Does God Seem Far Away?
In the midst of all the floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other national and international tragedies happening around us, it can seem as though God is far away. We begin wondering, where is God in all this and where is He in our lives?

This year’s Heart of America Christmas Pageant follows a team ministering to survivors in a disaster zone. While there they meet a woman who feels God is very far away, and that she is completely alone. As she is ministered to, and watches the team minister to others, she realizes in times when God seems the furthest away is when He is the closest.

What is Heart of America Christmas Pageant?
During the first two weekends of December annually, more than 600 First Baptist family members present the story of Christ’s birth, life, death and Resurrection.  A dazzling blend of heart-stirring music, drama, and dance will transport you back to the very first Christmas in Bethlehem, as well as the miracles, crucifixion, resurrection and Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Be sure to get your tickets early for this annual Heart of America tradition. Here’s what a few of our past guests had to say…

“A stunning performance and stunning message. Thank you for all the effort and time and sharing your talents, bringing Jesus home to the open hearts of Kansas City!”

“Fabulous job! I have done professional theater several times and seen many shows but his was extremely excellent.”

“I came tonight with unforgiveness in my heart toward someone. Through this pageant message, God touched my heart and I truly feel released of this. Thank you, FBC. It was MAGNIFICIENT.”

“My  family and myself have always enjoyed your presentation. We drive over an hour to get here. Thank you for spreading good into the world.”

“The most God-honoring and glorifying Christmas pageant I’ve ever been to.”

“We’ve been attending for over 25 years. It is not Christmas without attending your presentation. Each year has been wonderful.”

2011 Performance Dates
Friday, December 2 - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 3 - 3:30 & 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 4 - 3:30 p.m.
Friday, December 9 - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 10 - 3:30 & 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 11 - 3:30 p.m.

Tickets
Complimentary Tickets
Complimentary tickets are completely free of charge and seats are filledon a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot reserve these seats, however, even for large groups, so please plan to come early to get the best seats available. Tickets are available at our ROC Bookstore and online. Click here for Bookstore hours. For ticket availability or to leave a message for our volunteers, call the Pageant Line at 816-778-1153. All tickets are valid until 15 minutes before the start of the performance. At that time, anyone without a ticket will be seated as long as seating is available.

Click here to request your complimentary tickets.

Patron Tickets
The pageant is funded solely by donations from our Pageant Patrons. Pageant Patrons receive one reserved-seating Patron Ticket for each $25 they donate. The Patron Ticket entitles the holder to any seat in the designated Patron section and seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to become a Pageant Patron and receive Patron tickets, email Lynn Lewallen at llewallen@firstbaptistraytown.com. All tickets are valid until 15 minutes before the start of the performance. At that time, anyone without a ticket will be seated as long as seating is available.

Supporting Pageant
If you would like to help support this ministry of First Baptist Raytown, please feel free to donate to the pageant fund. This ministry is completely self supporting and is not funded by the annual budget of First Baptist Raytown. All contributions are tax deductible.

Click here to support pageant.

Pageant Dinner
Why not make an evening of it and join us for dinner before or after the presentation. Our Café will be hosting a dinner with all the trimmings. The cost is $13.00 for adults and $7.00 for children. Tickets may be purchased at the ROC Bookstore or that day at the buffet.  Click here for Bookstore hours.

Pageant Media Sales
Keep the message of Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection fresh all year with a DVD copy of the pageant. DVDs of the 2011 Heart of America Christmas Pageant God Coming Down are available for $15.

Click here to order your copy.

Business Partnerships & Advertising Information
The Pageant Business Patron Program provides your business the opportunity to support one of Kansas City’s most effective evangelism outreach ministries through advertising in the Pageant program. What better way to reach over 20,000 people than through the Heart of America Christmas Pageant?

Become a Pageant Patron
Since its beginning in 1979, the pageant has used music and drama to reach people in the metropolitan Kansas City area with the story of Christ. Over the years, that mission has not changed, but the expenses associated with producing the pageant have. Because the pageant is self-supporting, it relies entirely on our Patrons’ gifts and upon special offerings collected following each performance. Becoming a Pageant Patron is easy! For every $25 you donate, you will receive one reserved-seating Patron ticket and preferred parking for the performance of your choice. As a sign of appreciation, your name or the name of your company will be printed in the pageant program.

If you would like to become a Pageant Patron and receive Patron tickets, email Lynn Lewallen at llewallen@firstbaptistraytown.com.

The Pageant Business Patron Program is designed to both financially support the pageant, and to provide local businesses the opportunity to advertise in our pageant program. Each year, approximately 20,000 people attend the pageant.

In exchange for a financial contribution, our business partners receive:
• Tickets for reserved Pageant Patron seating
• A printed ad in our pageant program
• Targeted marketing to approximately 20,000 people
• The benefits of supporting a ministry with a high level of evangelistic impact

“As a Christian business owner, not only do I want the most exposure for my advertising dollar, I also want the best results. I know of no other outreach ministry in which I can participate where so many lives are changed year after year.”  Timothy Chin, Farmers Insurance

Pageant Program Advertising
The pricing structure for the Pageant Business Patron Program is as follows:
Full-page ad + 40 Patron tickets: $1,000
1/2-page ad + 20 Patron tickets: $500
1/4-page ad +10 Patron tickets: $250

Ad Specifications
All ads are reproduced in black at 150 line screen. Ad sizes are as follows:
Full-page ad:    up to 4.875” x 7.7”
1/2-page ad:     up to 4.875” x 3.875”
1/4-page ad:     up to 2.375” x 3.75”

Artwork can be provided on CD, hard copy or email in the following formats: JPEG, TIFF, Bitmap or EPS. Please call the Print Department for more specific information at 816-353-1994.

To sign up for our Pageant Business Patron Program or for information on other ways you can become involved, please email Lynn Lewallen at llewallen@firstbaptistraytown.om.