Hometown Rankin - December 2015 & January 2016

Donna Miller, a retired Bank Plus employee and active
church member, takes charge of the nativity staffing. Last year,
120 plus members along with 40 or more animals were casts
in the Nativity. “We have two veterinarians in Pelahatchie
who help us locate farm animals as well as exotic collections.
A volunteer near Pelahatchie raises camels and another
volunteer from Purvis brings a pair of oxen for both nights.”
The Sunday School teacher from the class where the idea
was birthed is Judy Thrash. She, along with Skip Latham, a
church trustee, are two more team members that help in the
planning stages that begin in September of each year.
“It’s been a major building operation,” Pastor David shares.
A 40x40 foot storage room was built to house costumes and
props. Wooden stations built around the church grounds serve
as replicas of Bethlehem store fronts where cast members display
wares authentic to those times.
Debbie opened a thick binder and flipped through pages of
neatly typed committees and scale drawings of the Christmas
village. “It’s a major undertaking,” she said with a smile of
accomplishment. “It’s our Christmas gift from our church and
community. Admission is free, but be prepared for a wait. We
have a growing problem with that much traffic.” Her records
show 159 cars with 659 passengers in their first year. Last year
they counted 723 cars with nearly 2,700 passengers.
It’s a major commitment but a major blessing for its
volunteers. Pastor David has emails and notes from grateful
visitors. Some share how they pick up pizza and enjoy a
Christmas picnic as they drive through the streets of Bethlehem.
Others share how they viewed the production and rushed
home to bring others back the same night.
This year’s journey is scheduled for December 12 and 13
from 6 to 9 p.m. The planning team promises an even bigger
and better experience. Just put 2394 Shiloh Road, Pelahatchie,
Mississippi in your map app. It will lead you to Bethlehem and
a special Christmas blessing. n
42 • December 2015/January 2016