Christmas Drive-through "Journey to Bethlehem" 2022 was a big sucess!
|
Please help us keep the Drive Through going. Your generous support helps us in many ways. Your donation is tax deductible. We truly thank you! |
We are happy to announce that once again Old Tennent Church will present our annual Christmas Drive Through, "Journey to Bethlehem". The event originally started in 1988 and continued through 2004. After a 12-year hiatus, and with a vision to keep the dream alive, it was resurrected in 2016 by church members under the guidance of Pat Herczeg.
The Nativity pageant drew over 900 vehicles in 2019. Sojourners drive through the cemetery grounds viewing live Biblical scenes starting with Isaiah telling of Jesus' birth and ending with the Nativity. The journey begins through our grounds of over 1½ acres and witnesses live scenes and re-enactments from the comfort of your automobile. We use over 500 luminaries to light your way and you'll even witness Roman Centurions tending camp fires. Over 100 actors including numerous volunteers and live farm animals recreate key scenes of the historic Christmas narrative.
Church members join together as actors/actresses, carpenters, electricians, painters, seamstresses, dressers, advertisers, and kitchen help to make it happen. All 100 original costumes were hand-made and sewn with hook and eye closures by parishioners, and with careful use and mending, are still being used today. This event is organized by Old Tennent Church and wonderful volunteers from a wide spectrum. We especially thank the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, Gordons Corner Fire Department, and Manalapan Township Police for their continued dedication to helping as well as the generous sponsorship of local businesses.
Truly a singular treasure, Old Tennent Church is on the National and State Registers of Historic Places, however we are not a museum! In addition to our annual Christmas drive through, we are a full-functioning church with Sunday morning worship services and have been for the entire 330 years of our existence. We have one of the longest continuous Sunday School programs with over 170 years of religious education.
Our fervent wish as you experience the portrayal of the Christmas story is that the simple and unvarnished story of Christmas will touch your heart this season. Mark your calendar for this FREE memorable community event and make it a cherished annual tradition. Come join us on Tennent Road, Tennent (Manalapan). Enjoy, listen and wonder!
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
