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Walk With
Christ Programs
Here are two different
programs to help you with planning your own!
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Walk With Christ Program
Submitted by: Janice Thomas |
| Here is the program we are doing. I did not write it, and do not know whom to give credit it to.
It came from a YW group I used to be on. It can be done for Easter or Christmas.
We are asking the people involved to be the "Actor" and to decorate their room. Caution: In the Bishops handbook I believe it states, no actor should actually portray Christ himself, we specifically told our people involved this and asked them to portray other people. Also, we are not giving 'handouts' in each room as stated in the letter to the participants at the end of this email. We are changing things a little bit. I urge each of you to be guided by the Spirit, and also to check with your Bishop before planning this, just to make sure the Priesthood is supportive.
If you delegate things well, and have lots of help, you can pull this together pretty well. We are having dinner, with Rooms 1 and 2 being presented together during dinner, and then letting each "table' start on their journey through the rooms. We are using mostly Priesthood holders in the rooms, but you could have women, young women, or couples be in charge of different rooms. The RS Presidency and hfpe Board members will be guiding angels, moving the groups along.
Walk With Christ
We prayed about the people who played the parts in our rooms, After the program, I will include the letter we gave out to the participants.
Room 1: The Nativity
Decor: crates, cloth, animals, basin of water
Scriptures: Luke 1:46-55 Matt 1:18-25 Luke 2:4-5,7,16
Room 2 The Ministry
Decor: Pictures of His Ministry, video/s like show
Scriptures: numerous
Room 3 The Last Supper
Decor: basin, towel, sacrament tray
Scriptures: Luke 22:1, 14, 17-23 Matt 26:26-28
Room 4 Garden of Gethsemane
Decor: spotlighted pictures, garden setting with large paper mache stone
Scripture: Matt 26:14, 15, 36-39, 47,49
Room 5 Judgment of Christ
Decor; robe, gavel
Scripture: Matt 27:2,11-22,23,24
Room 6 The Crucifixion
Decor; Hammer, nail, cross, centurion, branch
Scripture; Matt 27:31,35-37, 40-43,45-49, 50_54
Room 7 Joseph of Arimathaea's Tomb
Decor: Linens and spice
Scripture: Matt 27:57-60, Mark 16:1
Room 8 Christ is Risen
Decor; Empty room , table with sheet to look like bed, linen folded at head or bed
Scripture: Matt 28:6, Mark 16:1-6
Note: I am doing this one with all groups gathering together at Room 7 (foyer) and then letting the Centurions, letting them enter the Chapel, where the Halleluiah Chorus will begin playing. then we will have the last "Actor" celebrate the Resurrection with us.
Letter to Participants:
First of all THANK YOU! Our Walk with Christ is an activity that will help bring the Women of our ward to a better understanding of Christ's mission and more especially his last days on Earth. We are excited to have them travel through nine different rooms each portraying a different event in the Savior's life. (The second room being a series of events)
The final room is "Christ is Risen" where they will all be addressed together by the Bishop about the Atonement.
Simple guidelines have been given as to what kind of decor you may want to put in your room. These are only guidelines and you may decorate as you wish, within the description of the scriptures given and as the Spirit may guide you.
Each of the rooms will call for actors (for example: The last supper could use Pilate or one the Twelve Apostles) However The Garden of Gethsemane would probably be best as a room without anyone in it so the entire focus is on Christ's picture. Also, a scripture should be presented by your actors in each room, with the exception of the Garden of Gethsemane where it would be better to post the scripture up. The scriptures that pertain to each subject are listed. At the beginning of the evening each girl will be given a small basket. In this basket she will collect small times from each room that are to serve as a representation of the that room.
We would ask that you each provide the handout that will be given from your room. (for example-at the room of the Crucifixion they could be given a nail). Once again let the Spirit be your guide. Remember things like special lighting (lams and spots) as well as quiet music will add a lot to your setting. You may also use
smells to create a special atmosphere. The women will come to each room in small groups. They will go to the tombs in order so group1 will finish firs.
We will probably have 4-5 groups and each room should last 3-5 minutes per group. The Women will will be ushered to each room by an attending "angel' Then the Bishop will be able to take 15-20 minutes at the end to speak.
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"A Walk with the Savior"
shared by Tricia
Gregory, she sent this in on the LDS Activities Email list and gave me
permission to post it on my site. |
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A few of you have recently
expressed interest in a "Walk with the Savior" program. Our ward has
implemented a version of this for Christmas time including a live outdoor
nativity by the youth. It has been an incredibly spiritual experience for
those who participate in "working it" as well as those attending. The
premise is rooms depicting the life of Jesus Christ: The Birth, The
Ministry, The Last Supper, The Garden of Gethsemane, The Judgment, The
Crucifixion, The Tomb/Resurrection (can be two rooms), and The Restoration.
Our church is the oval configuration with the chapel and cultural hall in
the middle. The Walk takes places around the perimeter then the guests are
led into the cultural hall to enjoy the Spirit, live music and light
snacks. The folder uploaded to this site holds multiple files describing
each room in detail including the decoration, cost, script and a self
critique and a critique of the program as a whole.
This program is not for the faint hearted or the small budgeted. I am
shocked at the budgets many of you report. We spend very little money on
any other activity during the year to conserve for this one. We also don't
buy anything that cannot be reused for the following year (except
invitations.) We have only 5 activities planned this year and one of those,
our annual service activity is combined with the Primary quarterly
activity.
I love this forum and appreciate all your comments and ideas.
Thanks!!
Tricia Gregory
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Walk
With Christ Hope Mills 2nd Report 2005
Fayetteville, North Carolina Stake
By Tricia Gregory
History
The Walk with Christ Program originated when I was looking for
activities online in the middle of 2004. I found an outline of this
activity. (It will work for Easter or Christmas.) I don't know who
originally wrote it. When I was discussing the program with the Young
Women's leader in charge of the Christmas activity for the youth, I
discovered she was coordinating a Live Nativity. We decided to combine the
two activities and the end result was incredible! Our bishop's council was
if we couldn't do a good
enough job for the community, we couldn't invite the community.
Since our main goal was to help the community see that LDS members do
worship Jesus Christ, we were determined to make it great. The
scouts took down the ratty fence in front of our church building and
reconstructed a new one. The old wood was used to make the Stable.
More of the old wood has been used to make the cross for the Crucifixion
Room and pieces for other rooms as well. We had a
successful year because everyone helped with a happy heart and there were
many nonmembers and new members who came. Virtually every
member of the ward had an assignment - as small as bringing cookies or as
big as decorating a room. The Spirit was so incredibly
strong! Even our youth had hearts softened and demeanors changed as they
participated. The clean up was miraculous. Everything was
taken down and the church restored to its natural state in less than 90
minutes! Our ward became more unified and our testimonies were
strengthened. Our faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ grew.
We beheld the true meaning of Christmas.
There is no doubt that there were countless man hours spent. Our first year
we spent approximately $700. This included $250 for Nativity costumes (one
set), $100 on costumes for narrators/actors, $250 for advertising, and $100
for sets. This first year, the majority of the sets were personal items or
things reused from other activities. The Youth's budgets and the Activities
Committee budget were utilized.
I think it is important to note the first year's success (in production)
because I want other wards to know that it can be done with love and joy.
It can bring unity and strength to each ward as individuals and as a whole.
It can change lives! It has changed mine.
Two wards
The second year, we combined the efforts of the ward with whom we
shared the building. We were unsure how to incorporate the efforts of two
wards. Communication was pretty tricky. I would recommend the two persons
in charge, one from each ward, have a clear understanding as to what time,
effort, manpower and money is required to make it happen. Both must have an
understanding of the desired outcome and have the ability to listen to the
Spirit and to each other.
