December 9 event benefits Habitat for Humanity
The nativity scene has been celebrated through time using interpretive artistic figurines. These works, collectively called a nativity set, will again be the centerpiece attraction as the Nativity Festival returns to Greene County on Sunday, Dec. 9, at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson.
In addition to celebrating the Christmas story, this 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.
Public viewing of the nativity set displays will begin at 3 pm. There is still time for anyone to reserve a spot and share their sets with others. Call Jill Lamoureux at 515-370-4785 for more details and to reserve space. There will also be a silent auction of nativity sets. Those wishing to donate a set for this cause are also asked to contact Jill Lamoureux.
The 4 pm Community Concert will actually begin at 3:30 with gathering music.
Performing in the concert for the third straight year are members of the Greene County Singers community chorus, which got its start from the massed choir that concluded the 2015 Nativity Festival concert. The choir, which has grown to about 35 members, is directed by Sheilah McGregor-Pound and is accompanied by Karen Murphy. McGregor-Pound and Murphy are both well-known among local music fans.
Other performers in the concert will include the 3:16 Brass and Wind Ensemble and the adult choir from Central Christian Church, Jefferson ; the Joyful Noise women’s choir of the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson; Greene County High School Carolers, Greene County High School woodwind quintet as well the Greene County High School sax ensemble.
Tori Riley of Jefferson has again written an original poem for the event which she’ll read during the concert.
Master of ceremonies for the concert will be Harry Ahrenholtz, a member of the local Habitat board.
Following the concert will be a soup supper prepared and served by Greene County church congregations who regularly support Habitat for Humanity. Members of the Greene County High School Interact Club will assist with serving the meal. Homemade chili, chicken noodle soup, and dessert will be served.
During the supper, a fun-filled pie auction featuring the very best bakers in Greene County will take place. Professional auctioneer Kaleb Lentz will be joined by the always-energetic Teresa Mobley and Angie Jewett in pulling the highest bids for incredible home-baked pies.
The Nativity Festival is the sole annual fundraising event benefitting Habitat for Humanity in Greene County and is relied upon to help more local families in their search for healthy, decent, and affordable housing.
There is not an entrance fee for the Nativity Festival, though opportunities to contribute through freewill offerings will be available. The most fun and tasty way 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”.
