The Sierra Madre candlelight procession, begun in 1971 took place on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011. Participating ministers (per the program) were Rev. Paul Beck and Pastor Steve Daniels of Sierra Madre Congregational, Dr. Phil Carlson of Bethany Church, Fr. Michael Bamberger and Mary Ann Zahn of Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Rev. George Crisp of Sierra Madre United Methodist Church, Fr. Pat Brennan of Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Dr. Scott Daniels of the First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena, Deacon John Hull of St. Rita Catholic Church and Rev. Richard Anderson of Living Free in Christ Ministries. Rev. Anderson was one of the folks involved in starting the tradition when he was with Sierra Madre Congregational Church. Mary and Joseph were portrayed by Jeremiah and Ruth Schwind, and David Baer sat in as the Baby Jesus when the figurine turned out to be at Congregational Church instead of St. Rita’s. Please enjoy these photos, and you’ll find video below the photo gallery, as well.
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- Deacon John Hull welcomed the walkers at St. Rita
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- Rev. Richard Anderson of Living Free in Christ Ministries, instrumental in starting the vigil when he was Pastor at Sierra Madre Congregational Church in 1971, said the invocation
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- Jeremiah and Ruth Schwind portrayed Joseph and Mary, and David Baer sat in as the baby Jesus – the figurine was at the wrong church
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- Jonathan Ahrens, Bryan and Kevin Valko and Michael Lee performed as the “Christmas Cocert Band” with Dr. Karen Johnson on vocals.
