Joy to the World: Live Nativities and creche displays celebrate the season
Joel Brewton | Herald-Standard
In this file photo from 2014, Jenna Piccolomini of Smock, her husband Mike and their son Blake play the roles of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus at Pleasant View Presbyterian Church’s live Nativity. Pleasant View is one of several local churches and religion-based organizations hosting live Nativities this holiday season.
Joel Brewton | Herald-Standard
In this file photo from 2014, Ryan Lenhart of Smock stands high atop the shepherds in role of an Angel at Pleasant View Presbyterian Church’s live Nativity. Pleasant View is one of several local churches and religion-based organizations hosting live Nativities this holiday season.
Local churches and organizations are continuing a Christmas tradition by hosting live Nativities as well as creche displays this holiday season.
The scenes capture the spirit of the season and offer a time for reflection and contemplation during this busy time of year.
Here is a list of those known scheduled in the area:
n Central Christian Church, 23 S. Gallatin Ave., Uniontown, will host its live Nativity at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15. The church will offer a viewing of creche displays in the sanctuary. The church will serve refreshments in between performances. For more information, call 724-438-6821.
n Connellsville Area Community Ministries, 110 W. Crawford Ave., Connellsville, will host a live Nativity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 2 in a lot beside its building as part of It’s A Connellsville Christmas. The live Nativity will shut down to be part of the Christmas parade, sometime between 10:30 a.m. and noon, and then reopen until 2 p.m. For more information, call 724-626-1120.
n Connellsville Presbyterian Church, 711 S. Pittsburgh St., will hold its 10th annual “Oh! Come Let Us Adore Him” Nativity and angel display Dec. 1 and 2 as part of It’s A Connellsville Christmas. The church will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 with a service that tells The Christmas Story from 7 to 7:30 p.m. The church will also be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2. 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, beginning at 5 p.m. Dec. 23. Refreshments are available. Participation is open to the community. For more information, call 724-564-2080.
n Grace United Methodist Church, 420 California Drive, Coal Center, will include a live Nativity in a special event called Walk Through Bethlehem and Advent Open House from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 2. The event will include animals and a shepherd outside the church with a separate section inside that features the manger scene with Mary, Joseph and Jesus. People who visit this area will hear the Christmas story. There will also be crafts and free refreshments. This is the launch of the church’s new Saturday evening service that will be held weekly at 5:14 p.m. The church is also hosting its 11th annual Christmas Eve barn service at 5 p.m. Dec. 24 at the Waleski Barn, 38 Emory Road, Richeyville, off Route 40. The 25-minute service includes a live Nativity. For more information, call 724-330-5350 or visit www.come-to-grace.org.
n Mount Macrina Manor’s annual drive-through live Nativity will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 10 on the grounds of Mount St. Macrina, located along Route 40 in North Union Township, across from Uniontown Mall. The Nativity will be set up along the Friendship Circle, adjacent to the facility. Mary and Joseph, shepherds tending to their flock, the Three Kings, the Little Drummer Boy, and angels will be portrayed. In addition, there will be live animals, including a donkey, goat, sheep, calf, and an alpaca. The Byzantine Catholic Sisters of St. Basil the Great, the Church of God Choir, St. George Maronite Catholic Church Youth Group and the middle school faith formation group from Uniontown Roman Catholic Churches will sing Christmas carols. Angels will be passing out candy canes to visitors. Five hundred luminaries will line the driveway that leads to the Nativity. The event is free of charge and everyone is welcome. More information is available by calling 724-430-1021.
n Mount Pleasant: A group of local residents have set up a Nativity display at Diamond Square, located on Main Street. This is the 61st year the residents have put up the Nativity scene, which will remain on display until after the New Year.
n Pleasant View Presbyterian Church, 533 Royal Road, Smock will offer “Living Nativity — A Walking Tour of Bethlehem” from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. The event takes visitors back in time via a reconstructed first-century Bethlehem that includes a street scene, the Nativity and live animals. Visitors will meet Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, wise men, merchants and others. Visitors begin their walking journey by entering the church door facing the parking lot and moving into the sanctuary where they will enjoy Christmas music until a shepherd arrives to escort them to Bethlehem. The Living Nativity is an outdoor event so dress for the weather. Hot chocolate and treats will await visitors in the church dining room when they return from their journey. There is no charge for participation. Allow an hour for all of the activities. For more information, call 724-677-2149.
n United Christian Church, 499 E. Malden Drive, Coal Center, will hold its 28th annual “Journey to Bethlehem: A Drive-Thru Nativity” from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. The presentation includes nine dramatic scenes and a revolving spotlight that serves as a star. The event is free but donations will be accepted for the Good Eats children’s food program. More information is available at 724-938-2098 or at www.ucccdoc.org.
n Upper Middletown United Methodist Church, 506 Old Route 51, Smock, will have a live Nativity, starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 2. For more information, call 724-437-4740 or 724-434-2271.