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Community Corner

TONIGHT: Living Nativity At Plymouth Church

The event runs 6:15-8:15 p.m. tonight in the parking lot at Messiah United Methodist Church in Plymouth.

The idea of a live nativity has been percolating in Plymouth resident Carol Erickson’s head for two years. The stumbling block wasn’t who to cast as baby Jesus, but where to find a camel in Minnesota in December.

Erickson, the director of Children and Family Ministry at Messiah United Methodist Church, said she saw an ad this summer for a petting zoo that included sheep, goats, cows and donkeys.

"When I saw that he also had a camel I knew we could present the nativity the way we'd hoped,” Erickson said.

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More than 40 volunteers have been involved in pulling together Messiah’s first living nativity, from designing the event to creating the set, submitting artwork for the publicity pieces and creating costumes for the cast.

“This will be an interactive experience,” said Lynn Abe, communications director. “Visitors will walk through three or four scenes and be able to talk to the Bible characters and pet the animals.”

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She added that plenty of hand sanitizer will be available for those who choose to interact with the animals.

Visitors will start with a hot beverage to enjoy as they walk through the event being held in the parking lot. The holy family (Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus) will be in a stable; the shepherds with their sheep will be in a “field” nearby. The wise men, with the camel, will be a third scene.

There will also be a host of angels and shepherds. Some will be part of the nativity and others will act as guides to direct people through the scenes.

After viewing the nativity and visiting with the cast, who remain in character as they chat with visitors, refreshments will be available inside the church.

All entries submitted for the nativity publicity postcard will be on display in the building in an art show. They are also available for viewing on the church’s website and Facebook page.

A “pre-Christmas Eve” candlelight worship service will be held in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. tonight. Childcare will be available.

“Messiah is a church that serves a wide demographic,” said Abe, a 20-plus year Plymouth resident. “From children to seniors, we hope this event will touch the hearts of the whole community.”

The Live Nativity event is free to the public.

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