Staffing with Two Wards
We did not mesh the staffing of WWC very well this year. We divided
the nights that we worked such that only the youth of both wards worked both
nights. Also, decorated rooms were manned by one ward at their discretion
as to how it would be staffed. (For example, The Garden's room coordinator
was in HM1st ward, so the actors/narrators for that room were from HM1st
ward on both nights.) The intent was so that one person could do the acting
both nights and involve fewer ward members. Only 2 of the 8 rooms ended up
keeping them the actors same. The other rooms had at least two actors to
share the position. The rationale for having multiple actors is so the
actors can go on The Walk with their families too. All but one person was
able to do this. Having two nights made it easier for the ward not working
to come and enjoy in leisure. There was no reason not to have members from
either ward helping in either night together rather than separating nights.
We could have had more camaraderie and fun in serving together. We missed
out on an opportunity to draw our two wards closer in love and charity.
The Walk with Christ Rooms
We utilized one room coordinator and in some cases had a team working
together. The actors were invited by the room coordinator to participate in
their room. The names were run past the WWC Director for the ward first to
prevent duplication of assignments and in case there was a reason they
shouldn't have that assignment.
(Our biggest concern was both spouses have time consuming assignments. We
wanted one parent to be able to care for their own children.)
I recommend there be one Room Coordinator and assistants (more or
fewer as the complexity of the room dictates) organized early to help with
brainstorming and/or moral support. It is imperative that there be enough
people assigned to a room that the Room Coordinator alone is not
overburdened with the responsibility of decorating in the days before. This
will also be helpful to have these same team members present for clean up to
help ensure items can get to their proper locations.
Either a set committee or a set person(s) assigned to each room is
helpful for the room coordinator to delegate the construction of various
things like stone walls, a well, a tomb, benches, easels, frames for hanging
fabric or pictures, etc. Stone walls are especially great in the Ministry
and the Tomb/Resurrection rooms.
The Restoration Room
There has been much discussion as to the appropriateness of this room. The
purpose is to tie in how the life of Jesus Christ relates to The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. That He restored the gospel in these
latter days. This is meant to be an informational room, not preaching in
any way. When the room was completed before the program began, I walked
into the room and was overcome with the Spirit as I took in the pictures,
music and decoration. (There was no narration at this time.) We cannot be
ashamed or embarrassed about what we believe. We need to be comfortable
with sharing the Joseph Smith story. I will admit this is not the easiest
part for me to share, but I know of its truthfulness and cannot hide from
it. The Gospel is true! Our ward council discussed this room and
unanimously voted for it to remain next year.
Decorating the Church
We wanted the theme of the Life of Jesus Christ to be carried
throughout the church. On The Walk, empty classrooms had tables pulled
forward into the doorway with nicely framed pictures of Christ in different
scenes. Although we had so many beautiful pictures of the Savior by
Himself, I felt it important to see Him with other people; ministering,
teaching, loving, comforting. We used tablecloths to cover the tables and
easels.
The foyers were decorated. The entry foyer had a large picture of The
Nativity surrounded by poinsettias and potted pine trees. It was simple and
beautiful. The exit foyer had a Christmas tree in gold and silver without
lights, as the bishop's handbook dictates. This foyer also had tables with
surfaces covered in pictures and a little decoration.
The Chapel had 20 or so white poinsettias. Again, it was simple and
beautiful. This was expensive though, and in time we will be able to
purchase silk ones for reuse. There was a very large poster for the music
schedule at the side/front of the choir loft.
The Cultural Hall was without rooms dividers so that one could see to
the choir loft from the back of the room. When walking in the back door, I
found it breathtaking to see Nativity Sets as centerpieces on tables covered
in gold tablecloths throughout the room. As I looked to the front of the
room, I could see the live musical performers. There was a table near the
main exit with proselyting materials available for visitors to take home.
This table was manned by Missionaries. Having missionaries present served
two purposes: to be available to answer questions and to keep the children
from running off with the pictures.
In the Cultural hall there was a Children's Area. This
consisted of the small nursery tables and chairs set up and Nativity sets
made for children as the centerpieces. There were Nativity color pages and
crayons available. Last year we had parents sitting with their children
playing and snacking relatively quietly. This year we had 5 instead of 3
tables. This was too many. Parents seemed to let their children sit at the
tables unattended and this led to children running around screeching in
glee. We needed reverence. Next year we may consider no coloring and just
have the Nativity sets. We will ask parents to keep their children with
them.
Children
We all love our children and feel comfortable letting them roam
throughout the safe confines of our church, but this is not the appropriate
setting for wandering kids of any age. This has been the foremost concern
both years. This year we had a childcare for the children of working
parents. This did not help the children too old to sit in a room playing
with toys. An off-site kid-friendly environment will be better for
school-aged children. They are the most difficult to contain. The onsite
childcare room is good for the little ones only if both parents are
working. Again, we tried to avoid this problem by only having one spouse
work at any given time. If families are coming for their Walk, they need to
keep their children with them at all times and when the tour is complete and
their interest is gone, it is time to go home.
Musical Performances
Our first year, the response for the music was a great success.
Visitors were heard to express in astonishment that it was live music not a
piped in CD. This year we had wonderful musical selections, but they could
not be heard above the conversations of the members. Because this hadn't
been a problem the year prior, it was not anticipated and we felt ill
equipped in handling the situation. We didn't want to offend the visitors
by announcing a call for reverence, and we could not think of a way to
otherwise remind people it was a time for reverence. This was a distraction
from the musical performers and for some of the rooms in the perimeter of
the building. We want performers next year. We think it is a wonderful
part of the program. But we must show respect to them or they won't want to
come. So, how to handle it?
There were several ideas presented: 1. Close the second set of
Cultural Hall dividers so people could go listen in peace. Pipe the music
into the remaining Cultural hall area. 2. Dim the chapel have the lights
bright on the choir loft and have the volume of music turned up. Also, have
an announcer to present each new performer/group. This will draw the
attention back to the front of the room. 3. Have only a CD playing.
Because arranging a musical portion is a big job, I would recommend first
time wards consider a CD.
Guides
Having a lead guide at the entry door to help gather people into
groups was especially helpful. As a guide completed a tour, he would return
to the rear entry to pick up another group. We had only 8 guides and they
worked for 2 hours. They really needed a drink and restroom break after one
hour. Each of the guides expressed joy in their assignment and many asked
to do it again next year. All needed help dressing, but none complained
about wearing costumes. Having guides directing visitors from the Nativity
to the rear entry is needed.
Outside
The Live Nativity was in the Back Yard of the church on a grassy
area. We built the stable the previous year from wood we took down from the
old church fence. We did not disassemble it between the 2004 and 2005
performances, although I have heard it expressed it would be appreciated to
have it put away this year until next time. ļ The parking lot was blocked
off from the Nativity to the back door for the safety of all. It was
awkward for drivers and it might be okay to leave the driveway open if
guides will be helping visitors to the back door safely. The lights in the
parking lot were not working and the outdoor lighting from the Nativity to
the back door was nearly nonexistent. This needs to be improved.
Parking
The members working were asked to park at Rockfish School and a
shuttle system provided to deliver them door-to-door. They were to meet by
the exit door for their ride. The purpose of this was to ensure the
visitors and ward members from other wards be able to have parking at the
building. We found that we didn't use all the parking spaces at the church
either year. Perhaps we should park at the school only for overflow if
needed. There are some ward members really put out by being asked to park
elsewhere.
