WEST LEBANON — As holiday traditions continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, one church is taking a creative approach to a live nativity scene.
Instead of holding the tableau inside their building, the Wellspring Worship Center is moving it outside.
“We don’t typically do an outdoor thing, but considering the circumstances this year we were looking for an alternative and thought of this,” said Jeanee DePierro, of White River Junction, who is one of the coordinators of the event.
From 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, people can drive through the church’s parking lot at 407 N. Main St., near Sachem Field, to see volunteers act out scenes from the Christmas story including the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary, the three wise men, Mary and Joseph being turned away at the inn and the angels visiting the shepherds to let them know about the birth of Jesus.
“We will definitely have sheep,” DePierro said, adding that goats will likely be included as well.
The North Country Chordsmen will perform Christmas carols as people drive in to the parking lot. Guests will also be provided cookies.
In past years, the worship center has held a nativity inside and scenery from those gatherings will be used while volunteers are hard at work creating additional props for the outside scenes. There is also a massive effort underway to bake Christmas cookies.
DePierro said there are about 50 volunteers involved in putting together the event.
“It’s an honor to be able to reach out to our community in this way during an uncertain time when normally we would have them inside,” DePierro said. “That’s not really possible, but we can still offer them this gift in a safer way.”
Editor’s note: For more information, visit wellspringworship.org/nativity. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
