About the 2008 Living Christmas Tree
The 2008 Living Christmas Tree was one of the most exciting productions in our history. The new story line, musical selections and special effects were nice, but the fact that over 700 lives were changed was the best part of the weekend.
All of our staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to bring the 20th anniversary performances to life at Thompson-Boling arena. We invite you to join us in 2009 for another great year of the Living Christmas Tree. 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.
2008 – The 2008 LCT was another incredible year in the life of the Tree as we celebrated our 20th year and welcomed back special guest, Phil Chaney. We also celebrated having over 500,000 people attend the LCT over the past 20 years. Additionally, more ministry opportunities were added (included the translation of presentations into Spanish). In all, over 700 decisions were made. Over 350 of those decisions were first time decisions for Christ. We are so grateful to have celebrated 20 years and look forward to what God has in store as move into 2009.
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
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
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 2009 Living Christmas Tree, please note the sign-up dates for various opportunities below.
August 23, 2009 and August 31, 2009:
Sign up for the following: drama and back stage (including cosutming, set design and construction, props, technical crew, and set-up/tear-down).
November 8, 2009 and November 15, 2009:
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.
The drama rehearsal schedule will be available in early fall 2009.
Volunteer to serve at the LCT.
