Congregation makes it a memorable Christmas

December 13, 2000

Congregation makes it a memorable Christmas

Editor's note: This is the first in a series of stories running on the 12 days before Christmas to recognize individuals and groups who make the holidays better for others.

By ANDREW SCHOTZ / Staff Writer

photo: JOE CROCETTA / staff photographer

About 50 people at Bethel Assembly of God on Wilson Boulevard in Hagerstown used a mix of music and monologues to put on "A Christmas to Remember" last weekend.

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"We used a wide variety of costuming," said Richard A. Pruitt, the musical director and worship and outreach pastor.

Biblical characters, including Mary and Joseph, wore clothing from the period. Modern-day characters were attired in sweaters and khaki pants.

In some scenes, men wore tuxedoes and women wore 100-year-old Christmas garb.

Pruitt said the troupe and the technical crew practiced for more than two months for the show, which featured three tenors and a worship dance team.

Pruitt came to Bethel Assembly in August after working two years with a congregation in Guam. He and his wife, Judy, were in St. Louis for five years before that.

He grew up in Missouri. She is a native of Illinois.

During weekly worship services, Judy Pruitt plays the keyboard and Richard Pruitt plays guitar. They are raising their children - 9-year-old Jordan and 5-year-old Joel - in music, too. Both are in the children's choir.

It was easy to step in as director of the stage show at Bethel Assembly, said Pruitt, a veteran of many musicals.

"It's gone really well," he said. "The church has a good history of musical productions and participation. ... It's a delight to work with a church that has a well-trained choir. There's a good team mentality."

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