joining together in the spirit of the season. The play, "The Gift," will be presented this weekend at Church of the Hills, and is open to the public.

PHOTO BY CHERI JAY-WIENECKE Church of the Hills and numerous Lometa residents will present the play, "The Gift," this weekend. Cast members include Halle Summers, LuAnn Williams and Payton Summers. The 360-degree panoramic production, a play in which a set is built around the audience, will be held in the sanctuary of Church of the Hills where the entire worship facility has been transformed into the city of Bethlehem.

Action will continue around the room, as well as on stage.

Set in Bethlehem at the time of Christ's birth, the play addresses the unrest and oppression of the Jewish community, conveying the Jews' desire for peace and freedom from the Roman empire and their hope for the arrival of the Messiah. The play portrays the change the Prince of Peace evoked on both the Jewish families and Roman soldiers of Bethlehem.

The play will feature a cast of 30, including Brandon Faubion, a Lometa One-Act Play member. Faubion will play the role of Tyrus, a hardened Roman centurion, and James Chism, also of Lometa, will play the part of a Roman soldier.

Written by Church of the Hills Pastor Kevin Martin, the play is directed by Lometa teacher Sara Byrd and Lometa resident Micki Summers.

There is no charge for admission. Performances are set Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.

Group seating is available if reservations are made ahead to 752- 3316.

Registration also may be made online at www.looktothehills.