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Drive through the cemetery grounds of Old Tennent Presbyterian Church and see a portrayal of the Christmas story.
Enjoy live scenes beginning with Isaiah telling of Jesus’ birth and ending with the Nativity scene.
Old Tennent Presbyterian Church Cemetery Grounds
Please use Main Entrance: 448 Tennent Road, Tennent, NJ
Admission is FREE!
To Sponsor and / or Participate Call: 732-446-6299
Mail Sponsorship Donations To:
Old Tennent Church, P.O. Box 6, 448 Tennent Road, Tennent, NJ 07763
by November 1st to have your advertisement included in our program.
Enjoy live scenes beginning with Isaiah telling of Jesus’ birth and ending with the Nativity scene.
Old Tennent Presbyterian Church Cemetery Grounds
Please use Main Entrance: 448 Tennent Road, Tennent, NJ
Admission is FREE!
To Sponsor and / or Participate Call: 732-446-6299
Mail Sponsorship Donations To:
Old Tennent Church, P.O. Box 6, 448 Tennent Road, Tennent, NJ 07763
by November 1st to have your advertisement included in our program.
In 2016 Old Tennent Church was pleased to present The Journey to Bethlehem Christmas Drive Through after a twelve year hiatus, and we were happy to continue this tradition in 2017. Sojourners drive through the church grounds viewing ten Biblical scenes starting with Isaiah prophesying Jesus’ birth through the events leading up to and including the actual birth of our Savior in the manger. We pray all who embark on The Journey will grow in their understanding of the divine Christmas story.
The Journey to Bethlehem has been a part of the Old Tennent ministry to the community since the mid-1980s. A number of local congregations, such as St. Thomas More and Our Lady of Mercy, have been extremely generous in allowing their members to be actors in our production. We are grateful for the generous support of local businesses. The Drive Through benefits from the support of the Boys Scouts Troop 180 and the Girl Scouts. All are welcome to join us in the pre-Drive Through preparations as well as to participate on the night of the pageant.
The Journey to Bethlehem has been a part of the Old Tennent ministry to the community since the mid-1980s. A number of local congregations, such as St. Thomas More and Our Lady of Mercy, have been extremely generous in allowing their members to be actors in our production. We are grateful for the generous support of local businesses. The Drive Through benefits from the support of the Boys Scouts Troop 180 and the Girl Scouts. All are welcome to join us in the pre-Drive Through preparations as well as to participate on the night of the pageant.
If you or any friend or family member would like to be a part of this production, either as an actor, a behind the scenes worker, or benefactor, please contact the church office and let us know. It takes a lot of people to put this production together, and we start planning and preparing as early as May or June of each year making sure that the production gets better and better. So, if you are willing to help, we could sure use you!!
If you or any friend or family member would like to be a part of this production, either as an actor, a behind the scenes worker, or benefactor, please contact the church office and let us know. It takes a lot of people to put this production together, and we start planning and preparing as early as May or June of each year making sure that the production gets better and better. So, if you are willing to help, we could sure use you!!
Our fervent wish, as people experience the Drive Through, is that the simple and unvarnished story of Christmas will touch your heart this evening.
We believe that the best witness of the greatest story ever told is scripture itself. We have let the Word of the Lord speak for itself and trust that the Holy Spirit will move your mind and emotions with the truth.
This celebration is an outgrowth of our 300th anniversary year (1992) and seeks to continue what our forbearers sought to do: be witnesses to the community of Christ’s love with service.
Our fervent wish, as people experience the Drive Through, is that the simple and unvarnished story of Christmas will touch your heart this evening.
We believe that the best witness of the greatest story ever told is scripture itself. We have let the Word of the Lord speak for itself and trust that the Holy Spirit will move your mind and emotions with the truth.
This celebration is an outgrowth of our 300th anniversary year (1992) and seeks to continue what our forbearers sought to do: be witnesses to the community of Christ’s love with service.
How did the Drive Through come about?
During Christmas of 1987 the Pastor’s wife, Donna MacKenzie, drove through the Due Process Farm display and the Sayreville Baptist presentation and thought that our property warranted a similar production. She approached the newly formed Tercentenary Committee and with Session (our governing body) approval began to plan for the 1988 season. The only directions were: 1) it remain a free event 2) that the Christmas Story be told as simply as possible using scriptural narrative or paraphrases where possible 3) that it should be self-supporting.
How many actors does it take each night?
The scenes require approximately 50 actors.
How many total people does it take to run the pageant each night?
Approximately 100 additional people are actively engaged each night in producing the event. This includes ground crew, electrician, dressers, food servers, Police, Fire Department, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.
Does the Drive Through make money and if so where does it go?
The event cost over $6,000 to stage in 2016 due to expenses associated with starting up the event after 12 years of “rest”. The average contribution was $6.00 per car. Some years we break even, others we don’t.
Contributions from local businesses go towards upgrading the event. (All monies are in an account audited by our Board of Trustees). We are grateful for their support.
Contributions from local businesses go towards upgrading the event. (All monies are in an account audited by our Board of Trustees). We are grateful for their support.
WHAT PART DOES ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH PLAY?
Since 1994 St. Thomas More has been a full partner with Old Tennent Church making this a truly ecumenical event. We welcome local churches to join us in presenting the Story.
How long is the route and how much time does it take?
Approximately 1.5 miles and takes about 60 minutes depending on traffic volumes.
How many luminaries are there?
Over 400. About 1,000 candles are used over the course of the pageant.
Are there any future plans?
We would like to add some scenes, improve lighting and replace some sets. Money and volunteers are the only obstacles to overcome. We welcome your participation and support
