THE REV. DOUG HIZA, along with the Rev. Randy Morse of Minneapolis, spent 22hours editing film of the Christmas Happening into a 22-minute segment to be aired on the cable Sunday and Monday. Father Morse did the filming. (Photo by Ron Grieser)

New Ulm cable viewers will have two chances to support a locally-produced videotape presentation involving 500 area children just by watching it.

The tape, shot here in January during the two-day Christmas Happening, will be shown at 6 p.m. both Sunday and Monday on channel 13.

THE TWO showings here will be followed by a random sampling of the viewing public to determine what percentage of the cable subscribers watched the 30-minute show.

If the percentage of those watching is high enough, there is a good chance that the show will be picked up for nationwide use on cable television by the National Council of Churches, thus publicizing New Ulm all across the country.

Included in the program will be a segment giving some background on the community along with the history of the Christmas Happening itself.

THE CHRISTMAS Happening, started three years ago, is an ecumenical religious program for grade schoolers involving 11 area churches representing five denominations. It always has been held Jan. 3 and 4.

Original idea for the Happening dates back to 1972, shortly after the Rev. Doug Hiza came to St. Peter’s Episcopal parish here. The Rev. Gary Kasten of the United Church of Christ and Father Hiza decided the church was missing a golden opportunity to do something with children during Christmas vacation.

After exploring the possibilities on a small scale at a joint “Christmas camp” sponsored by the two churches, Hiza felt other churches might wish to cooperate in the venture.

“WHAT A TIME to do something ecumenical,” said Hiza. “Kids are bored by the end of their vacation and extra talent is available with students home from college.”

Exploring the interest of other churches in the project, planning started the next September using an open school approach with a curriculum which put primary emphasis on self-esteem and self-worth.

Cooperating in the first Christmas Happening were the two Catholic parishes here and five Protestant churches-the two Methodist, Our Savior’s Lutheran, St. Peter’s Episcopal and the UCC.

Despite bad weather during the first event Happening in 1973, a total of 300 children joined in a treasure hunt to find God and themselves as part of the theme, “You are a Treasure.”

THE PROGRAM is set up with numerous interest areas, all carrying out the year’s theme. Areas include such things as drama, art, music dance, audio-visual, storyland and crafts.

“These are all down to earth areas that children can relate to,” said Hiza. “The whole thing is built on the concept that learning is fun, and when it is fun, more learning takes place at a higher level.”

Children are free to attend the areas that interest them, but since there isn’t time to attend all sessions, Hiza explained that part of the lesson the children learn involves “making responsible decisions.”

COORDINATING the Christmas Happening which was taped here in January was Monica Sturm, the religion coordinator at St. Mary’s, and the Rev. Warren Broughton, former associate pastor at Our Savior’s, now serving in Owatonna.

New Ulm Daily Journal

Feb. 25, 1975