Food
The idea behind having food is to have people feel comfortable
stopping to listen to the music and absorb the feeling of the Spirit before
they went home. This also gave time for members and missionaries to greet
and visit with people they didn't know. In other words, it buys us time
while we try to make rounds to everyone. I feel like this helps the
missionary effort. Both years we had nice finger food that would not
crumble and make a mess. One ward had a large variety while the other kept
a simple menu that included a little something for everyone. Food was made
and donated (and served) by the sisters. Punch and water were served. We
used the clear plastic dessert plates from Sam's. A suggestion was made
that only cookies and punch could be served. If I was bringing something,
I'd rather pick up a bag of carrots or cut up some celery than have to make
cookies. It is simpler and less time-consuming for me. I know this was
helpful to some other sisters, too. For those who have the time to make
baked goods, they are welcome and enjoyed. I think a simple variety is
great. We kept the plates small so people didn't think we were feeding them
dinner. I like the idea of toning down how ¡§nice¡¨ the serving plates
needed to be.
Advertising
This year we contacted many TV and Radio stations and newspaper for public
service announcements and had an announcement on the downtown Hope Mills
Marquis. (The Fire Dept has a new policy preventing our ad this year.) I
don't think any of these forms of advertising were very effective for us.
None of these things cost us money, but public service announcements do not
get much air time. I do know of one less active and one part member family
that came as a direct result of hearing an ad on the radio.
We spent $300 in 2004 and $280 in 2005 for invitations and flyers. We
chose to make this year's invitations much like a pass-a-long card for the
ease of distribution to friends. Everyone liked how appealing they were to
the eye and we received more for the money than last year. We had them
printed in bulk at International Minute Press this year compared to
do-it-yourself at Office Max last year. Next year we are considering two
tones instead of a full color picture on the face of the card to cut costs,
enabling us to print more cards.
I feel like the best way to increase our non-member turnout is for
members to personally invite people. I passed out 30 invitations, received
5 commitments and 2 showed up. We all as members need to feel the
conviction in our hearts to share the gospel and take the opportunity to
invite. This activity is one that we can all feel comfortable bringing our
friends to.
Budget
Have a budget and keep to it. Our ward saved 80% if its Activities
Committee 2006 budget for the coming year's WWC Program. This does not
include the YW who have budgeted for more items for the Nativity costumes
and deco enhancements (animals) for 2006. The cost of WWC Christ will
become less each year following the first two or three. It takes a few
years to build up the costume and set base. This isa program that a ward
has to decide if they want to commit to financially as well as with time.
Walk with Christ DirectorI like the idea of a person specifically in
charge of WWC not in combination with another calling. On the other hand,
with proper planning and fewer, more significant activities, time will be
available for the Activities Committee to participate instead of having
attention spread in too many directions.
I thank my Father in Heaven for allowing me this opportunity to serve in
this capacity. It is with great joy I have given my time in this effort
with the goals in strengthening testimonies and inviting all to Come
unto Christ.
(This was given out to all participants who had lead
roles)
Walk With Christ Program
Fri & Sat December 9 & 10, 2005
6-8pm
Our goal is to have a strong Spirit present as we feel love
for Christ and His ministry as members and non-members view the
different scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. We will describe how
Jesus Christ is the head of our church and how we believe His gospel was
restored in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Thus we
will remember the true meaning of Christmas. People will be asked to
speak only in hushed whispers while on their tour.
We are asking Room Coordinators to design and decorate their room.
They will also be responsible for the written script which the actors
will use. (No actors will portray Christ himself.) The actors will
participate in their room assignment under direction of the Room
Coordinator. There will be guides dressed period clothing to help
direct traffic and assist to keep the reverence.
We will enter from the back of the church and start The Walk in
the Primary Room. We will continue around the church ending in
the Scout Rooms. Then guests will go to the Cultural Hall for
refreshments, visiting and questions. In the cultural hall,
missionaries will be present as will at least one member of the
Bishopric. There will be live music provided by local school groups
and ward and Stake members. This activity is in conjunction with the
Youth who will be doing a Live Nativity outside in the back
grassy area. The community will be invited. Parking for members will
be at Rockfish School and there will be transportation provided to the
church. Latino participants will have scripts preprinted in Spanish for
tour groups that have Spanish speaking visitors.
Advertising will be through flyers and media. We would like to formally
invite community and church leaders to share this experience with us.
Hope Mills First and Second Wards will be working together as this
production is time and energy demanding. With two wards, we should be
able to have all ward members be able to take the "Walk with Christ" as
last year there were many who were unable to do so. With this joint
effort, we will also have greater ability to reach a larger number of
community members.
Letter to Participants of the Walk with Christ Program
First of all, thank you for agreeing to participate in The Walk
With Christ program. This is an activity that will help bring the ward
and community closer to a better understanding of Christ's mission and
especially His last days on Earth. We are excited to have visitors
travel through eight different rooms, each portraying a different event
on the Savior's life and the Restoration.
Simple guidelines have been given as to what kind of decor you may
want to put in your room. These are only ideas. You may decorate as
you wish, within the description of the scriptures given and as the
Spirit may guide you. Please be mindful of the message to be portrayed
and make an effort that decorations enhance that message instead of
distract.
Each of the rooms will call for actors. For example, the last
supper could use Pilate or one of the Twelve Apostles.
However, there is to be no actor for Jesus Christ. Also, a
scripture/script should be presented by your actors in each room.
Some of the scriptures that pertain to each subject are listed.
Let the Spirit be your guide. Remember things like special
lighting (lamps and spots) as well as quiet music. This will add a lot
to your setting. You may also use smells to create a special
atmosphere. The visitors will come to each room in small groups. Each
room should not last more than three minutes.
Walk with Christ Rooms
Live Nativity - Outside
Scriptures: Luke 1:46-55, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:4-5, 7, 16
Room 15 (Primary Room): The Ministry
Décor: Pictures of His Ministry, video(s)
Scriptures: Numerous
Room No 11&12: The Last Supper
Décor: Basin, Towel, Sacrament Tray
Scriptures: Luke 22:1, 14, 17-23, Matthew 26:26-28
Foyer: Garden of Gethsemane
Décor: Spotlighted pictures, garden setting with large paper mache
stone (stone already made)
Scripture: Matthew 26:14, 15, 36-39, 47, 49
Room No 54 : Judgment of Christ
(This room did not work well last year but we'll come up with a
different plan later.)
Décor: Robe, Gavel
Scripture: Matthew 27:2, 11-24
Room 51 (Nursery Room): The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Décor: Hammer, nail, cross, centurion, branch
Scripture: Matthew 27:31, 35-37, 40-43, 45-49, 50-54
Rooms 37 & 38 (YW Rooms): The
Tomb & Christ is Risen
Décor: Linens and spice, table with sheet to look like bed linen
folded at head of bed
Scripture: Matthew 27:57-60, Matthew 28:6, Mark 16:1-6
Rooms 27 & 28 (Cub Scout Rooms): The
Restoration:
Décor: Much like a temple Visitor's Center with pictures and maps.
Use a poster board timeline? Scripture : 3 Nephi - the Coming of
Christ to the Americas, Many more references available
The Restoration Room
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The Ministry Room
By Melissa Mann
Our room consists of seven different areas, all of which are different
names that Christ is referred as in the scriptures. The first
area is "Master Teacher". In this area, we had a podium/lectern set up
with a table runner across it and a set of "Hebrew scrolls" that we
created. Behind the podium, we used the foam brick wall. On each edge
of the brick wall we had a column with ivy wrapped around them. The
master teacher sign was posted up on the front of the podium, and the
scripture poster we used was
placed on the foam brick wall right behind the podium. There was a
light across the room on the floor that shone on the podium.
