Natvitiy scenes will be on display at Conway church
CONWAY — An eclectic mix of Nativity scenes made from a variety of materials — porcelain, wood, papier-mâché, clay, cloth and plastic — range from very tiny to nearly life-size. Some are whimsical or touchable. Others are quite artistic. They come from countries as far apart as Honduras and Korea, as well as from the United States.
The crèches, which have been collected by members of Grace Presbyterian Church of Conway and their families over the years, will be featured in a Festival of the Nativity from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 6 at the church, 1010 Hogan Lane.
According to en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Saint_Francis_of_ Assisi, Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first Nativity scene in 1223 — a “living” one — having been inspired by a visit to the Holy Land, where he had been shown Jesus’ traditional birthplace. The scene’s popularity inspired communities throughout Catholic countries to stage similar pantomimes. Eventually, these living Nativities resulted in smaller crèches that could be displayed on tables in churches and homes, the website states.
The simplest such scene includes only the infant Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Larger ones may include shepherds, angels, the Wise Men and animals such as an ox, a donkey, camels and sheep. The figures are often displayed in a barn or cave intended to accommodate farm animals. In some countries, the entire town of Bethlehem is depicted as part of the Nativity scene, according to the website.
A chili supper will accompany the Festival of the Nativity exhibit and will include chili with all the fixings, desserts and drinks. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 6-12. Children under 6 may eat free.
Those who wish only to view the Nativity scenes will not be charged an entry fee.
All proceeds from the festival will benefit Conway Cradle Care, an agency of the United Way of Central Arkansas that is located at First Presbyterian Church, 2400 Prince St.
Cradle Care’s mission is to help pregnant or parenting teens complete their education by supporting their academic and emotional needs, as well as the developmental needs of their children.
In order to achieve its mission, Cradle Care provides mentoring for its teen clients, both male and female, and state-certified, low-cost day care for their infants and toddlers. While the parent is in school, Cradle Care provides her child an environment filled with age-appropriate books, toys, educational materials and child care specialists.
Begun as a Conway organization, CCC has in the past few years expanded into Faulkner County. The graduation rate for Cradle Care teens is 85 to 90 percent, as compared to about 35 percent of Arkansas teens who become pregnant. Many CCC teens have gone on to college.
Kelsey Powell became CCC’s executive director in August, replacing Diana Byrd. The nonprofit’s website is www.cradlecare.org.
Grace Presbyterian Church is a member of the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, a denomination that was established in 2012. Grace was established in October 2014, moved to its present location at 1010 Hogan Lane in December and was accepted into the new ECO denomination in February. Jim Hayes serves as the church’s pastor.
For more information on the Festival of the Nativity or other church activities, call the church at (501) 5046899 or visit www.gracepres conway.org.