Gazing up at the stars in a field just like the shepherds, Grace Church is inviting the entire community to their Field By Night program, an annual Christmas tradition.
Participants can join in the free event by roaming through an outdoor Christmas village, sampling cookies and singing along with the Christmas choir.
Worship pastor and event organizer Mitch Hines said the event is intended as an experience for all — families, young people, children and even the brokenhearted.
“There are a lot of people that know about this event and plan on coming every year,” Hines said, and noted crowds upwards of 800 have been known to show up in the past. “But if anyone feels like their life is a mess, they should really come this year.”
Hines said the experience takes on new themes surrounding the Christmas message of Christ’s arrival each year and the event seeks to make Christmas a reality and not just a holiday.
“Christ came during Christmas and that is the reason for the holiday and so we have a different theme each year for why that is significant and why does that matter,” Hines said.
The event begins with the crowd coming into the gym and hearing the choir sing. Then there are multimedia presentations giving the scripture of the Christmas story through spoken word and video.
Those who attend will hear a brief message from Grace Church Pastor John Woodrum and get to sing along to “Joy To The World.”
After the program, fellowship follows in the church’s field, hence the name “Field By Night.”
The event is free to the public on Friday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m. In inclement weather, the event will move indoors.