An Oconto Falls church will serve up Christmas to go on Saturday when it stages a drive-through nativity.
Oconto Falls United Methodist Church, 165 N. Farm Road, will revive a Christmas tradition it once presented every other year. The tradition ended about 10 years ago when no one stepped forward to organize the event.
From 4-6 p.m. Saturday, the tradition will return, thanks to Sandra Wellens, a church member who volunteered to coordinate the event. Wellens said she remembers attending the live nativity years ago, before she joined Oconto Falls UMC, and enjoyed the experience.
“You drive around, and it gives you that happy feeling of a nativity scene,” she said.
The Rev. Jerry Cho, pastor of Oconto Falls UMC, said he was glad the church is resuming the tradition.
“This live nativity gives us a chance to share the Christmas story with the community in a meaningful way that brings the story to life for both the participants and those who come to see it,” he said.
The whole experience takes about 10 minutes, with vehicles entering at one driveway, circling the church and exiting at a second driveway.
According to Wellens, to immerse the audience in the experience, vehicles will encounter a Roman soldier taking the census and an innkeeper saying, “No room in the inn,” all while the Christmas story plays over the loudspeakers.
Costumed kids and adults will portray the key characters of the Christmas story: shepherds, wise men and angels. Mary and Joseph will be played by Rachel Pearson and Camden Jackson, with a doll for baby Jesus.
Once Wellens said she’d organize the nativity program, others quickly stepped forward, too.
“People were very enthusiastic about helping,” Wellens said.
There will also be animals, although Wellens wasn’t sure what type.
“I’m not sure what will be coming yet, but I know for sure there will be sheep,” she said.
She said the drive-through model will make it easy for people to view the scene from the comfort of their vehicles.
“This way everyone can come and see it. You don’t have to walk anywhere,” she said.
In addition, people of all faith backgrounds can enjoy the Christmas event without feeling awkward about attending a program at a church other than their own, she said.
Oconto Falls UMC will accept freewill donations to be placed in the church’s general fund, and visitors will receive a free gift for attending.
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