people as we recreate scenes from the night Jesus was born. Nineteen years ago, Jim Rees, a member of our church brought the Road to Bethlehem drive through nativity program to the membership and we were off and running. For nineteen years this has been our gift to the community and in return they bring food and money that we have given to the area food and fuel banks. Sadly, Jim died on November 22. We have dedicated this year's Road to Bethlehem in his memory.

Travelers along the way

"Comfort, Comfort my people..."

More travelers

One of our many travelers contributes to food or fuel banks

*    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *
The Road to Bethlehem - December 10, 2005

Shepherds meet visitors and hand out programs that tell about each of the
scenes along The Road to Bethlehem

 A Decree went out by Caesar Augustus

  
                                      Travelers and  Shepherds  follow the star
 

What a night we had on December 13^th ! As you are aware, the weekend prior to the pageant our outdoor crew was snowed out. So, on the day of the pageant, not only did all the electric, lighting and sound need to be done so did all the set construction. In an amazing show of support and spirit, under the guidance of Matt and Joe, the entire set-up was completed in about four hours.

The night itself was clear and cold. We had an abundance of good spirit, fine food, and wonderful fellowship. Through the hard work of many, many people this offering and outreach to the community was a success once again. The tally was 919 people. We collected enough food to fill the back of a truck and part of a van. Cash donations were $1,117.83. What a great response for the local food pantry and heating fuel bank. The comments from the "time travelers" (or visitors) included, "amazing, beautiful, thank you, and 'aren't you cold?"' A number of people commented that they were just driving by and saw the sign. They turned around and came back.

We closed at 8:00 PM and by 9:00 PM the church was cleaned up, food put away and many of the sets knocked down for storage on Sunday. Rome was not built in a day, but "The Road' was. From Matt, Joe and Judi, thank you for your support, outpouring of strength and spirit, contributions great and small and for the congregation coming together in fellowship and outreach. For all the committee chairs and workers too numerous to mention, thank you. To the church staff who made many calls for us to procure animals, traffic control food bank contact, etc., we couldn't have done it without you. Cheshire United Methodist church, in fellowship, has shown its strong and true spirit of working together once again.

Happy New Year to all of you.

Matt, Joe and Judi

One of many comments heard by our crew
My highlight of the night was unique to the role of traffic control (I love that job!). I walked over to one of the cars that had been stopped for awhile because I couldn't tell if they wanted to go through again or if they were confused about where to exit. When I asked, the father turned to the teenagers (I would guess about 3 or 4 of them) and asked if they wanted to go through again. Not only was there a resounding yes to the father's question, but they actually cheered when they started the second journey to Bethlehem! Now that's the spirit of Christmas I wish we could here and see more often.