The second area was "The Living Stone". This area was made up of a big
"rock". The rock was made up of bean bag chairs and a bag of leaves.
Over the top of the bags was brown butcher paper that had specking
sprayed on it. We crumbled the paper up a little bit and stapled the
two pieces together. In the seams or crevices we placed moss and a
little bit of ivy. On the rock, we also had the poster that said "The
Living Stone" set up on it. To the left side of the rock there was the
picture of the Sermon on the Mount (from the hallway). There was a rock
shining up onto the rock and we also used a huge fern behind the Sermon
on the Mount picture and its
easel in order to give an outdoor effect. At the base of the rock there
was a basket that had a loaf of bread in it and also a plastic bag of
fish.
The next area was "The Fisher of Men". The boat was constructed by
the Missionaries and Jill Brady. The boat was in the corner and the sail
on top was made from an off-white curtain. There was also an off-white
curtain (from the Mother's Lounge) that hung over the chalkboard. On
the boat there was a picture that we mounted of Christ calling his
disciples by a boat. On the floor we had a mounted fisher's of men
scripture. Off to the corner of the boat we hung some netting and on
the floor in front of the boat we had a nautical wheel.
To the left of the boat area there were two fichus trees and in
front of the trees there was a wood fence (should also be in storage).
In front of the fence there was a wood walking stick (representing a
shepherd's staff) and a white cloth that hung over the fence
(representing a white robe worn by a shepherd). On top of the fence a
mounted picture of Christ as a shepherd was set and on the floor by the
staff there a scripture about the shepherd knows the sheep and the sheep
know His voice.
In the room off to the left of the main primary room was "The
Healer". The bulletin boards were covered with tablecloths. A gold
tablecloth covered across the boards and two burgundy curtains were hung
on each side and gathered at the top to make them look like drapes. And
there was also a burgundy tablecloth that draped across the top to also
look like drapes. The bed was in the corner and it had a cardboard box
underneath of a child's mattress. On the bed we used a small white
pillowcase stuffed with cloth to look like a pillow. On top of the bed
we had a cream colored blanket and on top it we placed a smaller
burgundy blanket. On the side of the bed
there was an old wood chair that had a little gold pillow on top and
there was a wicker basket beside the chair that had some cloth in it.
At the end of the bed we had a wicker chest. In the corner of the room
we had a wood bench that had a cream runner across it and on top was the
scripture of Jairus' daughter being raised from the dead. On the gold
tablecloth (the curtain) by the bed we hung up a mounted picture of
Jairus' daughter being raised from the dead. As the flooring in the
bedroom we used a big plastic square that had been sprayed with
specking. There was a light on the ground that was directed to the
scripture on the bench. On the walls in the
whole room we had brown butcher paper hung up on the walls.
The next area was located across from the master teacher area. This
area was "The Vine". We had a wooden stool against the wall (right
below the thermostat). On top of the stool there was a wood "fence"
that had fake grape vines twisted around it and it also had real bunches
of grapes throughout it. On the stool, we had put a mounted sign that
had a scripture of Christ being the living vine. There was a light on
the floor that was directed up onto the vine.
The last area was next to the vine, it was called "The Living
Water". We created a well. We used a cardboard box and made it into a
circular shape that was in front of a door. We used foam stones and
pinned them into the cardboard with floral pins. We also had a stone
base that went underneath of the well. In the crevices between the
bricks we randomly placed moss. On the base of the well we had the
mounted sign that gave a scripture about Christ being the living water.
Inside of the well we had an easel that had a huge picture of Christ in
his red robe (Sherrie Mann's picture). A light was placed inside the
well on a chair and it pointed up onto the
picture.
The entrance was the first door into the main primary room.
Outside of the door was a table with a gold tablecloth and it had a
mounted scripture of Christ being called Mighty Counselor, Prince of
Peace, etc... The small room included in the primary room had the
sectioned wall closed so that it was not a part of the room. The Elders
took out some of the light bulbs in the overhead lighting so that the
lighting would be softened and so the spot lights would be more
dramatic. Next year, we definitely need to add more spotlights to the
room because it was hard to read some of the scriptures.
We greeted the group of people each time outside of the door and
we told them that they were about to enter the room that portrayed the
ministry of Christ. We told them that as they entered they would be
hearing a song and we asked them to listen to the words of the song as
they walked around, read, and observed. We played the song "The Man
with Many Names" from "The Garden" by Michael McLean. As the song was
closing we told them thank you and to exit through the last door. As
they left the room there was a gold framed mirror by the door that had
transparency on it so that when they looked into the mirror they would
read," Hope comes from the man with many names, and he has not forgotten
yours."
The only thing that we think would be better for next year is to
figure out a way to get the timing consistent throughout the rooms
because they were bottle-necked outside of our room waiting for the Last
Supper room because their script was a lot longer than the length of our
song. Other than that we thought it was a huge success. Everyone's
rooms looked wonderful. We had so much fun decorating and cleaning up
with all of the others who gave up so much of their time to help out.
Thank you for letting me to be part of this experience. It was such a
powerful way to begin celebrating the Christmas season.
Thanks again,
Melissa Mann
(Assisted by Sherrie Mann)
|
The Last Supper
Room
By Joanna Shields & Dana Tremayne
Last Supper Room (rooms #11-12)
The Last Supper Room was decorated using one large table and a small one
covered in a white long tablecloth. Thirteen silver plates and cups
(Christ's cup was different, a goblet), breadbaskets, plastic grapes,
nuts, and two wooden-looking wine pitchers adorned the table. We used
real bread and broke a small piece to put it on each plate. There were
also candles and two printed scriptures about the bread and water on the
table.
On the wall behind the table, we draped burgundy cloths to accentuate
the room and hung a large 16X20 framed picture of Christ. It is hung by
fishing wire from gold hooks in the divider.
The fishing wire is then secured thru slots in the burgundy sheet. We
also hung burgundy drapes to cover the two chalkboards in the room.
They are meant to look like real drapes and are hung by gold pushpins to
the top of the chalkboards. The only furniture in the room was two
wooden benches (6ft each and a cloth draped on one as
if a person was sitting there) on the outside of the table and a lone
chair under the picture of Christ, for affect. Beside the table were
two large fake trees and some added greenery. We did use a piano bench
in one corner to hide the CD player. It had a basket with a round loaf
of bread, some grapes, and a plant. We made an 80-minute CD of soft
music from seminary videos.
On the opposite wall in room, #12, was one round table covered with a
burgundy sheet. It had an easel draped with ivory cloth to show an
11X14 framed picture of the Last Supper from the Gospel Art Kit. Also
on the table is a printed scripture on a gold easel, a candle, and
plastic grapes in a basket. Then two plants at the foot of the table to
add detail.
In room #11, opposite the long tables, was a scene from when Christ
washed the Apostles' feet after supper. It contained a burgundy cloth
on the floor, sandals, a small wood bench, a cloth (with colored zigzag
stitching) to drape the bench as if Christ was to use it, a brown
pitcher and bowl, and a standing easel with a 16x20 framed picture of
Christ washing the disciples feet from the Gospel Art Kit. The easel is
covered with a burgundy drape that has a print on it. On the wall there
are two printed scriptures placed in green fames for visitors to read
the account of the washing. Theremight have been a plant around on the
ground also.
We had an actor portray Peter in full costume and with a script. It is
in Spanish and English. Two men can handle both nights, one hour each
night.
