This is what Christ requires of us - to take care of people," said Steph Heisey, referring to a free community meal that will be offered at Ruhl's Church. "We help people who are in need when we do this."

The church, located at 4810 Elizabethtown Road, Manheim, will host a live Nativity and drive-through Christmas meal on Saturday, Dec. 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu will feature ham, a baked potato, green beans and a dessert.

In the past, the church has hosted a Drive to Bethlehem event, but this year, only a Nativity scene will be featured. "People can see Joseph and Mary with the Son of God in a straw-filled manger," said Kris Gray, who is helping to organize the event.

Event committee member Randi Myer will bring a miniature horse named Jellybean to the Nativity, with the possible addition of other animals. "This will be an opportunity for people to drive up and see what it was like in Bethlehem when baby Jesus was born," she said.

For the first hour of the event, members of the congregation will sing Christmas carols, and people are invited to park their cars and join in. For the second hour, recorded selections of Christmas music will be played.

The meal is provided free of charge, although a donation box will be set up on-site for anyone who wants to give.

"I hear a lot of neat stories from people when I take their reservations for the meal," said Barb Dunmire, a member of the event committee. "People are very thankful that we do this. When we put the meal in their car to go, they are just so grateful to receive it."

Last year, the church members served 420 meals, and Gray noted that the meal fulfills the church's mission to support the community. "This is a way for us to show the love of Jesus and share it with others," she stated. "It's our Christmas gift to others."

Reservations are required for the meal and may be made by calling 717-665-4499 prior to Wednesday, Dec. 20. People should leave a message with their name and phone number and the number of meals requested, and organizers ask that people speak slowly and clearly when leaving the information.

People are also invited to attend a candlelight Christmas Eve service at the church at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24.