Tri-Cities religion events
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Lutheran
A Living Nativity will be presented by the youth of Geneva Lutheran Church during Geneva's Christmas Walk from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec 7. Geneva Lutheran Church is at Third and Franklin streets in downtown Geneva.
The 30-minute tableau-style scenes will be staged at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The costumed young actors will be accompanied by live animals, background music, props and narration on the front lawn of the church, which is in the midst of Geneva's Third Street Christmas Walk festivities.
The 16th annual Live Nativity Scene of Geneva Lutheran Church is a gift to the community.
Members of the church will be serving complimentary cookies and hot cider. Donations of canned foods, baby items and cash will be accepted for the Salvation Army.
The Nativity Scene is a youth service project partially funded by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Methodist
With music, costumed actors, and narration in English and Spanish, Fourth Street United Methodist Church will stage a live nativity pageant at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 on the church lawn at Fourth Street and Marion Avenue in Aurora.
The production features music, theater lighting, and a cast of 15 church members. In period costumes, they portray angels, shepherds, wise men, three kings, and Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus.
A highlight of the performance is the arrival of Mary, riding a donkey down a sidewalk, at the manger under a tent on the lawn.
The production opens with music by the church's handbell choir under the direction of Sue Gilla of Aurora.
Two narrators will read the Christmas story in English and Spanish. During the pageant, they will lead the audience in singing "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Away in a Manger," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "Joy to the World," "We Three Kings," "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night."
Visitors may pet sheep, goats, and geese in a pen near the manger.
Volunteers include actors and technicians for lighting, sound, and costumes. Actors range in age from an infant to senior citizens, many who have participated in previous productions.
Past performances have attracted about 200 people. Fourth Street from Seminary Avenue to Marion Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic during the program.
The event will conclude with free cookies and hot chocolate in the church dining hall.
The congregation has staged the production in odd-numbered years since 1981 as a yule gift to the community. The church was founded in 1891 on Aurora's near southeast side.
The tradition of a live nativity scene dates back to the days of St. Francis of Assisi, who wanted the poor and illiterate to experience the wonder and joy of Christ's birth.