Usually people don’t think of an event titled "Journey to Bethlehem" as something that would take place at a hospital, but that’s in fact what’s happening Monday through Dec. 4 at Methodist Sugar Land, 16655 Southwest Freeway.

Staff chaplain Craig Butler said in addition to celebrating the hospital’s newly expanded chapel, not to mention organ, they are celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Journey to Bethlehem is a series of worship events that chronologically tell the story the way it unfolds in scripture.

Butler said the program talks about how the angel appeared to Mary and told her about the miraculous event about to take place, how Joseph reacted to the news that his intended would be having a child that wasn’t his and the kings who follow the star in the East to Bethlehem.

There will be scripture reading, special music and devotional thoughts on each day, from physicians, staff, administration, area worship leaders and local pastors.

Pastor John Lockhart of First Baptist Church in Richmond will present on the first day, Monday, Nov. 30, for the session titled "Prepare Ye the Way."

"It’s a very future-oriented message," Lockhart said. "God is going to do something wonderful, so get ready. And it’s not exactly what one might think. It’s a way to look at what Christmas offers. The gift of God bringing a future to us is a wonderful thing to consider, especially in a hospital setting, where many who are there tend to evaluate their lives."

Methodist neurologist Dr. Jeffrey Jackson will help with music by playing guitar during the Dec. 2 session, titled "Joseph’s Challenge," while cardiologist Dr. Gregory Pepper will read scripture.

There are many, many more participants, Butler said.

"There is excitement through the hospital," Butler said. "They are more than gracious and anxious to be a part of it."

Butler said this is the first time Methodist Sugar Land is doing something like this.

"I tried it at another hospital and it was a huge success," said Butler, who has been with Methodist Sugar Land for two years. "So they said, ‘Yes, let’s try it.’ "

Butler said people have been calling the hospital, asking when it starts and how much it costs.
It starts at noon, lasts approximately 40 minutes, and doesn’t cost a thing.

Butler said he thinks a hospital setting is the perfect place for a series like Journey to Bethlehem, because some people are uncomfortable in a church.

"It’s a safe place for people to come," Butler said. "Whether they have a strong (religious) background or no background at all, it will still feel safe to them."