Our cost this year to add items like plastic grapes, drapes, and mattes
for frames was around $60. We always borrow benches and
frames. They are too costly to make and keep in the shed. The
largestanding easel is from the library.
Things we would add for next year to our room:
• Cut outs of Jerusalem in windows with lights behind so the
atmosphere of being in the room is enhanced.
• A silver pitcher on the front round table with the "last Supper"
picture to represent the pitcher Peter and John were looking for a man
to carry to find the upper chamber for supper.
Changes to the over-all program:
• We suggest a later start time (7pm) on Friday to allow people to
get off work in time to participate and attend on Friday night. It
might distribute the guests better on those two days also.
• Don't burn any Frankincense. ;-)
• Probably don't need to have the participants park over at
the school. There was plenty of parking space on the other side of the
building.
• Consider having the program on only Saturday night, instead of
Friday and Saturday, and possibly make it three hours instead of two, to
compensate.
• It seemed that some visitors thought that since the program
started at 6pm and lasted two hours, they had to be there at six and
stay the whole time. I think this prevented some people from coming.
Consider explaining more clearly on the advertisements that tours begin
continuously and that they can arrive at any time during
the evening.
We feel the program was a huge success! Improved, changed, and even
out-done from last year. We loved the Garden of Gethsemane; it felt as
if you were outside. The Pontius Pilate room was very moving and the
song at the Crucifixion was beautiful. It was also very smart to have
two sets of table clothes for the tables in the gym.
We feel a great honor to have been asked to help prepare for this
event. We feel it went smoothly and it was a good thing to have it two
nights to make it more worth the effort. We commend everyone for his or
her rooms and parts in the program.
Joanna Shields
Dana Tremayne
The Last Supper
I am Peter, one of Christ's disciples. It was Passover time and Jesus
asked John and me to go and prepare the Passover dinner for us to eat.
I asked where we would find such a place, and he answered, "When you are
in the city there shall be a man to meet you bearing a pitcher of water;
follow him into the house and ask him where is the guest chamber where I
shall eat the Passover with my disciples. He will then show you a large
upper room furnished, and there make ready." We did what Jesus asked
and found everything was as he said it would be.
The hour had come for all of us to sit with Jesus and partake of the
Passover. Jesus said to us, "I have desired to eat this Passover with
you before I suffer. For I say unto you, I will not any more eat
thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God."
While we were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, blessed it, and
broke it and gave it to us. He said, "Take, eat, this is my body..
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to us, saying, drink
ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed
for many for the remission of sins."
After supper Jesus took a towel, wrapped it around Himself, poured water
into a basin and began washing our feet. He then wiped them with the
towel. I asked Him, "Lord, dost thou wash my feet?" and Jesus answered,
"What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter."
I protested, saying to Him "Thou shalt never wash my feet" and He
answered, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me." I then asked
Him to wash not only my feet, but also my hands and head.
After He had washed our feet and sat back down, he asked us "know ye
what I have done unto you? Ye call me master and Lord: and ye say well;
for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master have washed your feet, ye
also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example,
that ye should do as I have done unto you."
Then Jesus spoke to us of earthly kings that exercise authority over
their subjects. But Jesus did not want us to be like that. Instead, he
taught us a better way, saying, "But I am among you as he that serveth."
On that night, we witnessed the greatest man ever to live serving us in
the most humble manner.
After that we sang a hymn and then Jesus led us out to a place he often
visited, the garden on the Mount of Olives.
(This script is a little longer than the three minute limit.)
|
|
The Garden of Gethsemane
The report for this room was never
received.
The sister who was in charge of this room fell through her attic and
broke her back - literally - thankfully she has no paralysis - just
after the event. I did not have/take the time to write a report. I will
tell you the room (a foyer) was turned into a garden with borrowed
plants of various sizes, some were raised on disguised end tables. It
was a dark room with spot lights. There was background music. The
first year we used a paper mache' rock like you see in one of the
paintings. This past year an olive tree trunk was constructed like you
see in other paintings. The first year we read from the scriptures the
section related to the Atonement. This year the was a script written
that I do not have at this time. This is a very spiritual room. The
music is very important and the atmosphere is important. Oh! Very
important! We also used a large painting that hangs in our bishop's
office of Jesus Christ praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. There is a
spot light on this. You can see it as you approach the foyer from the
hallway. |
The Judgment Room
By Paul Weddle
Room Description:
The room is decorated simply with a faux column and 2 walls are clad in
Painter's Canvas drop cloths. The column is wrapped with pine garland
and stands in front of the accordion folding wall. The folds in the drop
cloths were left for texturing effect. There was a plan to use chalk to
highlight some of the lines to create a brick façade, but the need to do
so went away when the lighting and other effects were added. Along the
ceiling are gathered Red Tablecloths tied with gold cords. There is a
chair, a small Marble Table with a water basin, and perhaps parchment
papers. Floor lamps in the corners (four) provided lighting.
Traffic flowed in to the first Nursery room section (Rm 51) for
the "Judgment Room", and out around the retracted folding wall, through
the to the second nursery door (Rm 50) into the hallway. This was
facilitated by a black board draped with cloth pushed up against the
column and the nursery cabinet placed as a guiding obstacle. The cabinet
was topped with a red cloth and a display of fruits and nuts in bowls,
platters and a gold "charger" plate. Battery powered candles cast a dim
glow on the fare.
What worked:
The room decorations of Canvas and the Scalloped Table Cloths (Red with
Gold) worked great with the floor lighting eliminating the need to do a
lot of drawing to mimic brickwork. The golden chair covering, the tall
vase (Kiki's) with the Peacock feathers, leopard skin ottoman (Kiki's
too), the Turkish rug (ours) and the small table with the water basin
lent the room a feeling of opulence. Reciting the script from memory
allowed for adjustments to the different types of groups that came
through. There were some groups that had no life to them or crying kids
that killed any chance for the audience to listen; some that had a
majority of young kids who wanted to listen so the presentation was "dumbed
down" so they could comprehend and stay interested; and others that you
could tell were wanting to "feel a part" of the presentation. A three
minute script is not that difficult, we used to do 2 ½ minute talks in
the "old days" for Jr Sunday School.
What Didn't:
Staples in the ceiling held alright, but next year, a frame will be
needed (as was suggested but I took the easy route). This can be done
easily with some 2 x 1 wood materials and picture frame brackets. This
will allow them to be broken down easily for next year and will prevent
damage to the ceiling. The staples didn't do much to the ceiling this
year, but year after year….it will get ugly.
The room was too dark at the exit - it made it difficult to negotiate
the turn around the folded back wall partition and the table of fruit
which hampered the flow of traffic; it created a bottle neck. Another
floor lamp or two around the table would work.. There may have been 3
minutes allotted to the script, but the tourstook more time to move
through. Pictures next year on the "fruit table" instead of the
food as gawkers tended to linger there. Some fruits, but not like this
year.
What Needed Improvement:
Spanish. The guides didn't have an advance look at the script as we
thought they would, nor did they have a copy with them. Friday night
I cut the presentation material in half to allow the Elder's to
translate on the fly but remain somewhat within the three minute
time frame. Saturday, I provided a script that I had to give to a sister
to follow along with and, for a second group, the Elder's
just read it. I should also be familiar with the Spanish script so Pilot
could do a little more pantomime rather than just stand there
and dip my hands in the water…3 paragraphs too soon! The Translation,
should have been timed too as it was longer, even
without the hesitant reading.
