A Section of the Anglican Journal
February 2008
The Spirit of Christmas Lives On in Moosomin by Sheilagh Garrett Moosomin (QuA) - “Caesar has decreed!� With this shout by a fierce Roman centurion the journey to Bethlehem began at St. Albans' church recently where more than 800 people made the pilgrimage, re-enacting the journey of Mary and Joseph 2000 years ago. Families were assigned a guide, provided with a wooden shekel, warned of the dangers of the journey then lead into the dark night along the path to Bethlehem. They encountered poor beggar families huddled by their fires, a prophet, a peddler leading his donkeys and bandits lying in hiding. The family was saved only by the quick intervention of Roman soldiers mounted on horseback. Shepherds caring for their sheep, goats and an alpaca waylaid the family to tell of the angels’ message and finally the Bethlehem City gates were reached. Here there were more distractions. Poor families begged for coins or food. Several children ages six and seven adlibbed admirably offering to pay the Roman taxes if the visitors would just give them their shekels. In the market place a riot of sounds and smells inundated the travellers as merchants competed for sales, crying out to potential customers. Hawking everything from pomegranates and nuts to bread, meat, fish and lamb plus chickens hanging from the rafters, the sellers also displayed wool and other goods. The money changer who exchanged the shekels for Roman denari was found here although it was questioned how accurate his weigh scales were. In the narrow streets of Bethlehem a rabbi demanded to know if anyone had seen the Messiah while angry soldiers hustled the group to the tax collector, a surly character who was seen pocketing many of the denari collected. Exhausted from their experiences the family sought lodging only to be directed to a small stable where they found the Holy Family including a real Baby Jesus and their donkey who munched contentedly at the back of the stable. Plans for this outdoor, interactive drama began in March with members of the St. Alban congregation and other churches forming a core committee. The event soon spread to the entire community. Adults and children participating in the event included over 70 cast members, another 70 individuals within the market place and over a 100 people offering entertainment to those waiting to be called on their journey. Another 100 people were involved in sewing costumes, building sets, clearing snow, greeting and registering guests, caring for animals, providing security, caring for a dozen fire pits that burned along the journey and offering hospitality of cake, hot chocolate and coffee served following the event. The weather co-operated, with the temperatures increasing and the wind dropping both evenings. Organizers hope this event has provided a new perceptive and better understanding of the nativity story along with encouragement for all persons to examine their personal journeys with Christ. There was no charge for the event but a free will offering was collected for the Palliative Care unit in Moosomin.
photo by Marie Everett
Hal Garrett as the Centurion waits for the conclusion of a musical number before calling out the next tribe to be sent to Bethlehem in the Christmas outdoor pageant, Bethlehem Live, given at St. Alban's church, Moosomin.
Bishop Greg Visits Gull Lake
photo Beverley Gatzke At St. John the Baptist, Gull Lake, wardens of the congregation enjoy a breakfast after Holy Communion during a visit of the bishop. From the left Grace McLeod, Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson and Sheila Peters.
photo by Marie Everett
Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus rest quietly while their donkey munches contentedly at the back of the stable. From the left Celyne, Chad and baby Chase played these characters at the Christmas Bethlehem Live outdoor pageant at St. Alban's church, Moosomin.