Church to offer new perspective on Christmas story

By Chick Jacobs
Staff writer

Even the greatest story ever told might need a little updating.

So when senior pastor Michael Fletcher and the staff at Manna Church met to figure out how they could combine the church's four congregations for Christmas, they took a look at how they'd share the story, as well.

The result, according to Fletcher: a most untraditional tradition.

Manna Church, which meets electronically in four locations across Cumberland County, will gather at the Crown Arena on Christmas Eve. But, he promises, "Christmas at the Crown: An Experience in Sight and Sound" is far from the usual handful of hymns and recitation of the birth of Baby Jesus.

"We are taking advantage of technology to present the Christmas experience in an entirely new fashion," Fletcher said. "It will be an experience in sight and sound for everyone."

Everyone who can squeeze into the arena, anyway.

Fletcher said that in the past month, more than 80,000 free tickets have been given out for the event, which will take place at 5 and 7 p.m. Saturday.

Since the Crown Arena's capacity is about 5,000, that could lead to some seriously close quarters.

"We're hoping to seat about 4,500 for each show," he said. "I don't think anyone expects everyone with a ticket to come. There are a lot of our church members who will be someplace else for Christmas, too.

"But we'd like as many people as possible who want to join us for this celebration to be there."

The ceremony begins with the Earth's creation, shown in a montage of music and light. From there, the story line, compiled by the Manna staff, twists through the fall of Adam and Eve.

"We felt it was important to remind people why Jesus had to come to Earth in the first place," Fletcher said. "Like I said, this is a nontraditional experience."

A little bit of everything from old holiday movies to contemporary Christian rock music to traditional Christmas carols is included.

Manna's house band will perform, as well.

The service runs a bit longer than an hour, but Fletcher notes that little of it involves preaching.

"I'll talk for maybe 10 minutes, certainly less than 15," he said.

While a donation will be taken, Fletcher said there is no admission charge.

"We won't be holding our regular service on Sunday," he said. "So this will be our weekly service. We know that many churches will be holding Christmas Eve services, as well, and we aren't trying to take people away.

"But for people who don't have plans, who have nowhere to go for Christmas, come on and join us."

Staff writer Chick Jacobs can be reached at jacobsc@fayobserver.com or 486-3515.

Source: http://fayobserver.com/articles/2011/12/23/1144116

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