KANSAS! Photographers

JOURNEY TO JUDEA | November 20–22 and December 4–6, Overland Park

This interactive outdoor experience at Countryside Baptist Church takes visitors through events of the Nativity and through the life of Jesus. Actors portray prophets foretelling the King’s coming, Jesus’ birth in a humble stable, the death of Jesus and the discovery of empty tomb. Advance tickets are required, but provided free on the website. journeytojudea.com | (913) 214-9734

DRIVE-THRU NATIVITY | December 18–19, Emporia

This drive-thru event at the First Church of the Nazarene includes signs bearing Bible verses and actors portraying scenes such as a pregnant Mary journeying to Bethlehem, the newborn Christ in the stable filled with animals, and the visit by the Wise Men. The suggested donation is a nonperishable food item for the Salvation Army Food Pantry. Emporiafirstnaz.com | (620) 342-2858

LIVING NATIVITY | December 4–5, Paola

Isaiah prophesying the birth of Jesus, and Mary and Joseph journeying to Bethlehem are among 12 scenes and stations presenting the story of Christ’s birth in this free multi-guided walking tour created by the Lighthouse Presbyterian Church and the Hillsdale Presbyterian Church on the Miami County Fairgrounds. paolalighthouse.com | (913) 294-2400

JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM | December 3–5, Rose Hill

Actors guide visitors along the stations of this 45-minute tour of first-century Bethlehem. Highlights of the event at Rose Hill Christian Church include taking part in a Roman census, encountering Roman soldiers on horseback, visiting a bustling marketplace, and watching the Holy Family, shepherds and Wise Men gather. Authentic costumes, sounds and smells enhance the experience. Rosehillcc.org | (316) 776-0844

LIVING NATIVITY | December 12, Inman

The inn with no rooms available in Bethlehem, the sleeping Jesus in the manger, the angel’s visit to the shepherds, and the Wise Men’s long journey to see the Christ child all come to life with actors in period costumes and numerous live animals in Lambert Park at this drive-by event hosted by the Inman Chamber of Commerce. Inmanks.org | (620) 585-2122

DRIVE-THRU LIVING NATIVITY | December 13, Topeka

A tradition for more than 30 years, this living Nativity of nine scenes is filled mostly with the children and youth of the First Lutheran Church. Animals at this living Nativity typically include a donkey, sheep and goats. Visitors receive audio devices to play in their car so they can follow along with a narration of the scenes.

Firstlutherantopeka.org | (785) 272-5302

Where in Kansas?

Because of health precautions in response to Covid-19, all events are subject to change. Please check the event websites for possible cancellations

Inman Emporia Rose Hill Topeka Paola Overland Park

Choose the plan that puts you fi rst.

Open enrollment is

November 1 - December 15

Visit us at bcbsks.com

800-432-3990

My Reasons with ... EVERETT C. WEEMS

By Cecilia Harris

After growing up in Kirwin, in the northwest section of Kansas, Everett C. Weems lived in a number of states, including Nebraska, California, North Carolina and Illinois. The supervisor for nuclear procurement of the Wolf Creek nuclear power station now lives in Emporia, where he and his wife, Terry, co-chair their church’s annual living Nativity event.

During the rest of the year, Everett and Terry often travel throughout the state. They regularly attend dinner theaters in Overland Park, as well as concerts in Salina, Emporia and Dodge City. Some of their favorite attractions include Fort Bissell in Phillipsburg, the Cathedral on the Plains (St. Fidelis Basilica) in Victoria, Butcher Falls near Sedan, the Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, the Sternberg Museum in Hays, and various state parks.

“We try to go somewhere as often as possible, at least once a month, even if it is taking a 50–100 mile drive on the weekend through the Flint Hills. The Flint Hills is my favorite place,” says Weems. “It does not matter the season because there is so much to see and you can see a long way.”

Everett C. Weems and Terry Weems at Castle Rock

We try to go somewhere as often as possible, at least once a month, even if it is taking a 50–100 mile drive on the weekend through the Flint Hills. The Flint Hills is my favorite place.”

–Everett C. Weems to respect others and to treat people as you

Everett C. Weems’ Top 5 Reasons for Loving Life in Kansas 1

Being closer to where I grew up and to both my wife’s and my families.

2

Living in the middle of the country allows us to be anywhere in the lower 48 states in a day or two drive, sunsets and cloud formations, but very

which gives my wife and me ample opportunity to see a lot of places in 7 to 10 days.

3

Dirt and gravel roads. Having grown up in the northwest corner of the state, I learned to drive on dirt roads and enjoy the freedom and the sights. My thinking is a dirt

4

5

The people. I was raised with a solid work ethic and had great mentors who taught me want to be treated.

The sunsets and cloud formations. I have been to a lot of places and have seen beautiful road will take you somewhere.

seldom do they compare to Kansas.