During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses and organizations are trying to keep their efforts successful while also maintaining safety as a top priority. The same is true for churches, especially one in particular in Whitehall Township.

Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3355 MacArthur Road, is holding its first-ever live nativity 3-5 p.m. Dec. 24. What is unique about this nativity is that it is a drive-thru experience.

The event, titled “The Christmas Journey,” will be held rain or shine.

Vicar Tom Busteed, pastor of the church, said, “Attendees will receive a map from the innkeeper and wind their way through our parking lot, following the star to a live nativity. At the first station, shepherds greet guests while tending live sheep. At the next station, the three wise men are shown in transit to pay homage to the newborn king. Guests will then see Joseph and Mary in the stable with baby Jesus, as angels dance for joy.”

The thought for this type of event stemmed from a conversation during a recent committee meeting, according to Busteed.

“The idea began in our worship and music committee as an alternative way to gather on Christmas Eve to praise God and share the Christmas story with our community,” Busteed said. “Because of COVID-19, we suspended in-person worship services. By making this an outdoor drive-thru event, we are doing our part to spread Christmas cheer without spreading germs.

“Once worship and music came up with the idea, it went to church council for feedback and approval at our November meeting. Since then, multiple committees and individuals have come together to help make this event happen. This is truly an all-hands-on-deck, whole-congregation project, and, as such, it has inspired the excitement and creativity of our full membership,” Busteed said.

Of course, there are many preparations that need to be done to put together this type of event. Busteed conveyed he is excited because the whole church is actively putting forth its talents for a successful event. Members of the property, Christian education, safety and security, fellowship and finance committees have contributed to preparations, such as construction of the stable and other props, volunteering as characters, sewing costumes, prerecording carols and finding financial contributors. More than 30 volunteers are part of this church event.

Maybe the most exciting part for children are the real animals. At the live nativity, the sheep are being brought in from a local 4-H Club, and a camel from Peaceable Kingdom Petting Zoo will be another feature.

After driving through the live nativity, communion kits and a copy of the Sending of Holy Communion liturgy will be offered to those to who desire.

“This will help families to remember our Lord’s words and deeds through a prayerful and intimate remembrance of the last time we gathered as an assembly to participate in the sacrament together,” Busteed said.

At the end of the live nativity, there will be a collection for monetary donations and warm socks. The socks will be given to community members who are in need, and the donations will help support Faith Evangelical’s ministries.

“Each guest will also be personally thanked by a representative of our congregation,” Busteed said.

Busteed mentioned Faith Evangelical members are happy and feeling blessed to be able to come together and welcome others in a safe way on Christmas Eve to enjoy a live nativity experience - “all from the warmth and comfort of your own car.”

“When we had to cancel in-person worship services, members were sad that we would not be able to do our usual Christmas Eve services,” Busteed said. “Then members came together to discern the opportunity in the present moment. This is a chance to reach out to our community in a different way, to try something new and to share the good news of Jesus Christ in a creative and vivid way.

“Our disappointment of not being able to do Christmas Eve as usual has quickly turned into contagious excitement and anticipation,” Busteed said.