As someone who put in 20 years with The Victoria Christmas Pageant (I got here as soon as I could!), I can assure you, EdithAnn, that Connie Ewing, while being the heartbeat and the creative genius behind the ministry, was not the only one who had a real passion for this event. The only people who got a glimpse of what kind of commitment it really took to make pageant happen were the folks who came to the very last performance at the end of each year, when the behind-the-scenes workers were invited to join the performers on stage. As you correctly say, hundreds of people joined together to design and build sets, to build props, to care for and shuttle children participants back and forth, to shine spotlights, to run sound, to do make-up, to do costuming, to provide meals, to man the parking lots, to greet and usher, to run the ticket office...the list goes on and on. Passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ motivated it all, and I will be forever changed and blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of it for so long. There is, however, a time and a season for every purpose under heaven, as we read in Ecclesiastes. The time and season for pageant has come to a close, and it's with great joy that we look back and remember. I know my church, and I know my church staff, and I can assure you that this is a decision not made lightly and not without a lot of prayer seeking out what God would have us do. Obedience is not always easy nor is it always understood, both by those who are submitting and by those who are observing from the outside. But we wait with open hearts for whatever is coming next on our ministry journey, and would dearly love to have the prayers of our community while we anticipate those works for which we were created! Thank you, Victoria, for loving our pageant and the embracing the telling of the greatest love of all. It was our great privilege to share it!

Thanks Northside for all the wonderful years of shows. I remember the first time we went. My daughter was 3 years old, and when the soldiers came to get Jesus, she hid under the pew because she was scared they were coming to get her! That's how real it was! Every year it brought tears to my eyes. I thank God for ya'll you will truely be missed.

"Maybe Ewing was the only one who had a real passion for this event."

Wow. At first read, your statement angered me. After pouring a significant portion of my time into this event for 27 years, my first response would have been to lash out. But that's not what I need to do. Please let me explain why.

From your history of past posts, I know that we have much in common, and I am surprised that you would make such a statement without knowing the story behind the decision. Lots of folks have agonized over this - and there have been tears and frustration - but this was the best scenario for all involved. Better to go out while it was still vibrant and alive, than die a slow death and turn into a poorly done production that has lost its purpose. No one let it go "so easily".

I understand that most people have no clue regarding what it takes to put on a production like this. Connie is the heart, but there are hundreds involved - its not just 'another little Christmas play'. We could go on without her - but it wouldn't be the same. And people have been asking how long this was going to continue for the last couple of years - this was the time - it was time to let it end gracefully and be left with years of wonderful memories.

So - a great big THANK YOU to Connie for her unselfish time and talent for all these years. And a sigh and small head shake at those who would imply that we 'gave up', 'let it go' or didn't have enough 'passion' to continue. Please dont comment when you simply don't know the whole story.

I find it very interesting that this church is taking the attitude that this pageant cannot continue without Connie Ewing at the helm! No doubt she has been the drive and energy, but I know that hundreds of folks participate to make this pageant happen. What a shame to let it go so easily. Maybe Ewing was the only one who had a real passion for this event.

As with many businesses when they close they are bought by the workers and continue business. Why not let someone or a group of people take the place of Connie and continue the tradition. Maybe connie will consider to be a type of supervisor and just tell the people what to do and just do nothing herself.
If this is done for the first year or two then the show can go on. Don't give up on a tridition so easily.
A lot of people go to church once a year and the show is that day. How many people will quit going to church because the show was canceled.
My thought is that Connie is a fantastic person to do this for so long for no pay. Connie, Will you train someone to take over your position. Please!

20% of the people do 80% of the work in a church setting. It is amazing that one person has been solely responsible for this huge undertaking for so many years and has done such a PHENOMENAL job at it. Kudos to Mrs. Ewing for all of your hard work and dedication. Victoria has lost a treasure.

Although I understand and am not being critical ,what a shame.