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‘Bethlehem and Beyond’ Christmas Events On the Way, Participate Now in the Art Contest

By Emily Willis

The Three Forks Baptist Association’s ‘Bethlehem and Beyond’ series will soon return to the High Country for the 2016 Christmas season! In addition to the live nativity scene, there will be an art contest, Christmas caroling, the ‘Bethlehem Bonanza’, and a parade. Be sure to read further about these events that Bethlehem and Beyond entails during December.

Three Forks Baptist Association is made up of 35 local church groups. The associations mission is to, “spread the good news of Jesus Christ locally, nationally and worldwide through our churches.” They have various ministries set in the High Country to help individuals and family’s in need. A few of these ministries include: lodging, the jail ministry, Christian Outreach Center and a campus ministry.

Bethlehem and Beyond is in its sixth year and plans to continue for future Christmas seasons.

“We provide Christ-centered activities at the beginning of each December for our community,” says Jennifer Waldorf, the office manager for the association. “These activities give us a chance to remind the community of the reason for the season and of God’s love.”

In a world where Christmas has become a materialistic holiday, the Bethlehem and Beyond activities are a breath of fresh air!

Art Contest

The association’s Bethlehem and Beyond will have an art contest this year. The contest is for ages 5-18, but everyone of all ages can submit artwork to be displayed at the Boone Mall. The counties that are considered local are: Watauga, Ashe, Caldwell, Avery, Wilkes and Johnson county, TN. When submitting artwork, please follow these guidelines:

  • Artwork must relate to the birth of Christ.
  • All media may be submitted as long as the artwork is suitable for hanging. Only original artwork will be accepted (no prints of artwork, please.)
  • Artwork is to be unframed. Matting is optional. (Velcro tape will be used for display.)
  • Artwork must be complete and dry (no wet pieces accepted).
  • Entries are limited to one per person and cannot exceed 16”x 20”.
  • Artists must provide information on the entry form.

The deadline for submissions is Thursday, December 1st by 2 p.m. A printable copy of the entry form can be found here. Drop off your art at the Three Forks Baptist Association, located at 513 Jefferson Road, Boone, NC. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday. If you are unable to drop off your artwork during office hours, and are comfortable with leaving your work, there is a drop box outside the office door.

Categories for the art contest include:

  • Children (ages 4-8)
  • Juniors (ages 9-12)
  • ‘Best in Show’ – will be featured on the cover of next year’s Bethlehem and Beyond Brochure.

Prizes will be awarded by Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff.

Art will be displayed at the Boone Mall from Monday, Dec. 5 to Dec. 19. The awards ceremony will be held at  7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16. Pick up your entry at the mall off of the display on Saturday, Dec. 19 by 5 p.m. After that time, pick up is during office hours at the association.

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2015 Live Nativity

Live Nativity Scene

 This year’s Drive by Live Nativity will take place on Dec. 9 and 10 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in front of the Red Gremlin Design Studio on Highway 321 in Boone.

Christmas Caroling

The Christmas Caroling will take place at the Boone Mall. The schedule for caroling is:

Friday, Dec. 2

  • 5:30 p.m. – Laurel Springs Baptist Church
  • 6 p.m. – Bethel Baptist Church
  • 6:30 p.m. – Meat Camp Baptist Church

Friday, Dec. 9

  • 5 p.m. – House of Cedar
  • 6 p.m. – Three Forks Baptist Church
  • 6:30 p.m. – South Fork Baptist Church

There are still caroling spots available, so count on additions to this schedule!

Bethlehem Bonanza

This event is for all children ages 12 and under. Join the association on Dec. 10 at the Boone Mall from 10 a.m. til 2 p.m. for a fun-filled time to get you in the Christmas spirit! There will be a story time, cookies and a chance to make Christmas ornaments. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Christmas Parade

On Saturday, Dec. 3, look for these Association Churches in the Boone Christmas Parade!

  • Perkinsville and Rutherwood – Creation and the Fall

  • Poplar Grove – The Parting of the Red Sea

  • Mount Vernon and Middle Fork – The Nativity

  • First Baptist Boone and Brushy Fork – The Crucifixion and the Resurrection

For more information about the Association, check out their website!