Water bowl – the one we used was my daughters
and it had an electric unit in it with cord that was visible to
the presenter. It was a distraction. Next year, something else will have
to be used. There will be some minor changes to the script as a couple
of parts need to be moved as the order didn't flow as I had thought. I
made
the shift on the fly, but it really confused the poor lady following the
script in Spanish Saturday night.
Costs:
Canvas $60
Floor Lamps $20 (We donated these for next year but I shredded the
receipt)
Bulbs $11 (We donated these for next year but I shredded the receipt)
Fruits $45 (we won't do these again next year, fake will be fine!)
Gold ropes $10 (We donated these for next year but I shredded the
receipt)
Toga $25
Batteries for Candles $ 4
Thoughts about the rest of the program:
A pre coordinated crew assigned to assist with Friday night's clean up /
reset and Saturday night's teardown. The volunteers helped, but
without a plan, it was difficult to supervise the volunteers and get the
clean up done.
In conclusion, I couldn't for the life of me figure out what possessed
whoever it was who thought of my name for this project. I know Maggie
was puzzled to the point that she simply drew a blank on ideas which is
uncharacteristic of her, but I loved it. It caused a lot of angst as I
would miss personal deadlines, but I'm so very happy to have had the
opportunity to serve. From the beginning, the ideas for what to do
flowed even though they morphed from the original concept.
Thank you. I hope I'm here next year so I can do it again, which is
contrary to how I felt when I was stressed out. But, if asked, I'd be
happy to do the room again.
Paul Weddle
|
The Tomb/Resurrection Room
By Malinda Wheeler
Room Description
The decorations for our room were pretty straight forward. We had
panels that looked like a rock wall that were hung at ceiling height
along the perimeter of our room. They were hung with fishing line and
stapled onto the ceiling for added height. On the floor in front of the
panels we placed silk and live plants to add dimension to the panels.
We had a tomb insert that could be seen from the door and was
illuminated with a small light as to cast a shadow into the area of the
tomb where the cloths that covered Jesus were displayed.
Near the exit door we had our Mary sit on a rustic seat to read her
script. Next to Mary we had a picture of Christ leaving his tomb
illuminated on a table.
What worked:
The simplicity of our decorations were great. We put our panels up in
order, and they interlocked a little which helped with alignment.
And we used a small coffee table behind the panel for Jesus' resting
place where we laid the cloths. We added all the silk plants that were
donated. We had a large, mostly dead ficus tree in the corner of our
room which added much desired depth and interest to our garden. Our
script seemed to hold people's attention. The emotion included in the
reading really added to the spirit of our room.
What didn't:
During the evening our panels shifted as the staples pulled from the
ceiling. They completely came down during the night and needed to be
hung back up and repositioned for the Saturday evening tours. The inset
for the opening of the tomb was a bit awkward. Frankincense was burned
for about 2 minutes and people could smell it on both nights. Our room
was small when the tours were 8-10 people.
Improvements for next year:
I will add a simple framing system so the panels can be hung better or
set flush against the wall even though the curtain rods and chalkboards
protrude from the walls. The inset for the inside of the tomb will be
on the right side of the room inside the partition. No fragrance will be
used to add to the depth of the room. When these changes are made the
room wouldn't take more that 2 hours to set up.
Overall comments about the program:
Before painting the panels that surrounded the garden tomb I studied and
prayed about this period of time. I watched videos that depicted the
garden tomb as to get a picture in my head about what historians and
other artist have done in the past. I enjoyed painting them for the
program and felt I was actually giving a tangible birthday gift to Jesus
this year, not just one from my heart. I had a great time participating
in the set up and helping guide tours on Friday night. The spirit was
strong during every
aspect of the program from set up to take down. There was usually at
least one person singing a Christmas carol and the excitement of
Christmas could be felt throughout the building.
I originally didn't want to help set up for the program because you
could say I am anti-Christmas. I have always dreaded the season because
I know My Jesus wouldn't like the commercialism of today's
celebrations. Santa Claus, long shopping days, and over eating and over
gifting are not a part of the original Christmases. This year for the
first time I caught the Spirit of Christmas. The true meaning; service,
fellowship, missionary work, worship, fun, food, family and friends,
laughter and work. Those who worked on the program couldn't help but
feel the Spirit. Most people had smiles on their faces. Isn't that the
best gift we can give each other and the Lord? I am thankful to have
been invited to help.
Ideas for next year:
I was a tour guide on Friday and so my perspective comes from my
observations during my tours. I suggest that the entrance to each room
be indicated in some small, subtle way. For example, of the entrance
door is slightly ajar and the exit door is closed the tour guide can see
if the previous tour is finished and know when to lead the group. If
there is a small string on the doors handle they can also see that it is
the entrance into the next room. On one tour I completely missed the
room because it is difficult to help a group stay reverent, lead them,
feel the spirit and count doors. Once I entered the exit door instead
of the entrance because that was the door that was open. I am the kind
that can't walk and chew gum at the same time, but I heard others also
passed up a stop along the tour.
The narrators should be asked not to have family members keep them
company in between tours. On one tour a woman was in the Garden of
Gethsemane room and the room was completely quiet and dark except for
their conversation. While was ushering my tour in they finished their
conversation and with gestures I tried to usher her out the exit part of
the room, instead she opened the door to the loud, bright cultural hall
wide. The spirit was lost a bit, which in the big picture a moment is
hardly anything, but we are talking about improvements. On another room
the narrator's child was definitely center stage. The group wasn't
listening to the narrator, they were watching the son bounce and play
with the props.
The only other comments I have is to help the Spanish speaking guests.
Next year our little branch will have grown and I'm sure more will
participate in the program. Spanish speaking tour guides need to be
available for Spanish speaking groups. With a Spanish speaking guia,
there is someone to read the script to the entire tour group. I think
if there is someone in the group who doesn't understand Spanish then
they should listen to the entire presentation in Spanish, then go again
if they want to know what was said in English. On Saturday I brought a
Spanish speaking friend because I was told the Spanish speaking elders
would be the guides. There was no tour guide for the group, so I led
everyone to the different rooms. The group had a few Spanish only
people in it. The rest of the group were English speakers bringing
guests, like myself. The narrators didn't know what to do with us, so
they did their presentations in English, which might have been fine, but
they didn't realize that they needed to speak slower so the Spanish
speaking guests could understand. In one room the narrator could have
spoken Spanish, but the one man who didn't know any Spanish asked for
him to narrate in English. One woman was given the Spanish script to
read, when I thought it should have been read out loud so everyone could
hear. I made comments when I could, but I didn't want to detract from
the spirit, so I wasn't as assertive as I could have been. While in the
restoration room I did ask the elders, who were narrating, to speak
slower a couple of times. The only thing my guest understood was Joseph
Smith.
The Walk With Christ Program is an excellent way to let the community
know we ARE Christian, that we believe in an follow Christ. The program
reminds all who participate and attend that Christmas is about Christ
and not the hustle and bustle of parties, shopping, cooking and getting
ready for Santa to come. The program being at the beginning of the
season is a tool to put all who participate in the true meaning of
Christmas.
Thank you to all who helped plan, pay, participate in the program. This
program will continue to grow each year as members gain
moreunderstanding of the program and more confidence to invite others.
I hope next year all the wards will support the program. I know one of
the Fayetteville wards had an open house at the same time as the
program, hopefully next year more members will be able to participate.
