80,000 expected at Willow Creek Christmas services
The story of Jesus Christ's birth will be told and retold at Christmas church services across the suburbs over the next week.
But Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington hopes to use creative storytelling, dancing and light projections to convey the age-old scripture story in a fresh way, the church's creative Director Blaine Hogan said Saturday.
“We really hope that people are seeing the story in a new way that they've never seen it, especially people that are looking for hope or looking for something different out of a church,” Hogan said.
Willow Creek Community Church expects a total of 80,000 people to attend its 12 Christmas services, which began Saturday afternoon.
The creative aspect of each 80-minute service is partially modeled off the light projections of the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Vancouver, Hogan said.
Eight performers and a full choir will dance and sing as projections on the floor and back wall give the church the appearance of a wheat field. Still, the services will include aspects of traditional Christmas services, including carols and a message from a preacher.
“It's not so out of left field that people won't feel like they've been to church,” Hogan said. “We really want people to have a sacred experience.”
Tickets are required for admission and are available free at willowcreek.org. Even if the website says no tickets remain for a certain service, it may be possible to find a seat. Hogan recommends coming to the church early, as some people return their tickets at the last minute or don't show up.
With such high attendance expected, Christmas services allow the church to reach many people who are not regular churchgoers.
“We really try to do something that's special, that would really resonate with that group of people,” Hogan said.
Three Christmas services each day are scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 19, and Christmas Eve, with one service each day planned Monday through Thursday. Visit willowcreek.org or call (847) 765-5000.