About the 2008 Living Christmas Tree
The 2008 Living Christmas Tree promises to be one of the most exciting productions in our history. With a brand new story line, more actors and brand new musical selections, this year’s presentation is not to be missed.
Many of our staff and volunteers work tirelessly each year to bring the production of the Living Christmas Tree to life. We invite you and your family to join us for this year’s presentation. Tickets will be available online beginning November 1.
Living Christmas Tree History
1989 – The Living Christmas Tree began at the original Sevier Heights location in South Knoxville. Phil Chaney, Associate Pastor of Worship, spearheaded the effort to bring the Living Christmas Tree to Sevier Heights. That year the attendance was 2800 people.
1989-1994 – The Tree continued to grow at Sevier Heights until a decision had to be made - add more performances or choose a new location. The following year, the Living Christmas Tree was performed in Downtown Knoxville at the historic Tennessee Theater.
1994-2000 – At the Tennessee Theater, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was presented in six performances to over 10,000 people, and then grew to twelve performances presenting to 19,000 people.
2001 – A decision was made to again move the Living Christmas Tree. This giant leap of faith brought the Tree to the largest indoor venue in Knoxville, the Thompson-Boling Arena. In the first year alone, over 37,000 people attended the four performances of the Living Christmas Tree.
2003 – Another major change was made when Phil Chaney left Sevier Heights, and Joseph Bolin joined as the Associate Pastor of Worship.
2006 – The Tree became a truly evangelistic event with over 55,000 people attending the performances, with more than 500 decisions for Christ being made.
2007 – The 2007 LCT saw the Holy Spirit move in incredible ways. Our guest evangelist, Thomas Young, gave a clear presentation of the Gospel, and over 500 people came forward to make a first-time profession of faith in Jesus Christ. The total attendance was over 60,000 people for the five presentations, and over 650 of those people made some type of spiritual decision. At this year’s LCT, we welcomed the third Associate Pastor of Worship responsible for the Tree and our current Worship Leader at Sevier Heights Baptist Church, Jon Tyner.
Production Staff
Jon Tyner
Associate Pastor of Worship
jon.tyner@sevierheights.org
Eddie Smith
LCT Event Coordinator
eddie.smith@sevierheights.org
Jon Cormack
Minister of Instrumental Worship
jon.cormack@sevierheights.org
Tyler Rhoton
Minister of Student Worship
tyler.rhoton@sevierheights.org
Cheri Harkins
Children’s Choir Director
cheri.harkins@sevierheights.org
Clint Serman
Director of Media
clint.serman@sevierheights.org
Additional Staff
Janet Olsen, Administrative Assistant
Jo Ann Sims, Senior Administrative Assistant
Jenny Lackey, Choral Librarian
Mitzi Garner, Administrative Assistant
Ramona Frye, Director of Guest Relations
Glenn Greene, Script Writer
Tracey Halter, Modern Day Drama Director
Al Debuty, Set and Stage Construction Coordinator
Dwayne Frye, Tree Construction Coordinator
Anita Debuty, Props Coordinator
Boots Coleman, Costuming Coordinator
Paige Bonner, Dance Choreographer
Volunteer by filling out and submitting our online volunteer form.
Each year, it takes over 1,200 volunteers with different skills and talents to make the Living Christmas Tree happen.
If you are interested in serving in the 2008 Living Christmas Tree, please note the sign-up dates for various opportunities below. The sign-up process is slightly different than in past years.
August 24, 2008 and August 31, 2008:
Sign up for the following: drama and back stage (including cosutming, set design and construction, props, technical crew, and set-up/tear-down).
November 2, 2008 and November 9, 2008:
Sign up to be an usher or greeter, altar counselor, food crew member, or childcare worker.
You may register on these dates at the desk in the front foyer, or online at anytime.
Rehearsal Schedule
LCT orchestra or choir rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at Sevier Heights starting in August from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Contact worship@sevierheights.org for more information.
To serve as an usher/greeter for The Living Christmas Tree, contact the Welcome Ministry at welcome@sevierheights.org.
If you would like to serve as an altar counselor, contact Kathy Williams at kathy.williams@sevierheights.org.
Download the drama rehearsal schedule and performance schedule.
Volunteer to serve at the LCT.
