BOONE, Iowa—Wood. Ceramic. Handmade. Imported. Traditional. Simple. Elaborate.
Regardless of how you describe your favorite Christmas Nativity set, this depiction of the birth scene surrounding Jesus is loved the world over, uniting all believers in the emotion-filled promise of a Savior for all mankind.
A unique opportunity for viewing dozens of Nativity sets loaned for the occasion will be offered on Sunday, December 2, as part of the first-ever Nativity Festival in Boone County, presented by Heart of Iowa Habitat for Humanity. The Nativity scenes will be on display for public viewing beginning at 3:00 p.m. that afternoon at the First United Methodist Church in Boone.
If you have one or more special Nativity sets you would like to loan for this display, contact Pastor Janell Bloem at 515-432-5981 or email: janell.bloem@gmail.com for details.
The much-anticipated return of a community Christmas concert begins at 4:00 p.m., featuring the Boone County Community Chorus comprised of many local voices under the direction of Michael Jones, Ogden Community Schools Vocal Music Instructor. Performers also include vocalist Jamie Aaron Kelley, the Choir’s Day Off quartet, vocalist Alex Kretzinger, the instrumental team of Dave Howell and Dave Swenson, with additional performers still being added.
Following the concert, around 5:15 p.m., a soup supper featuring chili and chicken noodle soup will be served by volunteers from the Habitat for Humanity partner congregations across Boone County, with assistance from members of the Boone High School National Honor Society.
The soup supper concludes with a charity pie auction featuring perfect combinations of flaky crusts and scrumptious fillings, all lovingly prepared by the very best bakers across Boone County. Professional auctioneer Naura Godar guarantees a fast-moving, fun and entertaining time for all.
The Ames Chamber Artists round out the Nativity Festival beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a special holiday concert taking advantage of near perfect acoustics at First Presbyterian Church in Boone.
There is no cost to attend any or all of this distinctive Christmas celebration for all ages. Freewill offering opportunities will be provided for those wishing to support local Habitat for Humanity volunteers as they prepare to perform critical home repairs with qualified homeowners across Boone County in 2019.
Plan now to attend the Nativity Festival, where hearts will be lifted, voices raised and all will gather to support Habitat for Humanity’s belief that “Everyone Deserves a Stable Home”.
The photos are examples of the nativity displays and pies from the Greene County event held last year for Heart of Iowa Habitat for Humanity.
(contributed article and photos, Heart of Iowa Habitat for Humanity)
