Jackson church brings Nativity scene alive

Area churches are getting into the season with programs reaching out to the community and focusing on the story of Christ's birth.

Emmanuel United Church of Christ has organized a live Nativity for more than two decades.

"Come and enjoy the animals, but enjoy the Christmas season because we want to provide the joyful spirit of what Christ's birthday means," said the Rev. Sam Roethemeyer, pastor of the church.

The live Nativity is sponsored by the Jackson Ministerial Alliance, which is made up of 13 churches in Jackson, Gordonville and Pocahontas. Roethemeyer is president of the alliance. The live Nativity is one of several events held throughout the year that bring the churches together.

Dave Hale, owner of the 5H Ranch, will again supply the decked-out camels, sheep, donkeys and other animals for the outdoor Nativity and petting zoo. Hale travels across the U.S. from Nov. 28 to Dec. 22 to provide live animals that help to interpret the Christmas story and make it meaningful.

"Somebody's got to do it," he said. "I'm 71, and I've been doing it for 40 years."

His children and grandchildren help run the shows.

"I send out five units a week. It takes two people to do it," he said.

Managing and caring for the animals is up to 5H Ranch and its handlers, but "the animals know their cue," Hale said.

"I have one donkey who will go herself if you don't lead her," he said.

Jackson First Presbyterian Church member Dawn Pourney played Mary when her children, now in their 20s, were little. Her husband, LeRoy, was Joseph and their daughter, Leslie, played baby Jesus.

"I did it because everything changed when I became a mom," Dawn Pourney said. "Suddenly everything became bigger. The story grew in my heart because I also saw Mary."

Roethemeyer said the live Nativity at Emmanuel United Church of Christ has been going on at least as long as he's been there -- 20 years -- and he believes it began well before he got there.

Churches in the alliance invite church members to take on the parts of the holy family, wise men, angels and shepherds and choirs are invited, too. The cast rotates in 15-minute intervals, requiring 16 groups to participate.

"They just show up that night," Roethemeyer said. "As soon as it's done we sign up the animals for next year. Choirs used to be outdoors with the Nativity but they moved indoors to the new fellowship hall, allowing more room for visitors and to accommodate choir members who had difficulty with cold weather. Speakers carry the sound outdoors and now we can even use a piano."

Dennis and Shirley McCormack have showed up almost every year of the live Nativity. Shirley has been a member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ since third grade.

The McCormacks have involved the whole family including twin daughters Marcie Brown and Melanie Lutes, who were angels one year; a son, Jimmy McCormack, who played a shepherd; and even their grandson, Daniel Lutes, now 3 years old, who played baby Jesus in 2005.

"It gets us in the spirit of Christmas," Shirley McCormack said.

cpagano@semissourian.com

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