One Quiet Night

…there is a voice whispering within, calling me beyond the noise, back to Bethlehem.”

“Beyond the noise, beyond the lights, beyond the chaos of December days and nights…there is a voice whispering within, calling me beyond the noise, back to Bethlehem.” This message is found within the words and music of “Beyond the Noise” by Tony Wood. The music will be performed as part of the Arrow Heights Baptist Church presentation of “One Quiet Night.”

The 6th annual production will feature three performances. “This is one of our gifts to our community,” says Worship Pastor Mike Neff. Performances are scheduled for Friday, December 11 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 12 at 3 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, December 13 at 10:30 a.m. Following the December 13 performance, all in attendance will be invited to a free ham and turkey lunch at the church.

All performances are free to the public, but donations of canned goods will be accepted and presented to Arms Around BA, a ministry of several churches in Broken Arrow that meets the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of the community. Childcare will be provided for birth to three years.

The production of “One Quiet Night” includes 30,000 Christmas lights, a 25-foot tall living Christmas tree, 75 singers, and a live orchestra. Most of the participants are from Arrow Heights Church, plus other volunteers from the community. The Arrow Heights children’s choirs will combine forces and perform on stage as well.  

The storyline of “One Quiet Night” revolves around Sandy, a mom with a husband and several small children, who gets so wrapped up in preparing for the Christmas season – cleaning the house, doing yard work, and shopping for the perfect Christmas tree –that she loses her focus on the true meaning of the season. Sandy tries so hard to make everything perfect for her family and even begins to question God’s plan. Most of us will surely relate to what is happening on stage as we enjoy the performance.  

The production has many fun scenes, including the rigging of lights on the house. Most of the scenes take place outside and inside Sandy’s home, plus two scenes at a local mall. With the in-laws coming for the Christmas holiday, Sandy is already stressed. When they call to announce that they will be arriving early, she unravels. Without spoiling the outcome of the presentation, Sandy does find herself alone at home with her baby and young daughter. She finally has a chance to reflect upon what she has been doing.

Pre-entertainment will be provided by the orchestra and brass ensemble, with special seasonal music beginning about 30 minutes prior to each performance.

The “One Quiet Night” script was written by Joetta Beauchene of Edmond, and Paul Cox is the production manager. “Approximately 300 people are involved in this total church outreach to our community,” said Mike Neff. “This is just one great way for us to extend our fellowship to others during the Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  

You do not need a ticket to attend any of the scheduled ­performances. Call (918) 455-5020 for more ­information.

For more information, contact

Arrow Heights ­Baptist Church

www.arrowheights.org

About Author Duane Blankenship

Blankenship graduated from the University of Oklahoma and has enjoyed a lifetime career in advertising. He started his own advertising business in 1993 and enjoys creating graphic art and writing. Hobbies include hunting, fishing and pencil drawings. Duane and his wife, Janice, have been married over 50 years and are active in their church and community. He has been a contributing writer for Value News/Values Magazine since 2005.