During the Advent and Christmas seasons, Pittman Park United Methodist Church is projecting a star on its belltower. The display can be seen by all who travel Fair Road across from the Georgia Southern campus.
The star was lit on December 11 after the Pittman Park’s annual Jingle Jam show, and will appear each night through January 6.
For long-time residents of Statesboro, the display might bring back Christmas memories. Through the 90s and beyond, Pittman Park hung a lit star high on their belltower. On Christmas Eve, the congregation would gather on the lawn to enjoy the display.
Jenn Morriss, a lifelong Statesboro resident, remembers the star and says, “Everyone would gather outside to sing ‘Silent Night’ under the lit star with candles–it was moving and such a sweet memory for me.”
Pittman Park continued the tradition until the star stopped working, and church member Bob Mikell has been looking for ways to bring it back ever since. He was also impacted by the star during his childhood and says, “It brightened the whole community and was something we all looked forward to each year. I want my children to have that experience, too.”
Mikell credits LED technology, support from Pittman Park administration and generous donations for bringing the star back to life this year. Pittman Park plans to make the belltower star an annual display.
Pittman Park is located at 1102 Fair Road. They invite the community to worship services each Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m. On December 24, they will host a Quiet Christmas service at 3 p.m. in the Chapel and their Candlelight Christmas Eve Service with Communion at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The Candlelight Communion service will be livestreamed on their website at pittmanpark.org.