Malinda Wheeler
|
The Restoration Room
By Erin Tolman
Purpose:
The purpose of this room was to help visitors make the connection
between the life of the Savior and the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints today. Through pictures and spoken word I hoped to
teach an incredibly condensed version of the history of the Church
including Christ's visit to the Americas, the First Vision, and the
translation of the Book of Mormon while always bringing the focus back
to Jesus Christ. I felt that it was extremely important to find a
balance between explaining about the Restoration in an unapologetic way
while at the same time being sensitive to those visitors who are not
members of our church who may not understand why there is this room
about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon during a Christmas program. As
I prepared the room, this was one of those foremost thoughts in my mind
and I hoped that this balance would be reflected in the script and in
the logical progression of the pictures.
Set Up
The room was set up like a temple visitor's center. Sheets covered the
bulletin and chalk boards to get rid of that "scout room" feel. Visitors
would enter and in front of them were four tables decorated with table
runners and pictures. The pictures on the table were as follows:
1st Table – Christ Visiting the Americas (the huge four foot long
picture from the building) small round table – picture of the Book of
Mormon and the Bible Together from distribution
2nd Table – Lovely picture of the first vision borrowed from Margo Kiki
and a picture of "Brother Joseph" from distribution (framed in my
personal frame)
3rd Table – A framed large Articles of Faith (framed in my personal
frame) and the picture of the Saints moving westward which was from the
building also
4th Table – Picture of President Hinckley, copies of the Living Christ
and the Proclamation all framed in my personal frames, this table also
had copies of church materials such as magazines, the Teachings of the
Living Prophets, books by apostles, etc. small table by the door –
copies of the Living Christ for visitors to take home (in English and
Spanish) I also had a CD player playing "I Believe in Christ" which I
borrowed, Next to most of the pictures I had a quote or scripture
printed on a small card reinforcing whatever was the purpose of that
particular picture
The Script
As visitors came in I welcomed them to the Restoration Room. Then I
recited a memorized script, progressing through the pictures and
explaining their significance. The script was as follows:
After the Savior was resurrected in Jerusalem, He visited His disciples
there. He also visited the "other sheep" that we learn of from the Book
of John in the Bible. These other sheep were followers of Christ on the
American continent that we learn about through the Book of Mormon, a
companion to the Bible in our search for truth about Jesus Christ. The
Book of Mormon was translated by a young man named Joseph Smith who
lived in the 1800's.
Joseph Smith wanted to know about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and
which of all the churches on the earth were the true church and which he
should join. He received a miraculous vision of Heavenly Father and
Jesus Christ in which he was told that following the death of Christ's
apostles in the Holy Land, the complete Gospel was lost off of the
earth. Jesus Christ explained that He would reveal the fullness of the
Gospel through Joseph Smith in due time.
Through Joseph Smith, we learn about the nature of Heavenly Father and
Jesus Christ, the importance of faith, repentance, baptism, the
Priesthood, or, the authority to act in God's name, as well as truths
about our eternal nature and purpose here on the earth. Not only did
Joseph Smith translate the Book of Mormon, but he also received
revelations which are compiled in a book called the Doctrine and
Covenants. Joseph Smith became a prophet just as Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob from the Old Testament were prophets.
The Lord formally organized His church, the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints with Joseph Smith as the president and prophet in
1830. In response to questions about the church, Joseph Smith wrote
thirteen statements which encompass the general doctrine of the church.
After Joseph Smith's death in June of 1844, a man named Brigham Young
succeeded him as the prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day saints and led the early members of the church across the
plains to the Salt Lake Valley.
And just as Joseph Smith and Brigham Young and others were prophets in
the in the 1800's and 1900's, we have a living prophet today named
Gordon B. Hinckley who, assisted by 12 apostles, helps guide us through
our lives and to our Savior, Jesus Christ. We receive guidance about
spiritual and temporal matters that help draw our families closer
together and help us individually to come unto Christ.
(Bear VERY short testimony of Christ) i.e. I testify to you that I know
that Jesus Christ lives and that He is our Savior and Redeemer.
Cost
Sheets for hanging on walls – $29.19
Items from the distribution center (including items for materials
table in the cultural hall) – $43.00
Sheets for table easels and hemming tape (this number may be off by
a few cents…I turned in the receipt already and can't remember the
exact amount but it's close) – $16.43
Total Cost – $88.62
Materials Table
I was also in charge of a table of materials in English and Spanish for
visitors to take home. This table was set up in the cultural hall.
We had a very hard time finding a good location for this table. I think
if we had a better place for it that more things may have been taken.
The Missionaries were supposed to staff the table to make sure that
items got into the right hands but there was a little miscommunication
there and I don't think it quite happened this way. We can work on
this next year
Things That Worked:
I was very pleased overall with the room. I could feel the spirit and
felt peace and so I was more confident that others would as well.
I felt that the pictures were set in such a way that there was a logical
flow between Christ's resurrection, His visit to the Americas, the Book
of Mormon, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and our living prophet today.
I liked having copies of the Living Christ to take home and apparently
the second night many of them were. Not so many were taken the first
night that I staffed the room…and I'm not sure why.
Things That Could Be Improved in my Room:
I needed to have better communication with Brother Adams, the worker in
the room for the second night. I did not think through all of the things
he needed to know such as where the extra copies of the Living Christ
were and how to use the CD player. When I went through myself the next
day I realized that I hadn't adequately prepared him.
Something that was not so much really in anybody's actual control was
that the room was pretty small and when there was a group of more than 8
or so people I was not able to have the space to move in front of the
pictures – I was sort of stuck against the wall trying to make myself
heard…so if there is a way to ensure that groups are as small as
possible (and I realize that this is a very hard thing and may not be
possible) it would have helped in my room.
Thoughts About the Program
I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of all of the rooms.
Every room was beautifully decorated and I felt the spirit throughout
the entire tour when I went through for myself.
Another difficult thing, and I wish that I had a good suggestion for how
to remedy this, was the number of people in the hallways during tours.
Many times I would open my door for the next group to comeand kids would
be running up and down the halls. I know it's very difficult with the
kind of crowds that come to keep people out of the halls but it was
distracting.
|
Live
Nativity
Young Women's Report
By Monica Walbruch
General Information:
Live Nativity requires 11 actors depicting the following roles:
Mary
Joseph
3 Wise Men
3 Shepherds
Angel Gabriel
2 Angels
The Live Nativity took place in a stable created last year in the
backyard of the church. It was checked for sturdiness, branches were
added to the roof and hay was added and placed strategically for the
actors. A CD was playing continuously; "The Nativity" by .
Assignments for parts should be completed at least 2 weeks prior to
activity. Dress rehearsal should be held about 1 week prior. At this
time, schedule of performances and information documents should be
handed out to participants. A follow up information letter should be
handed out to parents the Sunday before activity.
Costumes are stored in large plastic container in storage shed and
should be washed and pressed prior to activity. All props, such as
Wiseman's gifts and individual pairs of gloves are stored there as
well. Approximately 5 bales of hay are needed for angels to stand on,
as well as 2 additional bales to fill stable. Sound system is provided
through the stake, but CD player must be brought from home.
Spotlights are used for lighting the nativity and have been provided by
Brother McCormick for the last two years. However, additional lighting
might be necessary in future events. It is suggested that spotlights be
purchased by young women to keep with costumes.
An informational meeting for all leaders involved needs to be held in
September to discuss projects that need to be completed before the
event, changes to be made from previous years, and to help answer any
questions. Leaders should have a great understanding of the importance
of this event and the opportunity it brings to help our youth build
strong testimonies of our Savior's birth and life.
Hand warmers and gloves were very beneficial and should be considered
for budgetary purposes every year. Gloves were purchased this year, and
should last. But additional pairs might need to be added in the
future. Hot chocolate was served to the youth after their performance
and was a nice addition. Also, a video presentation of the nativity was
shown while youth waited to perform and helped to maintain reverence in
the room.
