As you may know by now, Father Ruchinski has asked us to help realize a vision he has for this years’ Live Nativity experience on December 13 and 14. His idea was born out of last year’s drive-through event, which was a big success!
This year, Father would like us to offer to our parishioners, and to the greater Mandarin community, an Immersive Living Nativity village experience where guests can “enter-in” to the small town of Bethlehem and encounter live Centurions, Shepherds, a Choir of Angels, the Wise Men and of course: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We are well on the way to this little town of Bethlehem coming ALIVE, just like a village in the Holy Land over 2000 years ago, with shops of bread makers, basket weavers, candle and pottery makers, fishermen, and more! BUT, as we approach the holiday season, we could really use more volunteers to sign-up for one of the town “shops.” We specifically need a family, or ministry, perhaps a mens/womens group, or a young adult group, to run/own one of the shops where we do not have volunteers.
The remaining Village Shops where we could use some help are called:
Light of the World Candle Makers
St. Peters Fishers of Men
Clothe Yourself with the Armor of God Seamstresses
St. Josephs Carpenter Shop
It is a small commitment which we believe will bring a wonderful return to all who participate. We will provide the shop structure; all the volunteers have to do is attend the event “in the shop” playing out the various activities. This is where the fun and creativity will come in. For example, for each of the shops below, the participants will:
Light of the World Candle Makers – making candles
St. Peters Fishers of Men – tending to their nets
Clothe Yourself with the Armor of God Seamstresses – sewing and mending clothes
St. Josephs Carpenter Shop – woodworker’ carving items, making furniture
Thank you, in advance, for helping us to spread the word to those in our parish about our need for volunteers to help us realize Fr. Ruchinski’s mission for St. Joseph’s ‘to be and to bring the light of Christ to the people of Mandarin’ this Christmas.
Please email Cathy NeSmith at [email protected] or David Smith at [email protected] and we can provide you with additional information to help us with this outreach effort.