Nativity to come to life downtown on Saturday

By Deborah Rose

An illuminated star will serve as the backdrop for a living nativity Saturday, Nov. 25, on the steps of one of the Main Street churches.

A small group of teens from the First Congregational Church will join two adult volunteers and some special guests to portray the nativity from 6 to 7 p.m., following the lighting of the trees on the Green (see story, https://www.newmilfordnow.org/headlines?headline=Annual-tree-lighting-Saturday-to-kick-off-holiday-season)

“I’m really excited about it,” said Katie Johnson, the church’s Christian education director, who assumed the role in September.

In addition to adults in the leading roles of Mary and Joseph, the nativity will feature three wisemen, an angel and a shepherd portrayed by church youth.

A few sheep from Mayapple Farm in New Milford will round out the cast.

Johnson said soft lighting will shine upon the actors, and “Silent Night” will be played as walkers and motorists pass by the 36 Main St. place of worship.

Hot cocoa will also be served, and new toys will be collected to benefit the New Milford Police Department’s annual toy drive.

Johnson is the driving force behind the event, but she credits Dave Eherts as the one with the idea.

“He talked about how popular a living nativity is out in the Midwest where he’s from,” Johnson said. “And I’m enthusiastic, so here we are.”

Johnson also acknowledged Bill Jackson for his time and craftsmanship. He made the manger and the bassinet for the baby Jesus.

The cast will wear costumes the church has had on hand.

“Whoever made them was a saint and very smart,” Johnson said. 

The costumes were made and include Velcro for closures, so outfits can be adjusted for size.

The living nativity follows several other events Johnson coordinated since she became Christian education director.

Under her leadership, the church: pivoted and presented a “successful” pumpkin-decorating event with 40 families at the church when the Apple Festival was canceled; participated in Trunk-or-Treat and the Halloween on the Green; and presented a holiday craft fair that raised more than $1,300 for the church.

[Editor’s Note: Many other holiday events are planned in the coming days. Check back here for stories, and periodically check the town’s community calendar at www.NewMilfordNow.org/events to see what’s happening. New Milford

organizations are strongly encouraged to submit their event(s) to the calendar

on a regular basis for an extended reach.] 

Deborah Rose/Volunteers and youth from the First Congregational Church on Main Street will present a living nativity Nov. 25 from 6 to 7 p.m.