Live Nativity Brings Out The Holiday Spirit The First United Methodist Church makes the holiday spirit come alive with their Live Nativity that they offer to the general public during the Christmas season. Held for the past three years, Rev. Ron Johnson began the event after witnessing a similar show in another town. Play director Evie Sime takes me through the process of getting the event ready for public viewing. The Live Nativity, offered in two performances, has been in the format of a play in the past. Though plans are still underway for this year’s performance, it is thought that the format will continue to follow a similar suit. Arrangement of the animals is one of the most important factors in the performance preparation and starts six months in advance. Sime credits the Denny and Kerry Post family for bringing their goats, sheep, camels, cows and donkeys that are used in several nativity plays around the region. Before leaves begin to change colors in the fall, Sime has already started New Home Building A modeling? Or Re Overwhelmed by all the decisions and wondering if what you pick will look okay? Shyla, our interior decorator can help you from start to finish and yes, it’s FREE! 10vHERVOICEvNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 assisting with selecting and writing a play script and seeking out volunteers to play the dozen roles of the cast. Rehearsals begin shortly after the cast is selected. After several rehearsals, the spoken audio of the cast is recorded and Lisa Larson mixes it with music provided by the church’s choir, praise team, children’s choir and bell choirs. Todd Carr generously assisted with sound the first two years until the church obtained a portable sound system which has been run by Matt Pietz. Many hands are involved in making this beautiful display take place. Aside from cast members, many volunteers assist with spectator parking and seating assistance during performances, bringing in hay bales and providing cookies and other refreshments. The Sunday school children are involved in helping with the programs, being animal handlers and making luminaria. Last year the church was able to provide an American Sign Language interpreter, Jeannie Kasik. A crèche, or Floors & More (formerly Floor To Ceiling) Your Total Home Design Center Interest Free Financing 1205 Broadway Ave., Yankton • 665-9728 Monday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3 FREE Design Services by Shyla Rhoden Call For An Appointment 665-9728