Lake Zurich church hosts annual Christmas Pageant

“Bethlehem’s Cry Heard Around the World” is the theme of Quentin Road Baptist Church’s 2011 annual Christmas pageant.

It features songs and drama, complete with a donkey, sheep, goats, ducks and, of course, the now-famous camel.

Professional lighting, costumes and staging make this an event no one in the audience will ever forget.

Seven performances over two weekends bring out thousands of people from Lake Zurich, Wauconda and Palatine.

“One of the three kings rides a camel into the auditorium and comes straight up the aisle to the living Nativity. It is my favorite part of the Christmas pageant,” said cast member Cameron Edwards, 27, of Deer Park.

With a cast and crew of more than 400, the ages range from 3 years old through adult.

Founding pastor, the Rev. James A. Scudder, host of the international television program “Victory In Grace,” said he enjoys many aspects of the pageant.

“I love to see the wonder on people’s faces when they see what a professional production it is. I’ve had many people ask me if we hire professional actors and I always say, ‘No, we just have people who love to share the true spirit of the season.’”

Performances are Dec. 10 at 2 and 6 p.m.; Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.; Dec. 17 at 2 and 6 p.m.; Dec 18 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Quentin Road Baptist Church is at 60 Quentin Road, Lake Zurich.

For details or to purchase tickets, call (847) 438-4494 or visit www.qrchristmas.com