Dec 7, 2012 By Frances Borsodi Zajac 5 min read

Reminding the public about the true meaning of Christmas, several local churches and religious organizations will offer live Nativities, beginning today and continuing throughout the coming weeks.

“It’s our gift to the community,” said the Rev. Terry Teluch, pastor of Uniontown Larger Parish of the United Methodist Church.

The Rev. Jay Polowsky, pastor of Smithfield United Methodist Church, noted, “There are people who participate every year despite the cold. It’s part of their commitment and witness to Christmas.”

The ministries put an effort into creating a special evening for their guests, often adding refreshments, candles and/or music in addition to the biblical figures and live animals. All are free.

Here is a list of live Nativities known to the Herald-Standard.

Mount Macrina Manor is hosting its 19th annual live Nativity from 6 to 8 p.m. today on the grounds of Mount St. Macrina, along Route 40 east of Uniontown. The Nativity will be set up along the Friendship Circle, adjacent to the facility. The Sisters of St. Basil the Great as well as other groups will sing Christmas carols. Girl Scouts will pass out free candy canes. The Knights of Columbus will help light 500 luminarias that will line the driveway leading to the Nativity. For more information, call 724-430-1021.

Uniontown Larger Parish, which consists of Community, Juniata, Dunbar Wesley and Upper Middletown United Methodist Churches, is presenting a live Nativity, entitled “Journey to Bethlehem,” at Community Church, located at 1264 West Penn Boulevard, Uniontown, at 7 p.m. today and Saturday. Visitors will enjoy a 45-minute guided tour throughout the church grounds of different scenes in the Christmas story. Refreshments will be served in the social hall. For more information or directions, contact the Rev. Terry Teluch at 724-434-2271 or Mark and Sherri Shotter at 724-438-8328.

Allison Christan Church will host its live Nativity and luminaria night from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday. The Nativity will include a story time and craft for children from 6 to 7 p.m. Music will be provided by Inner Light Gospel. The church will serve refreshments. Donations will be taken to benefit military troops and their families. More information is available at www.allisonchristianchurch.org or by calling 724-785-3780.

Pleasant View Presbyterian Church, 533 Royal Road, Smock, will offer a live Nativity from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visitors will start at the church where music is playing in the sanctuary and walk outside through a marketplace where they can become part of the crowd and continue to the Nativity. For more information, call the church at 724-677-2149 or visit www.pleasantviewpc.com.

First Baptist Church of Fairchance, located at 17 N. Morgantown Road, announces its Sunday school will present a live Nativity from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14-15 on its front lawn. Participation in the Nativity is open to the community. First Baptist will provide refreshments. For more information, call the church at 724-564-2080 from 8 a.m. to noon Mondays through Fridays or send an email to info@fbcof.org or visit the website at www.fbcof.org.

United Christian Church, located at 499 Malden Road in Coal Center, announces its living Nativity, called “Journey to Bethlehem,” will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 15-16. The drive-through presentation includes nine dramatic scenes and a revolving spotlight that serves as a star for passersby to follow to the church. Each car of spectators will receive a colorful program. For more information, call the church at 724-938-2098 or visit www.uccdoc.org.

Central Christian Church, located at 23 S. Gallatin Ave., Uniontown, will host its 39th annual live Nativity at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 21. Visitors are invited inside the church to view creche displays and enjoy refreshments. For more information, call 724-438-6821.

Smithfield United Methodist Church, located at 20 Church St., will hold its fourth annual live Nativity from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 21. Once again, the Nativity will be held in conjunction with a community caroling event that begins at 5:30 p.m. across from the church. Refreshments will be served inside the church. Smithfield United Methodist will also distribute small welcome bags filled with Christmas treats and an invitation to the church’s 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service. For more information, call 724-569-9659.

Liberty Baptist Church, 183 Oliver Road, Uniontown, will host a live Nativity called “From the Cradle to the Cross” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 23 in a stable built on the side of the church where a large cross hangs. The church is offering refreshments. For more information, call the church at 724-437-2424.

Grace United Methodist Church in Coal Center is hosting its sixth annual community Christmas Eve barn service at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24 at the Waleski Barn, 38 Emery Road, Richeyville, just off Route 40. The church offers a 25-minute service with a live Nativity that includes the singing of Christmas carols. Church volunteers will pass out free hot chocolate and CDs of Christmas music. The church offers the service early enough for people to visit their own churches later that night or attend services at Grace United Methodist, which will be held at 7 and 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve at the church, located at 420 California Drive. A map and more information is available on the website at www.come-to-grace.org.