Bethany Lane Baptist Church Presents “90 Miles”

By Cathi Higgins
Posted: December 3, 2008

Bethany Lane Baptist Church has been preparing for their fifteenth annual Christmas production and invites everyone to attend. Written and directed by their Minister of Music, Sherrie McKay, “90 Miles” portrays the Biblical account of Christ’s birth and Mary and Joseph’s 90-mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. “90 Miles” includes a full orchestra, adult choir, children’s choir, dance and drama troupe as well as stunning visual and special effects.

Due to popular demand a fourth performance has been added to this year’s production. Performance dates and times are as follows - Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., Dec. 13 at 4 and 7 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. “90 Miles” is open to the public, but since seating is limited the church suggests you secure your free tickets as soon as possible either at www.bethanylanebaptist.org or by calling 410-465-0150.

The production includes original musical selections written by McKay and arranged by Jason Brown, Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro.

“We have always presented a concert at Christmas and a musical drama at Easter, but I started writing my own productions in 2004,” McKay said.

The program that chronicles the struggle Mary and Joseph endured that first Christmas is free. When asked why she works so hard and for so long each year Sherrie said “People come through the doors with real life struggles. They don’t need a bunch of fluff. I love being creative and using the arts to bring this message of hope.”

The huge Christmas program takes half a year to plan. Sherrie begins preparations in the summer, listening to Christmas music, creating a story board and selecting or composing music before sharing her ideas with the production team. The choir begins rehearsing in September, the orchestra, drama and dance teams start their rehearsals in October when they all begin to meet weekly.

There are almost 100 volunteers involved in the project. Special thanks go to all with kudos to volunteer leaders Dick and Sherry Popham (Set Design and Construction), Tecla Walton and Paul Rau (Orchestra), Dennis Kleppin (Drama), Jill Kitzman (Theatrical Make Up) and Janis Solomon (Costumes). Church staff also participate including Kip Smith (Pastor), Rachel Williams (Children’s Minister), Dennis Allen (Youth Pastor), Drew Hinkle (Facilities Manager), Martha Johnson (Music Ministry Assistant) and Kate Crummitt (Administrative Assistant).

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