Zion to bring seasonal program to Leola

"This story is appropriate for the season," said Keith Shetter of Zion Lutheran Church. "I think people will be captivated by knowing what the magi saw in their quest to see baby Jesus."

Shetter is looking forward to the church presenting "Following the Star of Bethlehem," a planetarium experience presentation by Cosmic Adventures Traveling Planetarium of Maryland that will be held at the church, 18 Quarry Road, Leola, on Saturday, Dec. 9. "We will have showings at 5, 6, 7, and 8 p.m.," explained Shetter.

Cosmic Adventures will bring a 20-foot-high inflatable dome to the church. "There's a door that zips open and closed, and we will be able to seat 40 people inside," said Shetter, who pointed out that the night sky will be projected onto the ceiling of the dome. "(The presenter) has the ability to maneuver it from day to night and across the sky to show the progression over the course of the evening," Shetter explained.

According to Shetter, this is not the first time the inflatable planetarium has visited Zion Lutheran. "(Cosmic Adventures) did a different program for us a few years ago," said Shetter, who recalled that for the "Stars and S'mores" presentation, telescopes were set up in the church parking lot, and fire pits were lit for toasting marshmallows. "The presentation was really insightful," Shetter recalled.

Calling the planetarium experience "perfect for this season," Shetter noted that the focus will be on examining the idea of how the Star of Bethlehem progressed and what the magi saw. "(The presenter) will tell both the biblical side and interject some scientific evidence," said Shetter, who noted that anyone who enjoys stargazing may be curious about the presentation. "It's open to everybody ... from children to adults," he said.

While the 30-minute program is free, it is necessary to register in advance for the event. Readers who wish to attend may register for one of the four showings at http://www.zionleola.org or by calling the church at 717-656-9200. Shetter encouraged those wishing to attend to arrive 10 minutes before the showing for which they registered. "With four time slots and 40 seats per program, we will not hold up the show for late comers," he explained. "There's no guarantee there will be space in next show."

The dome is handicapped accessible, and attendees may sit in chairs or on the floor. Organizers plan to serve cookies, hot cocoa, and coffee between shows.

"It's a community opportunity," said Shetter. "It's a very different seasonal experience."