The second annual Nativity Festival is slated for Sunday, Dec. 8, at St Joseph Catholic Church and Parish Center in Jefferson. In addition to celebrating the Christmas story, the multi-faceted event will be an opportunity for the community to support Habitat for Humanity and ongoing efforts to repair and replace substandard low-income housing across Greene County.
Center to this event is the display of all types of nativity sets donated for viewing by local collectors. Habitat for Humanity invites anyone with one or more to share with the public to call Kathy Walker with M&M Appliques at 515-386-3945, or 386-8259 evenings, for more details and to reserve space. While there is room for a large number of displays, reserved space will go quickly.
This year the nativity scene also comes to life. A live nativity will be portrayed by the Nicole Friess Schilling family of rural Jefferson. Featuring live animals and authentic costumes, this unique addition will bring new realism to a cherished story.
The Nativity Festival begins immediately after church, with nativities displayed from noon until 2 pm at the Parish Center. St. Joseph church members will host a soup luncheon starting at noon and running until 1:30 pm. At that time a fun-filled pie auction featuring the very best bakers in Greene County will begin. Professional auctioneer Dale Higgins of Grand Junction will be joined by the always energetic Teresa Mobley in pulling the best bids for incredible home-baked pies. All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity projects.
Following the luncheon and pie auction, attention moves to the beautiful St. Joseph Church sanctuary where a Christmas concert featuring individuals, small groups and local church choirs closes out the festival in reverent jubilance.
The Nativity Festival is the sole annual fundraising event benefitting Habitat for Humanity in Greene County and is relied upon to continue the highly successful Helping Hands home repair program. There is not an entrance fee or cost for the meal or concert. Opportunities for attendees to contribute through freewill offerings are available. The most fun and tasty way to give is through the pie auction.
“Plan now to attend the Nativity Festival, where hearts will be lifted, voices will be raised and all will gather to support Habitat for Humanity’s belief that ‘everyone deserves a stable home’,” a spokesperson said.
