Christian Life Church

Silvia Sheaffer

LA CRESCENTA -- And the angel said to Joseph: “Take Mary as your wife.

For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she

will have a Son, and you shall name him Jesus (meaning Savior), for he

will save his people from their sins. This will fulfill God’s message

through his prophets.

The story of Jesus Christ has been told more than a million times, yet

each Christmas it brings renewed hope and love to a world of people. The

beautiful birth of Jesus, his life and his crucifixion capture the

imagination and enhance the faith of those who tell and listen to His

story.

“No Room,” told from the viewpoint of the inn owner, will be presented

Dec. 10 and 11 at 7 p.m., by members of the Christian Life Church in La

Crescenta. The script, written by the Rev. Rick Dodd, senior pastor of

the church, and his wife, Pam Dodd, is based on the Bible chapters of

Matthew, Mark and John. It is directed by Tom Seal.

This is the fourth year the congregation has presented a Christmas

show.

“Before we came here there was no Christmas program,” Rick Dodd said.

“Now, we have one for Christmas and an Easter program as well.”

Wayne Morten portrays the inn owner, and begins the play at the point

of Jesus’ crucifixion. Encountering the scene, he asks, “Who is this man

being crucified?”

“It is Jesus of Bethlehem,” comes the response.

In flashbacks, the life of Christ is told by Morten. Special effects

and outstanding scenery herald the appearance of angels and the scenes of

the story. A cast of 75, all members of the congregation, wear elaborate

costumes designed and made by members.

Background music, contemporary and standard, is presented by a

professional sound track. Dodd and his wife will be soloists, joined by

other performers and the church choir. Favorite Christmas music includes

“O Holy Night,” “No Room” and “Lamb of God,” originally recorded by

Donna Summer.

Christian Life’s Christmas programs have been applauded by the

community.

“We hear people say that it’s surprising that such a program can be

presented by a smaller church,” Rick Dodd said. “The program is a gift

to the community.”

There is no charge and no offering will be taken. And, like last

year’s event, the Christmas program will be videotaped in its entirety.

Child care will be provided, and a reception in the fellowship hall will

follow each performance.

Rick Dodd has served at Christian Life Church for more than three

years. Prior to this assignment, he served in the Bakersfield Assembly of

God Church for 12 years.

“I have always been involved in the ministry,” said Dodd, who

graduated from the University of Tulsa as a petroleum engineer. He was

president of South American Drilling Company for eight years before

giving it all up to become a minister.

He received his theology degree from the Southern California

Theological Center.

“Our mission is bringing the Gospel of Christ to the community,” Rick

Dodd said. “That’s why we are here. It’s all about Jesus.”

The church also offers education for 160 children from age 2 to

sixth-grade.

“Academics are our focus,” Rick Dodd said. “And our children are two

to three grade levels above the grade level.”

The school children will present their Christmas program Dec. 4 at 10

a.m. and 2 p.m. Martha Cook serves as school administrator. Currently

there is a waiting list for school entry.

IF YOU GO

WHERE: Christian Life Church, corner of Montrose and Ramsdell drives,

La Crescenta.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11.

WHEN: Worship service is Sunday at 11 a.m. Evening fellowship is at 6

p.m.

BIBLE STUDY: 7 p.m. Wednesday.

PHONE: 249-5801.