Community concert line-up told
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. 13, 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. There is still time for anyone with one or more nativity sets they would like to share to call Jill Lamoureux, 515-370-4785, for more details and to reserve space. While there is room for a large number of displays, reserved space will go quickly.
The Nativity Festival itself returns to its Sunday mid- to late afternoon roots with public viewing of the nativity set displays beginning at 2:30 pm in the church basement hall. There will also be a silent auction of nativity sets, along with a one-of-of-kind children’s rocking chair. 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 from Mark Erickson, who is normally organist at Trinity Lutheran Church. Attendees will want to be in place when the concert begins as emcee Harry Ahrenholtz, president of the local Habitat board, introduces Greene County High School senior David Petersen, a three-time All-State vocalist, to open the concert soloing on “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
Then there’ll be a piano duet by Danille Curtis and the Rev. Julie Poulsen; solos by Gary Haupert, Danielle Johnson and Doyle Carlson; “The Joyful Noise” choir of the First Presbyterian Church; Petersen returning to do “Ave Maria”; poet Tori Riley reading her just-written “Christmas Miniatures”; one song by the combined choirs of First United Methodist Church and Central Christian Church, and then a two-song finale by a massed community choir, directed by Sheilah McGregor-Pound and accompanied by Becky Greiner.
For those singing in the combined church choirs and the massed community choir, there will be a final, brief rehearsal at 3 pm in the sanctuary. Newcomers to the community choir will still be welcome then. Contact Chuck Offenburger with questions at 515-370-2659.
One of the concert highlights is bound to be the 83-year-old Doyle Carlson’s solo on “Sweet Little Jesus Boy.” He’s been singing for about 80 years, “and for at least the last 25 or 30 years,” he’s been doing the “Jesus Boy” song on Christmas Eve during services at the Paton United Methodist Church.
Following the concert will be a soup supper prepared and served by Greene County church congregations who regularly support Habitat for Humanity in eliminating substandard housing for local low-income families. 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 Dale Higgins of Grand Junction will be joined by the always energetic Teresa Mobley 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’,” a Habitat spokesperson said.
