By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Those looking to enjoy dinner and a show while getting into the Christmas spirit and helping a good cause will have a chance to do so on Dec. 10-12 at Alabaster’s First United Methodist Church.

The church’s “Step Up Production Company,” which is composed of children in grades fourth-sixth, has been working for the past few months to perfect their production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” said church Modern Worship Minister Jack Moseley.

“They’ve been working on it weekly since September,” Moseley said during a Dec. 1 phone interview, noting between 15 and 20 children and adults will take part in the production.

As a result of the kids’ hard work, they are now prepared to present the show on the nights of Dec. 10-11 and during a mid-day show on Dec. 12. All performances will be preceded by a meal catered by McAllister’s Deli, Moseley said.

On Dec. 10-11, the meals will be from 6-6:45 p.m., and the shows will begin at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 12, the meal will be held from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., and the show will begin at 12:30 p.m.

All meals and shows will be held in the church’s Restore building, which is in the former Winn Dixie grocery store building adjacent to the church’s main campus at 10903 Alabama 119.

Moseley said the show will be a comedy, but will carry a faith-based message.

“It’s presented as a comedy, but it has a serious message to it. You can reach out and share the Christmas story with people of all ages,” Moseley said.

Admission price is $10 per adult and $5 per child 10 and younger, and the price covers dinner and the show.

All money raised during the performances will benefit the Highway 11 Project, which is a collaboration of several local churches aimed at helping those in need along Shelby County 11.

Those interested in purchasing tickets can do so either by calling the church at 663-0509, or by visiting the church on Alabama 119.