Putnamville Baptist invites everyone ‘Back to Bethlehem’ this weekend

Thursday, December 3, 2020
Volunteers gather during the 2018 Back to Bethlehem live nativity at Putnamville Baptist Church.
Courtesy photo

PUTNAMVILLE — With Christmas just around the corner, Putnamville Baptist Church has added a new twist to its annual live nativity, Back to Bethlehem.

This year, attendees will be treated to a personal tour of Bethlehem right in the comfort of their own car in a socially-distanced format.

Putnamville Baptist is offering three evenings of Back to Bethlehem, this Friday through Sunday.

The tour will feature the prophet Isaiah as he recounts prophecies from the old testament, Mary and Joseph as they receive their exciting news from God, residents of the city of Bethlehem, shepherds as they are visited by a host of angels and of course, baby Jesus in a manger.

To help with flow, organizers are asking visitors to register for a tour at a specific time at http://putnamvillebaptist.com/back2bethlehem. Spots are limited, even with three nights of Back to Bethlehem.

For several years, Adam and Evelyn Amos have organized the event, but they knew the health concerns of 2020 would present a new challenge.

“It has historically been a walk-through live nativity inside our church,” Adam Amos said, “and I've been told it's become a Christmas tradition for several families in the community.

“However, in the interest of providing a good example to our community, we have gone through a lot of creative restructuring this year to ensure it is as safe as it possibly can be by making it a drive through experience,” he continued. “I created a system so that each car that comes will be treated to an individualized tour through a series of seven stations that will be heard from their own car radio.

The first 100 cars will receive a free medium pizza, and everyone will also receive some other exciting gifts as well. The gifts will be given out in a sterile manner. However, for those who aren’t comfortable, they can experience the entire event with zero contact.

As a doctor, Amos is keenly aware of the need for something different in the face of COVID-19. The hope is that this keeps a regular Christmas tradition alive for anyone who would like, even those who might be sick.

“I am mainly excited about our event because with all of the precautions being put in place and regular Christmas activities being canceled or postponed, I know many people will be yearning for a taste of normal, and I’m hoping this event will provide just that,” Amos said. “Whether they are at high risk for complications of COVID or whether they are ill themselves, they are welcome to come enjoy the festivities without concern for becoming sick or making anyone else sick.”

Amos, who is set to take over as Putnam County Health Officer in January, noted that the gathering has been approved by the Putnam County Health Department.

Besides the link above, anyone who wishes may also learn more on Facebook at https://fb.me/e/lQf2R2Zcj.

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