Silent Night: Live Nativities narrate the Christmas story
Local churches and faith-based organizations are telling the Christmas story through live Nativities once again this Christmas season.
“I think it helps ground them,” said Patty Herring, coordinator for the live Nativity at Pleasant View Presbyterian Church in Smock. “It helps put the meaning back in Christmas.”
The Rev. David Ealy, pastor of Uniontown Larger Parish of the United Methodist Church, of which Upper Middletown UMC will present a live Nativity, said, “It reminds a lot of people of why we’re celebrating in terms of it’s Christ’s birthday and the religious aspect.”
The Rev. Don Smith, president of Connellsville Area Ministerial Association, which will have a live Nativity at Connellsville Area Community Ministries, said, “It displays the birth of Christ and gives people an awareness of what the season is about — Jesus is the reason for the season.”
LIVE NATIVITY LIST
Here is a list of Nativities that are scheduled in the area:
n Calvary Chapel of Fredericktown, 103 Moose Hill Road, will have a live Nativity from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 with a bonfire, caroling and refreshments. More information is available at 724-377-2522.
n Central Christian Church, 23 S. Gallatin Ave., Uniontown, will host its live Nativity at 7 and 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18. Visitors are invited inside the church to view creche displays and enjoy refreshments. For more information, call 724-438-6821.
n Connellsville Area Community Ministries, 110 W. Crawford Ave., will be the site for a live Nativity presented by Connellsville Area Ministerial Association from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 in a lot beside its building as part of It’s A Connellsville Christmas. More information is available by calling 724-626-1120.
n Connellsville Presbyterian Church, 711 S. Pittsburgh St., will hold its eighth annual “Oh! Come Let Us Adore Him” Nativity and angel display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 and noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6 as part of It’s A Connellsville Christmas. Exhibits can be viewed in the sanctuary where a large, stained-glass window of the Nativity is located. For more information, call 724-628-4401.
n First Baptist Church of Fairchance, 17 N. Morgantown St., will present a live Nativity from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11-12. Refreshments are available. Participation is open to the community. More information is available by calling 724-564-2080.
n Grace United Methodist Church in Coal Center is hosting its ninth annual community Christmas Eve barn service at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24 at the Waleski Barn, 38 Emery Road, Richeyville, just off Route 40. The 25-minute service includes a live Nativity and singing of Christmas carols. For more information, call 724-330-5350 or visit www.come-to-grace.org.
n Mount Macrina Manor will hold its 22nd annual drive-through live Nativity on the grounds of Mount St. Macrina, located along Route 40 in North Union Township, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. The Nativity will be set up along the Friendship Circle, adjacent to the facility, with live animals. The Sisters of St. Basil the Great, St. George Maronite Youth Organization, St. Mary Cub Scouts and the Church of God will sing Christmas carols. Laurel Highlands Cheerleader angels will pass out candy canes. Five hundred luminaries will line the driveway that leads to the Nativity. More information is available by calling 724-430-1021.
n Perryopolis Baptist Church, 3378 Pittsburgh Road, will have a live Nativity from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 18 and 19. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 724-736-8111.
n Pleasant View Presbyterian Church, 533 Royal Road, Smock, will offer a live Nativity from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6, 12 and 13. Visitors center the church where they will enjoy Christmas music until a shepherd escorts them to the recreation of a 1st century Bethlehem with a street market, the Nativity setting and live animals. Refreshments are available. Visitors should allow one hour for all of the activities. For more information, call 724-677-2149.
n Smithfield United Methodist Church, 20 Church St., will present a live Nativity at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19. The church will serve light refreshments.
n Upper Middletown United Methodist Church, 506 Old Route 51, Smock, will have a live Nativity, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19. More information is available by calling 724-434-2271.
n United Christian Church, 499, E. Malden Drive, Coal Center, hosts its 26th annual live Nativity, “Journey to Bethlehem,” 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12-13. The presentation includes nine dramatic scenes and a revolving spotlight that serves as a star. More information is available at 724-938-2098 or visit www.ucccdoc.org.