By DAVID THOMPSON
The New Covenant Assembly of God Church in Montgomery is taking the message of the Christmas story on the road.
Literally.
From 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the church will depict the birth and other significant events in the life of Christ during a drive-thru presentation that will allow attendees to view it without leaving the comfort of their vehicles.
The event will be held at the church at 1270 Pinchtown Road, Montgomery.
Fact Box
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Drive-thru Christmas story
WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday
WHERE: New Covenant Assembly of God Church, 1270 Pinchtown Road, Montgomery
COST: Free
About 80 church members participate in the live, interactive event that depicts the Christmas story and other biblical events such as John the Baptist, the Last Supper, Christ's crucifixion and his ascension into Heaven.
The church began the tradition about 15 years ago, according to Holly Pentz, wife of church Pastor Jim Pentz.
"We decided in adult Sunday school class to try it," she said.
"We always had programs inside the church," Jim Pentz said. "We decided that if we could do something so people could stay in their cars and drive through, it would be more effective for the community to see the story instead of people who already knew it."
Stations set up along Pinchtown Road are manned by church members portraying wise men, angels and other characters who are part of the story of Christ's birth and life, Pentz said.
"There are live animals, Roman guards come to your car," he said. "It's interactive. You come to a crowded market and the inn where they direct you to the nativity."
The event became very popular and continued until about 2007, when a decision was made to host different events to celebrate Christmas.
Jim Pentz said people were disappointed it ended, but some members of the congregation were weary because of the massive amount of work needed to produce the event.
Now that the congregation is rejuvenated, they are supporting the event, which is free of charge, with enthusiasm, he said.
"Some people have made it a Christmas tradition. They bring their entire family," Pentz said. "We took a couple years off but we're back by popular demand."
