The Living Christmas Tree

About the 2009 Living Christmas Tree

The 2009 LCT was honored to receive the “Top 20 Events” award for the month of December. While we appreciate greatly this recognition, we are more thankful for the number of lives that were changed during the five performances. We are also grateful for the stories of how the Living Christmas Tree ministered to individuals, friends and families who attended each performance. We look forward to 2010 and how God will continue to use this ministry.

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.

2007-2009 – During the last three years the LCT has seen the greatest attendance, over 150,000, and decisions for Christ, over 900, in its history.  In 2008 the LCT surpassed half a million attendees in twenty years.  2008 also represented the 20^th anniversary of the Living Christmas Tree.  In 2009 the LCT was awarded the “Top 20 Events” award for the month of December by the Southeast Tourism Society.  During this time span the LCT also welcomed Jon Tyner as the Associate Pastor of Worship at Sevier Heights and the Living Christmas Tree’s third director.  We are also grateful for the stories of how the Living Christmas Tree ministered to individuals, friends and families who attended each performance.  If you would like to share a story of how the Living Christmas Tree has impacted your life, please email us at lct@sevierheights.org

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

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

If you are interested in serving in the 2010 Living Christmas Tree, please sign up through your Bible Fellowship classes on August 15 and 22, 2010.  If you are unable to attend a BF class, please download this form, fill out and drop at the front desk before Sunday, August 22, 2010.

Click here to download the volunteer form.

Each year, it takes over 1,200 volunteers with different skills and talents to make the Living Christmas Tree happen.

(9th grade and above) – Speaking Cast Audition, Monday, August 30 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm in the choir room – please call 865-251-1658 for an audition time.

(6th – 8th grade) – at this time there are no solo/speaking cast roles for this age group available.

(4th – 5th grade) – For children solo spots please sign up by Sunday, August 29th – Audition date and time will be Wednesday, September 1 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. in the worship offices.

(9th grade and above) – Sunday, September 19th at 2:00 pm in the choir rehearsal room. (subject to change)

(8th grade and below) – All children & middle school students will participate through their respective choir during the 2010 Living Christmas Tree.  All students 8th grade and below must be actively involved and registered in a choir in order to participate in this year’s LCT.

TC Chambers, Middle School Choir Director   tc.chambers@sevierheights.org

General Information    lct@sevierheights.org

Rehearsal Schedule

Drama and choreography rehearsals begin each fall.  Contact lct@sevierheights.org for more information.

LCT orchestra or choir rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at Sevier Heights starting in July from 6:00 – 7:45 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.

Volunteer to serve at the LCT.

The rehearsal schedule for the 2010 LCT will be posted in late summer 2010.