Youth should perform no longer than one hour, in consideration of the
temperatures. This means that performers must change out in the middle
of their performances. We have tackled this issue by pulling sets of
three performers at time, (Ex: all three wise men) thus allowing some
performers to continue outside.
Goals for Future Performances
Costumes: We would like to add additional costumes each year in
order to make the transition times smoother. We found that pulling in
sets of performers left some viewers unable to see the entire scene,
taking away from the spiritual experience. Costumes could be added over
time, but should start with an additional costume for Mary and Joseph.
This would enable us to always have a Mary and Joseph present with the
Baby Jesus. It has also been suggested thatwe purchase white
turtlenecks to be kept for the Angels, as we have had trouble with logos
and prints showing through their costumes.
Lighting: We are considering possibilities of how to add
lighting affects. One idea is to add a spotlight to shine down from the
roof of the stable onto the Baby, Mary, and Joseph, hoping to create a
kind of glowing affect.
Animals: Our biggest addition for 2006 will be some sort of
representation of animals. Live animals do not seem realistic. So
suggestions have been made for some sort of cut-outs to be used. We
will work hard to maintain realism, so any addition of animals will be
used to add to the background and not distract from the scene itself.
Multiple Ward Involvement: Overall, we felt that having another
ward involved helped to strengthen the Live Nativity; however, we have
learned a great deal about the need for better communication between
wards. In order to maintain a two night schedule, an additional ward is
necessary, and I believe a great blessing to all involved. The two
night schedule allowed many of our youth to be involved who otherwise
might not have been able to because of other engagements.
Personal Insights
This has been my second year working with the Walk With Christ program,
and I can honestly say that I feel like this has been the most
worthwhile project I have ever been involved with. Yes, it is a lot of
work, and a great deal of sacrifice. But, I know that many lives have
been touched because of this program. I know that our goal was to
extend the gospel and open the doors to our church to the public. And I
know that many non-members and less-active members enjoyed a very
spiritual experience. I also know that if even one person is reached
because of these efforts, then we have achieved the largest return of
our investments that can be given.
But I would like to share with you the benefits that are received by
active members, the ones who have given of their time and participated
in the Walk With Christ with willing and loving hearts. First of all, I
would like to tell you that the Walk With Christ program has probably
been the largest testimony builder for me. I really have felt that this
has been the Lord's work that I have been involved with, and have only
felt the Spirit stronger during my temple visits. I know that any
person that takes the tour will feel of the Spirit in each portrayal of
the life of Christ. I experienced emotions I can not even describe as I
imagined myself on the Mount, or in the Garden, or at the Tomb. Every
person should experience these feelings and have the Spirit bear witness
of the truth. Also, I can not begin to tell you the change that
overcomes our youth while they are portraying the different roles of the
nativity. Young faces are transformed, and the Light of Christ is
plainly evident as a young woman portrays a virgin mother who has just
given birth to the Savior of the World, or a young man fulfills his
mission to bring a gift of gold to the newborn King. No greater benefit
can be had from this program than helping our youth to build a stronger
testimony of the birth of their personal Savior. I know that there were
difficulties and mis-communications, as there will always be when
working with all types of personality types. But I truly feel that if
any one active member of this church did not come out of this experience
with a greater understanding for the life of our Lord and a stronger
testimony of the gospel, then they did not approach this program with a
"sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ". In addition,
we may never know how many people will be brought closer to accepting
the gospel because of the Walk With Christ program, but I know that we
will be and have already been blessed because of our efforts.
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Crucifixion
There truly was not many decorations. The
essence and difficulty of this room is the simplicity. The mood...the
Spirit is what carries this room. The decor the first year was more
dramatic because the room was bigger. We were able to use the nursery
room. (Again, we have the oval shaped building and the nursery is in
the corner which is quite large. This past year we had to adjust and
the Crucifixion was moved to a small area - the Bishop's Foyer!!) The
first year there was no script, only a nice poster. "Thy will be done"
or something like that. Then as the the audience moved to another part
of the nursery, there were cushioned chairs set up in front of the
segment of "The Lamb of God" that showed the Crucifixion. The first
year, there was no actors, but only a female narrator. |
| Planning Ahead
Christmas Program
Walk with Christ 2006 Timeline
January - March: Make costumes
Make invitations and flyers
Discuss with youth leaders the Live Nativity. Calendar it and place
a leader in charge.
April – June: Call a music coordinator to assist. Invite
musicians to perform Christ centered music. If not Christmas
related, hymn-style is appropriate. (Suggestions: Small groups for
Primary chorus, youth musical talents like piano or violin, adults
from the ward and throughout the surrounding area.)
August: As soon as school starts - Requests made to
HS/Middle School music departments for choral and instrumental
music.
August: Wk 1 Make a list of candidates for various assignments:
Room Coordinators – The mastermind for the room…What
deco needed, scripts, etc.
Actors – for the scripts… in each room
Sets – Either a team for sets or an assistant for each room to help
with sets
Guides –Need approx 8 Consider when to talk with newspaper
staff about an article and/or ad.
Sept: Wk 1 Make assignments: Team leaders –
Parking,Refreshments, Children's area in cultural hall, Decoration in
Cultural hall, hallways and chapel, Children's care (for ward members
participating)
Make a handout for ward members so they know the plan and get excited
about it and consider missionary opportunities.
Meet with Room coordinators and set crew. "How is everything going? Do
you know what supplies you need? Are you borrowing what
you can and buying what you must?"
Wk 4 Continue working on sets and submit scripts for review.
Have scripts translated into Spanish if applicable.
Actors/narrators can meet with their room coordinator and get a copy
of the script. Review the plan/format. Memorize script.
October: Wk 1 Meet with all participants to answer any
questions and motivate.
Send out a handout to ward members to answer
questions and give more specific information.
Verify all musical participants. Make adjustments
as necessary.
WK 4 Room sets completed. If anything needs to be
ordered from the distribution center, send in the order.
Nov: Wk 1 Follow up with room coordinators. Are the room
designs completed? All items purchased? If not, need to
have it done before Thanksgiving. Actors…are scripts being
memorized?
Need Sign-ups for Greenery, Refreshments, Pictures, Nativity Sets,
Parking, Serving food, Set-up, Clean-up, etc.
Time to start handing out invitations throughout the ward and
community! Take invitations to all members, especially the less
active and part member families. Remember investigators, neighbors,
teachers, coworkers, etc.
Wk 2 Review musical assignments…make a schedule…a poster
will be needed.
Submit advertising requests to TV/Radio
Wk 3 Children's area team leader to have prep completed.
(Copies for coloring, etc.)
Wk 4 TWO Weeks left!
Poster for schedule of music
Start collecting decorations, greenery, Nativities, etc. as applicable.
Get sound system for outdoor nativity…try it out beforehand!
Check with all coordinators for questions.
Discuss with room coordinators and Actors/narrators…
Is everyone on the "same page"?
Dec: Wk 1 Meet with guides to discuss plan of action
Youth dress rehearsal
Remind friends/neighbors
Check with all coordinators for questions
Wk 2 Wednesday - Start decorating rooms. Set up sound
system for testing.
Thursday – Decorate the rest of the building. Clean
building. Get and place straw for the Nativity.
Friday – Last minute details…. "Just do it!"
This timeline will allow for a smaller number of people to do more work
because it is spread out throughout the year. (This is especially
important if only one ward is doing the WWC Program.)It's easy to adjust
for your needs...just cut and past into your own program.
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