After years of practice, finally the Christmas show goes on

A group of young Orchard Christian Fellowship parishioners dance to a reggae version of “The First Noel.” 

By APRIL GUILMET
Union Leader Correspondent
LONDONDERRY -- It was a Christmas pageant that almost wasn’t.
Around this time last year, members of the Orchard Christian Fellowship had hoped to debut their production of “Live from Bethlehem,” a modern take on the story of the first Christmas.
Unfortunately, the weather wouldn’t cooperate.
“We were snowed out twice Last year,” said Katie Glasier, one of the show’s organizers, said over the weekend. “So we’ve been rehearsing this show for a long time now.” 
During Sunday’s performance at Matthew Thornton Elementary School, there was nary a snowflake in sight — which was just fine for the 40 or so local children performing in this year’s living nativity. 
“Live from Bethlehem,” depicts the adventures of three “first-century reporters” hot on the trail of one of the biggest stories of their lives: the birth of Jesus Christ. 
The show featured “live” interviews with Mary and Joseph, shepherds and wise men, as well as sing-a-longs to beloved Christmas songs. Colorful stage setting, a flashing “No Vacancy” sign at the fabled inn, and a rousing reggae rendition of “The First Noel” gave a modernday twist to a timeless story. 
Led by Pastor Ken Glasier, the Orchard Christian Fellowship holds two weekly Sunday services at the elementary school, with services offered at 8:45 and 11:15 a.m. each week. 
Performing in “Live from Bethlehem” were local children Alissa Rogers, Alex Powers, Kayla Robbins, Nicholas Anastasi, Rachel Anastasi, Sara Ethier, Rebecca Franklin, Tobey Kamerman, Mollie Duffy, Julia Ethier, Abigail Gagnon, Olivia Gagnon, Morgan Kidwell, Emily Powers, Saoirse Caldon, Abigail Franklin, Katie Kilgore, Alyssa Lepage, Emily Lepage, Katelyn McKivergan, Brenna Poirier, Lindsey Glasier, Michaela Smith, Ally McKenna, Sami Lacaroz, Katie Duffy, Christian Calawa, Kelly Calawa, Maddy McKivergan, Damon Kilgore, Jonathan Holland, Trevor Gagnon, Molly McKenna, Elaine Desharnais, Jacob Kidwell, Timmy Ethier, Jack Kidwell, Aidan McKivergan, Nolan McKivergan, Ethan White, Marie Duffy, Reece Kamerman and Cailen Brennan- Dovich.